Termite Bond Cost
Last updated: October 30, 2026 · Prices checked October 30, 2026
Termite bond cost runs $500–$2,500 for the first year — which usually bundles the initial treatment — and $150–$500 a year to renew. A bond is a service contract with a pest company: they inspect annually, retreat free if termites return, and — on the stronger type of bond — pay for damage repair too. In much of the Southeast, a transferable bond is close to a requirement for selling a home.
Termite bond: $500–$2,500 first year (treatment included), renewals $150–$500/year. National plan prices: Terminix $400–$1,500/yr, Orkin $500–$1,600/yr.
National range, researched from published sources. Prices checked October 30, 2026.
Termite bond cost breakdown
| Item | Typical cost (HomeGuide) |
|---|---|
| Bond, first year (usually incl. initial treatment) | $500–$2,500 |
| Bond renewal (per year) | $150–$500 |
| Terminix protection plan (per year) | $400–$1,500 |
| Orkin protection plan (per year) | $500–$1,600 |
Retreatment bond vs. repair bond — the difference that matters
- Retreatment bond: if termites come back, the company retreats free. You still own any damage they did. Cheaper — and the most common type.
- Repair bond: the company retreats and pays to repair new damage (usually capped). Costs more, and is the only bond that functions like insurance. Read the cap and the exclusions for pre-existing damage.
Either way, the bond stays valid only while you keep the annual inspection and renewal current — and conditions like wood-to-soil contact or moisture problems can void coverage if you ignore the inspector's notes. The bond math versus pay-as-you-go treatment is worked through in is termite treatment worth it? The initial treatment bundled into year one is priced in detail at termite treatment cost.
Bonds in a home sale
In high-pressure states — Georgia's process with its Form 100 letter is the formal example — buyers routinely ask whether a bond exists and whether it transfers. Most bonds transfer to a new owner for a modest fee or free at renewal; a transferable repair bond is a genuine selling point because it answers the buyer's biggest hidden-cost fear. Sellers: keep renewal receipts and inspection reports with your closing documents.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a termite bond cost per year?+
Renewals run $150–$500 a year after a first year of $500–$2,500 that typically includes the initial treatment (HomeGuide). National-company plans (Terminix, Orkin) cluster at $400–$1,600 a year depending on coverage.
Is a termite bond worth it?+
In high-pressure regions, usually yes: the annual renewal costs less than a single spot treatment, and a repair bond caps your worst-case damage bill. In low-pressure northern areas, annual inspections plus pay-as-needed treatment can be cheaper. Geography decides — see the full math in our worth-it guide.
Does a termite bond cover damage from before the bond started?+
No. Bonds cover new activity and new damage found under an active bond, after an initial inspection documents the home's condition. Pre-existing damage is excluded — another reason the initial inspection report matters.
Can a termite bond transfer to a buyer?+
Usually yes — most companies transfer the bond at sale, sometimes for a small fee. A transferable bond (especially a repair bond) is a marketable feature in termite country; confirm transfer terms with the company before listing.