The only treatment that stops termites for good is one that reaches the colony in the soil under your house. In Lahore, that kind of treatment costs from about PKR 8,500 for a 5 marla plot, and a good company gives you a written warranty of 5 to 10 years. The best time to book is March or April, before the first monsoon rain brings the swarms.
This guide explains how to spot termites early, how treatment works, what it costs in 2026, and how to pick a company you can trust.
Signs you have termites
Termites often work for months or years before anyone sees them. They eat wood from the inside, so the surface can look fine while the wood underneath is hollow. Look for these signs:
- Mud tubes. These are thin tubes of dried soil on walls, skirting boards, door frames or pipes. They are about as wide as a pencil. Termites use them to travel without drying out.
- Hollow wood. Tap a door frame or wooden shelf. If it sounds papery or weak, the inside may be eaten. Damaged wood is hollowed along the grain, with dried mud in the tunnels.
- Discarded wings. After rain, you may find small piles of wings near windows, doors or lights. Winged termites leave the nest in warm, wet weather, then drop their wings.
- Sticking doors and windows. Wood that has been attacked can swell or warp, so doors and windows suddenly jam.
- Bubbling paint or small holes in plaster. You may also see soil around the edges of the holes, or wall coverings that look rippled.
If you find a mud tube, do not break it open and do not spray it. Take a clear photo and send it to an inspector, for example on WhatsApp. An empty tube does not rule out a problem, so a trained inspector should check whether it is active. Our termite control service in Lahore starts with exactly this kind of check.
Termites or flying ants?
Many people see winged insects after rain and are not sure what they are. The difference is easy to learn:
| Feature | Termite | Flying ant |
|---|---|---|
| Antennae | Straight | Bent like an elbow |
| Waist | Thick, even body | Pinched, thin waist |
| Wings | Four wings, all the same size | Front wings longer than back wings |
Winged termites found inside your home almost always mean an infestation. They are drawn to light, so you will see them near windows and doors. Indoor swarmers live only about a day and cannot harm wood, but their presence tells you a colony is close.
If the swarm comes from a tree stump or woodpile in the yard, your house may not be affected. Still, it is wise to have the building checked.
Why termites are a problem in Lahore
Pakistan has about 53 recorded termite species. In Punjab, the most damaging ones that live in soil belong to two groups, Microtermes and Odontotermes. They attack wooden structures and crops.
These termites live in colonies that can hold many thousands of insects. The colony stays in the soil, and workers travel out in all directions to find wood, paper and other plant material. This is why you can treat one door frame and still have the problem: the colony is somewhere else.
Lahore’s weather helps them. Termites become active from April. They swarm after the first monsoon rain, when the air is warm and the soil is wet. Damage often shows between October and January, after months of hidden feeding. That is why many families only notice a problem in winter, long after the termites arrived.
How termite treatment works
There are two main ways to treat soil termites.
Liquid soil treatment. A professional applies a liquid termiticide (a chemical that kills termites) to the soil around and under the building. This forms a barrier. Modern products, such as fipronil or imidacloprid, are non-repellent. That means termites do not avoid them. They tunnel into the treated soil and die, and termites already inside the building often die too. Extension research from the University of Kentucky says liquid treatments are expected to protect a building for at least five years when applied correctly.
Bait stations. Small plastic stations are buried in the ground. They hold food mixed with a slow-acting poison. Workers carry the food back to the nest and share it, so the colony slowly shrinks. Baits can be used alone or together with liquid treatment.
For houses in Lahore, Muhafiz uses soil treatment, which is explained in the two sections below.
Why sprays and quick fixes fail
A spray from a shop kills only the termites you can see. The colony in the soil keeps sending more workers. Researchers note that store-bought products rarely end an existing infestation, and treating only one spot is usually a gamble, because termites find another way in.
If termites come back a year after treatment, the cause is usually a gap in the barrier, not a weak chemical. This is why the quality of the application matters as much as the product.
Pre-construction and post-construction treatment
The method depends on the stage of your house: not built yet, or already built.
Pre-construction treatment is done at the foundation stage, before the floor is laid. The team treats the soil under the foundation and plinth, and along the boundary of the structure. It is timed with your contractor so the soil is treated at the right moment. It costs a little less because no drilling is needed. If you are building a new house, this is the best time to treat. It is much easier to protect soil before concrete covers it.
Post-construction treatment is for houses that are already built. The team drills small holes along floor edges and walls, injects termiticide into the soil below, then seals the holes. Doors, frames and other affected wood are treated directly. For severe infestations, or before you move into a new house, fumigation services in Lahore treat the whole property.
Both methods aim at the same thing: a continuous treated zone in the soil that termites cannot cross without being poisoned.
Termite treatment cost in Lahore
Prices depend on the size of the house, how far the termites have spread, and the type of construction. The table below shows 2026 price ranges from Muhafiz Pest Solutions. These are reference ranges, not fixed quotes. Larger houses and commercial buildings are priced after an inspection. You can also see the full pest control cost guide for Lahore.
| Service | Price (PKR) |
|---|---|
| 5 marla house, pre-construction | 8,500 – 10,000 |
| 5 marla house, post-construction | 9,000 – 10,000 |
| 10 marla house, pre-construction | 13,000 – 16,000 |
| 10 marla house, post-construction | 13,500 – 16,500 |
| 1 kanal house, pre-construction | 19,500 – 29,500 |
| 1 kanal house, post-construction | 20,500 – 30,500 |
| Single room | 4,000 – 6,500 |
| Furniture, per piece | 2,000 – 8,000 |
| Annual termite contract | 30,000 – 75,000 |
Prices change with how far the termites have spread and with the type of construction. A free on-site check gives you an exact figure.
What a good warranty covers
A warranty is only useful if it is written down and clear. Ask these questions before you accept a quote:
- How many years does the warranty last, and is the period written on the quote?
- If termites return in a treated area, is re-treatment free?
- Do you need to pay a yearly fee to keep the warranty valid?
- Does the warranty cover the whole house or only some rooms?
- Who do you call, and how fast do they come?
University extension advice also suggests comparing warranties from several companies. Most offer free re-treatment, but some only do so if you renew every year. Read the terms before you decide.
At Muhafiz, the warranty runs 5 to 10 years and is written on the quote. If termites return in a treated area during that time, the company re-treats at no extra cost.
What happens during a visit
A good visit follows a clear order:
- Free inspection. The inspector checks wooden fittings, floors, walls and the garden. They look for active termites and for the paths they use.
- Findings shown to you. You see what was found before you hear a price.
- Written quote. It states the area to be treated, the method, the price and the warranty period.
- Treatment. The soil is treated to stop the colony, and affected wood is treated directly.
- Follow-up. If termites appear again during the warranty, the company returns.
The treatment is odor-free, so most families can stay at home. Children and pets should stay away from the work area until the treatment and sealing are finished.
Solid furniture can often be saved. If a piece is badly hollowed, the inspector will tell you before treatment.
When is the best time to treat?
Book in March or April. Termites become active from April and swarm after the first monsoon rain, so treatment before that stops them early. If you see damage in winter, do not wait for spring. Termites keep feeding, so the damage grows.
If you are building, treat at the foundation stage. That is the cheapest and most effective moment.
How to choose a termite control company
Look for a company that:
- offers a free inspection and shows you what it found
- gives a written quote with the method, area and warranty
- names the product it uses and explains how it works
- is clear about what the warranty covers
- answers calls and returns when you report a problem
Take your time to compare. Termites damage wood slowly, so a few days to choose well will not cost you much. Be careful with anyone who pushes you to sign on the spot. You can read about the team and its history on the Muhafiz Pest Solutions about page.
Book a free termite inspection
If you have seen mud tubes, hollow wood or wings, or you are about to build, the next step is simple. Book a free inspection with Muhafiz Pest Solutions. The team works across Lahore, including DHA, Gulberg, Model Town, Bahria Town and Johar Town. See the full list of areas we serve in Lahore, then use the contact page or call or WhatsApp 0300-9494798. If you can, send a photo of the problem first. The team will check your house, show you what they find, and give you a written quote.
Frequently asked questions
How much does termite treatment cost in Lahore?
For a 5 marla house, post-construction treatment costs about PKR 9,000 to 10,000, and pre-construction costs PKR 8,500 to 10,000. A single room is PKR 4,000 to 6,500. Larger houses and commercial buildings are priced after an inspection.
How long does termite treatment last?
Liquid soil treatment is expected to work for at least five years when applied correctly, according to university extension research. The warranty period is set by the company. Muhafiz gives 5 to 10 years in writing.
Is it safe to stay in the house during treatment?
The treatment is odor-free, so most families stay home. Keep children and pets away from the work area until the drilling and sealing are done.
Can my furniture be saved?
Often, yes. Solid pieces can be treated for PKR 2,000 to 8,000 each. If a piece is badly hollowed, the inspector will tell you before any work starts.
Why do sprays not stop termites?
Sprays kill only the termites you can see. The colony lives in the soil and keeps sending workers. Treating the soil is what reaches the source.
Are flying ants and termites the same?
No. Termites have straight antennae, a thick even body and wings of equal size. Flying ants have bent antennae, a pinched waist and longer front wings. Winged termites inside your home almost always mean an infestation.
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