Termite Control
Termite Treatment Methods Compared: Drill, Spray, Bait, Gel
Four termite treatment methods — drill-and-inject, perimeter spray, baiting systems, gel. Which works for which infestation, plus 2026 cost ranges in India.
Direct answer. The four mainstream termite treatments in India each solve a different problem. Drill-and-inject is the standard for active subterranean infestation — chemicals injected into the soil along the perimeter create a 5–10 year colony-elimination barrier. Baiting systems are a low-disruption continuous approach. Perimeter spray is a preventive boundary treatment. Gel is a surface top-up for visible foragers — never a standalone solution for a subterranean colony.
Which method fits which situation
| Method | Best for | Warranty | Disruption | Typical cost (2 BHK) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Drill-and-inject | Active subterranean colony; post-construction | 5–10 years | High (drilling, 1 day) | ₹4,000–₹8,000 |
| Baiting system | Continuous monitoring; minimal disruption | Contract-length | Low (in-soil stations) | ₹6,000–₹12,000 setup + AMC |
| Perimeter spray | Preventive boundary treatment | 1–2 years | Low | ₹1,500–₹3,500 |
| Gel | Visible foragers on wood surfaces (top-up) | 6–12 months | None | ₹800–₹1,500 |
When each method is the right call
Drill-and-inject — the default for active subterranean infestation. Holes drilled at the floor-wall junction every 30 cm, non-repellent chemical (Fipronil 2.5% or Imidacloprid 1.7%) injected at IS-6313 specified concentrations. The chemical creates a treated soil zone; foraging termites pass through it, return to the nest, and transfer the chemical via grooming — eliminating the colony in 3–6 weeks.
Baiting systems — best for clients who prefer no drilling and accept a continuous monitoring contract. In-ground stations seeded with cellulose bait laced with chitin synthesis inhibitor (e.g. hexaflumuron). Termites carry bait back to the colony; nest dies in 3–6 months. Higher initial cost but lower disruption and zero chemical in the building shell.
Perimeter spray — strictly preventive. Used during construction (around foundation) or as an addition to drill-treatment. Not a standalone solution for active infestation.
Gel — fills termite galleries in visible wood. Useful for furniture spot treatment, wall-mounted exit-point sealing, and as a top-up between drill cycles. Cannot reach the soil colony, so it's never the only treatment for a structural infestation.
Related reading
- Full pillar: Termite Control in India: A Complete Guide
- Service page with pricing: Termite Control and pre-construction termite treatment
- For builders + developers: pre-construction services for construction-stage sites
- City-specific quotes: Termite control in Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore
About the author
IPCC Technical Team
Field entomology & pest management, IPCC
IPCC's technical and editorial team writes from the field. Every guide is reviewed against 27+ years of operational data across 50+ Indian cities.