How Long Does Termite Treatment Take?
It depends entirely on the treatment type. A chemical barrier takes one day. A baiting program runs for 8 to 12 weeks. An eradication treatment needs a follow-up 14 to 28 days later. Here's what to expect from each.
How long does termite treatment take?
A chemical barrier (Termidor HE) takes one day on-site for a standard home. An eradication treatment (foaming and dusting) also takes a few hours on-site but requires a follow-up visit 14 to 28 days later. A baiting program runs for 8 to 12 weeks, with fortnightly visits throughout. The right answer for your property depends on which treatment you need — and that starts with a professional termite inspection.
Each treatment type targets termite activity differently, so the timelines aren't interchangeable. Below is a clear breakdown of what to expect from each approach.
Does the inspection happen before treatment?
Yes — always. A visual termite inspection to AS 3660.2 is the essential first step before any treatment decision is made. The inspection identifies whether termites are active, which species is present, where the activity is located, and the extent of any damage. All of this determines which treatment is appropriate and whether it's safe to proceed.
A standard visual inspection takes approximately 1 to 2 hours on-site, depending on property size and accessibility. No visual inspection can guarantee a property is completely termite-free, but it's the foundation of every sound treatment plan.
How long does a Termidor chemical barrier take?
A Termidor HE chemical barrier is the most common termite treatment we install at Jets Pest Control, and for most homes it's a one-day job. Here's what the day involves:
Preparation (morning)
Your technician arrives and walks the perimeter with you to confirm access, identify any constraints (garden beds, paths, water features, subfloor access), and flag anything that affects the installation. Gardens or garden furniture adjacent to the treatment zone may need to be temporarily moved.
Trenching and drilling
The external perimeter is trenched to the required depth, and concrete paths, paths, and slabs are drilled at regulated intervals per AS 3660.1. This is the most time-intensive part of the job — a standard 3 to 4 bedroom home typically takes 4 to 6 hours for this stage depending on the volume of concrete and the complexity of the perimeter.
Termiticide application
Termidor HE is injected into the trenches and drill holes at the prescribed application rate, creating a continuous treated zone in the soil around the structure. Drill holes in concrete are then plugged and patched.
Documentation and handover
Your technician issues a treatment report as required under AS 3660.1, documenting the products used, application rates, areas treated, and any limitations. This report is important for warranty purposes and for any future sale of the property.
Once installed, the Termidor barrier begins working immediately. Termites crossing the treated zone pick up fipronil on their bodies and transfer it back to the colony. Most homeowners notice a significant reduction in termite activity within a few weeks. The BASF Termidor Assurance Warranty (up to 8 years for eligible installations) activates from the date of installation, subject to annual termite inspections being completed to AS 3660.2.
How long does termite eradication (foaming and dusting) take?
If an active termite colony is found during the inspection — in a wall void, subfloor, fence post, or tree stump — the immediate priority is often to treat the active infestation directly before installing any long-term barrier. This is done through foaming and dusting.
The on-site treatment itself typically takes 1 to 3 hours depending on the extent of the infestation and the number of access points. The termiticide is introduced into the active workings — either as a foam or as a dust — and carried back through the colony by the worker termites.
Foaming and dusting is not a one-visit treatment. A follow-up inspection is required 14 to 28 days after the initial treatment to assess whether the colony has been eliminated. Termite activity may appear to continue in the short term as the product works through the population — the follow-up confirms the outcome and determines whether further treatment is needed. No warranty is provided on eradication treatments.
How long does a termite baiting program take?
A termite baiting program is a longer-running treatment. In-ground bait stations are installed around the perimeter of the property and checked at fortnightly intervals. When termites find and begin feeding on the bait matrix, the active ingredient disrupts their moulting cycle — colony collapse typically follows over 8 to 12 weeks in south-east Queensland conditions.
Weeks 1–2: Installation
Bait stations are installed around the perimeter. Your technician identifies the best placement based on termite activity and foraging patterns around the property.
Weeks 2–8: Fortnightly monitoring
Each station is inspected at fortnightly visits. Once termites find the bait and feeding begins, the technician confirms activity and replenishes the bait matrix as needed. Some colonies find bait quickly; others take several weeks to encounter the stations.
Weeks 8–12: Colony elimination
Colony elimination is typically achieved within 8 to 12 weeks from when active feeding begins. Some larger or less active colonies may take longer, particularly in cooler months when termite activity slows. Your technician confirms elimination at the follow-up inspection.
Baiting is a monitoring and elimination strategy — it is not a permanent barrier against future termite entry. After a baiting program, we recommend discussing a longer-term protection option with your technician, such as a Termidor HE chemical barrier, to protect against re-infestation. No warranty is provided on baiting programs.
What about spot treatments and nest injections?
A termite nest injection or spot treatment is used when a nest or active workings are accessible and localised — for example, a termite nest in a tree stump or fence post, or active workings in a single area of the home. The on-site treatment takes 30 to 60 minutes and involves injecting termiticide directly into the nest or active galleries.
Spot treatments are targeted interventions, not whole-property solutions. They don't provide protection against other termite colonies entering the property from a different direction. Following a spot treatment, we discuss whether a full barrier or ongoing monitoring is appropriate for your situation.
What factors affect how long treatment takes?
Several things can extend or compress treatment timelines on the day:
- Property size and perimeter length. A larger home with a longer perimeter takes more time to trench and drill. Most standard 3 to 4 bedroom homes in Ipswich and Brisbane's western suburbs can be completed in a day; larger or more complex properties may require a second day.
- Volume of concrete. Extensive paths, driveways, and patios around the perimeter mean more drilling and more time. Fully tiled outdoor areas or fully concreted perimeters add to the job duration.
- Subfloor access. If the property has a raised timber floor, the subfloor must also be treated. Restricted subfloor access (low clearance, debris, or poor ventilation) takes longer to navigate safely.
- Extent of active infestation. If an active colony is found during the inspection, the eradication treatment must be completed and allowed to work before a barrier installation proceeds. This adds a follow-up visit and 14 to 28 days to the overall timeline.
- Weather. Heavy rain can delay trenching or affect product application. Your technician will advise if weather conditions on the day require rescheduling.
At Jets Pest Control, we tell you upfront how long your specific job is likely to take and what factors might affect that. Prices are published on our website and quoted before we start — no surprises on the day. A local expert (not a call centre) responds within 2 hours.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to leave the house during termite treatment?
For a chemical barrier installation, the treatment is applied externally to the soil around the perimeter — you don't need to vacate the home. For eradication treatments involving foaming and dusting inside wall voids or the subfloor, your technician will advise whether any temporary precautions are needed. In most cases, occupants can remain in the home.
How soon after the inspection can treatment begin?
In most cases, treatment can be scheduled within a few days of the inspection. If active termites are found during the inspection and the situation is urgent, we'll discuss priority scheduling. Jets Pest Control books 7 days a week from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm, with services conducted Monday to Friday.
Can I see termites after treatment — and is that normal?
Yes, for a period after treatment. With a chemical barrier, termites crossing the treated zone pick up fipronil slowly — you may see continued activity for several weeks as the product works through the colony. With eradication treatments, activity may persist until the follow-up confirms elimination. Seeing termites after treatment does not mean it has failed. If you're concerned, contact your technician.
How long does the Termidor warranty last?
BASF's Termidor Assurance Warranty covers eligible barrier installations for up to 8 years, subject to annual termite inspections being completed to AS 3660.2. The warranty is issued by BASF (the manufacturer) and covers up to $2 Million in termite damage for eligible properties. Your technician will confirm eligibility at the time of installation.
What happens after a baiting program finishes?
Once colony elimination is confirmed, the immediate threat is resolved. However, baiting programs don't prevent new colonies from entering the property in the future. After a successful baiting program, most clients discuss installing a Termidor HE chemical barrier to provide long-term perimeter protection. AS 3660.2 recommends ongoing annual inspections regardless of which treatment was completed.
How much does termite treatment cost in Ipswich?
It depends on the treatment type. A visual inspection starts from $285 for a standard house. A Termidor HE barrier is $66 per lineal metre (typically $3,300–$6,600 for an SEQ home). Eradication foaming and dusting starts from $760, with a follow-up required at 14 to 28 days. A baiting program is $2,000 fixed fee. See our full pricing page or our termite treatment cost guide for a complete breakdown.
Ipswich & Brisbane · Licensed Termite Specialists
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