ServiCoverSide-by-Side
| General Pest Plan | Termite Plan | |
|---|---|---|
| Covers | Ants, roaches, spiders, and 25+ common pests | Subterranean and/or drywood termites specifically |
| Typical cost | $40-$70/month | $550-$2,500 one-time, or ongoing monitoring fee |
| Frequency | Monthly or quarterly visits | Initial treatment + annual inspection |
Why You Likely Need Both
A general pest plan does virtually nothing to protect against termite damage, which can accumulate silently for years before becoming visible — termites cause over $5 billion in US property damage annually precisely because it's easy to assume general pest coverage includes them when it typically doesn't. If you own your home, a dedicated termite inspection and protection plan is worth carrying separately, even alongside general pest service.
How Annual Inspections Fit In
Even without an active infestation, an annual termite inspection (often free at major providers) catches early activity before it becomes a costly structural problem. Pairing this annual check with a general pest plan for everyday household pests gives comprehensive coverage without needing constant termite-specific treatment when no activity is present.
Frequently Asked Questions
Often yes — major providers like Terminix and Orkin both offer bundled plans, sometimes at a discount compared to purchasing each service separately.
Generally no — termite damage is typically considered a preventable maintenance issue, not sudden accidental damage, and standard homeowners insurance policies exclude it. This is exactly why dedicated termite protection plans exist.