Which termite, and where in Texas
AgriLife Extension calls the eastern subterranean termite the most commonly encountered species in Texas, and says drywood and Formosan termites are also a problem for some homes, especially along the Gulf coast. TDA says subterranean termites are found throughout Texas and drywood termites are found more commonly in coastal areas such as Houston and Corpus Christi.
Formosan termites are a separate worry. AgriLife's publication E-367, which is undated, says they are found in at least 30 Texas counties and all major metropolitan areas, so that count may be out of date. It names infested railroad ties, shoring timbers, pallets, mulch and sod as ways they spread.
SPCS says subterranean termites are usually detected when they swarm in the spring. TDA's FAQ adds that termites can still be in the walls six to eight weeks after a proper treatment.
Termite treatment in Texas: what our model says
For termite treatment in Texas our model gives $200 to $1,550 per treatment. It rests on 2 national ranges adjusted by Texas's pest control wage ratio of 0.89, and it's an estimate, not a quote.
No Texas company termite price was counted, and TDA's termite FAQ calls an inspection fee usually small without giving a figure. Put the diagram, the perimeter measurement and the warranty terms beside each price when you compare bids.
| Item | Figure | What it is |
|---|---|---|
| Estimated range, not a quote | $200 to $1,550 per treatment | Built from 2 national published ranges, adjusted by the Texas pest control worker wage ratio (0.89). Four Texas pest control companies publish a price we could count on their own websites; where five or more price the same job, the range is the middle half of their prices, and where two to four do, the estimate is widened to take them in. Coupons, specials and figures a page gives as an average are not counted. Basis: no state company sample (no counted Texas company price for this job), national estimate only. |
| Pest control worker wage, Texas mean | $19.90 an hour | The Texas mean for pest control workers (BLS, May 2025); termite prices come from the company. |
| State fee, business license, each location | $300 to license, $300 to renew | The license fee TDA charges a business per location, effective January 1, 2016; it's the company's cost. |
| State fee, certified applicator license | $125 to license, $125 to renew | Each applicator pays this to TDA, and a category exam costs $64. |
Estimated range. Built from national published ranges (2 sources), adjusted by Texas's pest control worker wage ratio to the US (0.89, BLS May 2025), with no permit fee added because pest control has no city permit. Not a quote. Four Texas pest control companies publish a price we could count on their own websites; where five or more price the same job, the range is the middle half of their prices, and where two to four do, the estimate is widened to take them in. Coupons, specials and figures a page gives as an average are not counted. We have no counted Texas company price for this job, so the range is our national estimate alone. Full method. Prices as of Oct 23, 2026.
What the written proposal has to contain
When an estimate or proposal for termite treatment goes to a consumer, TDA says the company must provide a detailed diagram of the areas to be treated, the approximate perimeter measurement and the areas of active or previous termite activity. It must also give the terms of the warranty, the chemical label, and either the concentration of the liquid termiticide or the minimum number of baiting systems.
The termite FAQ adds the signature of the certified applicator or technician holding the termite category, and says a proposal is never given on the back of a business card. Warranty terms have their own list: areas covered, time period, renewal options and cost, retreatment and repair obligations, and the conditions that could void it.
E-367 also tells readers to check whether a treatment contract excludes Formosan termites. Read the exclusions before you compare two bids.
When a company may treat the same house again
TDA's FAQ allows retreatment for subterranean termites only where there is clear evidence of re-infestation, or of disruption of the barrier through construction, excavation or landscaping, or evidence of a breakdown of the termiticide barrier in the soil. Annual retreatment of the structure is prohibited unless there is clear evidence of re-infestation. If a contract schedules a yearly retreatment, ask what evidence of re-infestation it relies on.
For drywood termites TDA lists spot treatment, fumigation or physical removal, and its wording is that a wood-penetrating gas fumigant is the only sure way to get them all. The fumigation page covers that route.
Who writes the proposal and who writes the sale report
TDA's category for termites covers termites, beetles and other wood destroying organisms by means other than fumigation. A termite proposal carries the signature of someone holding that category, while the official report used in a home sale is a different document with its own form and its own rules, set out on the pest inspection page.
Is a termite find a same-day call?
- Winged insects indoors in spring: keep a few in a sealed container and photograph them, because SPCS says subterranean termites are usually detected when they swarm.
- Comparing proposals, since TDA's disclosure list gives you the same items to read on each one.
- Deciding on a warranty renewal, which the warranty terms must list with its cost.
Steps before the inspection
- Photograph the insect or the damage with a coin for scale.
- Note the room, the date and whether the damage touches soil.
- Keep a few swarmers in a sealed container for the inspector.
- Ask for the proposal in writing with the diagram and the perimeter measurement.
- Ask whether the contract excludes Formosan termites.
- Ask who holds the termite category on the job.
License rules for termite work
Occupations Code 1951.005, in a 2018 copy of the statute, bars a city from adopting its own rule on pesticide sale or use, so TDA's license is the one to check. TDA licenses the business at $300 for each location, with at least $500,000 of liability cover and a $1,000,000 total aggregate. Each business designates a responsible certified applicator who may serve only one business location, so ask for the business license number and that person's name.
Ask for the company's TDA business license number and the applicator's name, and check both with TDA's Structural Pest Control Service before any work starts.
Questions people ask
What should I budget for termite treatment in Texas?
Our model's range for a treatment is $200 to $1,550 per treatment, an estimate and not a quote. That span comes from national ranges adjusted for what Texas pest control workers are paid. Ask each company what its price covers and put the warranty terms beside it.
Can a company retreat my house for termites every year?
Not without clear evidence: TDA prohibits annual retreatment of the structure unless there is clear evidence of re-infestation. For subterranean termites, retreatment is allowed where there is clear evidence of re-infestation or of disruption or breakdown of the soil barrier. Ask the company what evidence it found.
Are Formosan termites in Texas?
Yes: AgriLife's undated publication E-367 says they are found in at least 30 Texas counties and all major metropolitan areas. The first Texas infestations were found in 1956 near the Houston Ship Channel in Pasadena. E-367 also warns readers to check contracts for a Formosan exclusion.
Does every termite problem need fumigation in Texas?
No: TDA lists spot treatment, fumigation or physical removal for drywood termites, and subterranean termites are handled by other means. TDA's wording is that a wood-penetrating gas fumigant is the only sure way to get all drywood termites. Ask the company which species it found.
What license should a Texas termite company hold?
A TDA business license, with a certified applicator or technician in the termite category on the work. TDA's category list defines termite control as termites, beetles and other wood destroying organisms by means other than fumigation. A fumigation job needs the structural fumigation category as well.
Where do I complain about a termite company in Texas?
SPCS takes complaints at (866) 918-4481 or spcs@TexasAgriculture.gov. SPCS says it cannot compel a company to pay damages or settle a contract dispute. Its FAQ advises not repairing damage or retreating before the inspector has investigated.
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025: Pest Control Workers (SOC 37-2021), Texas, mean hourly wage Read Oct 23, 2026.
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025: Pest Control Workers (SOC 37-2021), United States, mean hourly wage Read Oct 23, 2026.
- PestControlMatch: how we estimate costs, Texas (editorial policy) Read Oct 23, 2026.
- TDA: SPCS Fees Read Oct 23, 2026.
- TDA: Structural Pest Control Business Read Oct 23, 2026.
- Texas A&M AgriLife Extension: Termites and wood destroying insects; TDA Termite FAQs Read Oct 23, 2026.
- Texas A&M AgriLife Extension: Formosan subterranean termites (E-367) Read Oct 23, 2026.
- Your Home Company (Houston) pest guide list; TDA Termite FAQs Read Oct 23, 2026.
- TDA: Termite FAQs Read Oct 23, 2026.
- TDA: Termite/Fumigation Applications; Termite FAQs Read Oct 23, 2026.
- TDA: Structural Pest Control Licensing Read Oct 23, 2026.
- Texas Occupations Code §1951.005: Municipal preemption and exceptions Read Oct 28, 2026.
- TDA: SPCS Complaint Process; Complaint Resolution Procedures; Termite FAQs Read Oct 23, 2026.