What's Included in a Termite Treatment Quote?

A termite treatment quote should tell you exactly what you're paying for, not just a number at the bottom. Here's what I actually put in one, and why leaving any of it out would make the number meaningless.

Where the quote comes from

I don't quote treatment without inspecting first. The quote follows a proper inspection, using thermal imaging and a moisture meter, so it's based on what's actually happening at your property rather than a guess over the phone. If nothing's found, there's no treatment quote to write. If termites are active, the quote is built around what the inspection turned up: where the activity is, how far it's spread, and what's driving it.

That sequence matters. A quote written before anyone has looked at the property isn't really a quote, it's a rough estimate, and the two aren't the same thing.

What's itemised in the quote

The treatment type. Whether it's a chemical barrier, a monitoring and baiting system, or a combination of both depends on the building, the site conditions, and how the termites are accessing the structure. The quote states which one, and why that's the recommendation for your property rather than a default.

The scope of work. For a chemical barrier, that means the areas being trenched and treated, typically the perimeter and any piers or penetrations. For a baiting system, it means the number and placement of stations. You should be able to see what's actually being done, not just pay a lump sum for unspecified work.

The product. I use Termidor for chemical barriers, and Trelona or Nemesis for monitoring and baiting, depending on the site. The quote names what's going in, so you know what you're getting.

The warranty. A chemical barrier on an existing home carries an 8-year warranty, conditional on keeping up annual inspections. That condition is part of the quote, not a footnote you find out about later. If annual inspections lapse, the warranty can lapse with them, so it's worth knowing upfront.

The price. Priced on the property, not a flat rate. A typical chemical barrier on an infested home averages around $5,000, though the real figure depends on the size of the house and how easy it is to access, and the quote reflects your property specifically, not a generic figure.

Any follow-up requirements. If a follow-up inspection is part of keeping the warranty valid or confirming the treatment has worked, that's stated in the quote, not assumed.

What's not usually included

A treatment quote covers the termite work itself, not unrelated building repairs. If timber has already been damaged, replacing it is generally a separate scope, often for a builder or carpenter, and I'll tell you plainly if that's the case rather than blur it into the pest-control quote. Same with borers or decay fungi found alongside termite activity: I'll flag what needs replacing or fixing, but the termite treatment quote covers the termite work.

I'd rather a quote be accurate about what it covers than padded out to look more comprehensive than it is.

Why the number moves between properties

Two properties with termites can get very different quotes. Size and access change how much trenching or how many stations are needed. How far the activity has spread changes the scope. A colony caught early in one spot is a smaller job than one that's reached several parts of the structure. None of that shows up in a quote written without an inspection first, which is why I won't give you a firm number sight unseen. I have covered how termite treatment works separately on this site.

No hidden extras

Once I've quoted a job, that's the number, based on what I've inspected and what I'm recommending. I don't pad it out and I don't add surprise costs partway through. If something changes once work has started, for example the treated area turns out larger than expected once we open it up, I'll tell you before doing more work, not after.

Common questions

Does the quote include the inspection fee?
The inspection is a separate fee that comes first. The treatment quote follows the inspection and is a separate figure, so you're never paying for treatment you haven't agreed to.

Is the warranty extra, or is it included in the price?
It's included. The 8-year warranty on a chemical barrier comes with the treatment, provided annual inspections continue. There's no separate charge for the warranty itself.

Can the price change after I accept the quote?
Not without telling you first. If something changes once the work is underway, I'll explain it and get your agreement before doing anything beyond what was quoted.

What if I just want the inspection, not treatment?
That's fine. Plenty of inspections find nothing that needs treating. You only get a treatment quote if there's something to treat.

Get a straight quote

Call 0405 790 927 to book an inspection. If treatment's needed, I'll put together a written quote that covers the treatment type, the scope, the product, the warranty, and the price, based on your property. No hidden extras, no upsell.