How Much Does Fumigation Cost?

Highlights

• The national average cost to fumigate a house is $4,750, though the exact price can fall within a typical range of $1,500 to $8,000.
• Among the factors affecting the total cost of fumigation are home size, home structure, infestation type and severity, and fumigation method and frequency.
• Fumigation may be necessary if a homeowner has drywood termites, wood-boring beetles, a widespread bed bug infestation, or previously failed pest control treatments.
• While a homeowner can attempt to DIY this project using a store-bought fogger bomb, only a professional from a pest control company can ensure that the project is undertaken safely and that the infestation is properly taken care of.

Discovering insects in a home is never a pleasant experience. Anyone who has unexpectedly come across a bug skittering across the floor is familiar with the silent “Oh, please, please don’t let there be more” that’s often offered up at that moment. A small invasion can be handled with some spray or traps, but discovering a nest, significant indication of damage, or the mother lode of bedbugs after waking up with a trail of bites indicates that it’s time to consider fumigation.

Fumigation is a process through which a home is sealed off, or tented, and filled with a chemical that reaches into all of the nooks and crannies of the home, even seeping into textiles and fabrics, to kill any insects where they’re hiding. During this time, the home will be uninhabitable, so residents will have to stay somewhere else. It’s also advisable to hire professionals to deep-clean the house after the fumigation is complete. Fumigation is one of the most expensive ways to remove pests and is usually reserved for fairly extreme cases. It’s a huge endeavor, but if enough insects are detected in the home, it has to be done. But how much does it cost to fumigate a house? According to Angi, the average cost to fumigate a home will fall in the range of $1,500 to $8,000, with the national average fumigation costing $4,750.

Factors in Calculating Fumigation Cost 

The average price range for fumigation is broad, but there are distinct reasons for that gap. Fumigation is used to clear out a number of different pests, and the type of pest and complexity of the infestation and the home itself can require different procedures and approaches, all of which can affect the total cost of the project. Understanding the components can make it easier to establish a reasonable cost estimate so residents know how to budget for the project.

Home Size

Fumigation is a labor-intensive process, and it involves time: The house must be sealed or tented, food and perishables must be removed, and the chemicals must be delivered and allowed to sit for a period of time—and then everything must be undone. The size of the home directly affects the amount of material and time this process will take, so smaller homes are less expensive than larger ones. How much is it to tent a house for termites? In general, the cost to tent a house for termites or other pests runs between $1 and $4 per square foot, with a 2,000-square-foot home usually costing between $2,000 and $8,000 to fumigate. Fumigation tent costs run higher than situations where tenting a house is unnecessary because of the physical labor involved with securing the space for protection. Below is a table that shows the price range to fumigate a house by square footage.

Home Structure

Unfortunately, insects do not contain themselves to the main area of a home. They’re happy to burrow away in attics, crawlspaces, and garages as well. Decks and porches are also frequent dwellings for insects such as termites, who devour wood. There is no way to contain fumigation to one area of the home: In order for the treatment to be effective, all areas of the home—including attached decks and porches—must be treated with the fumigation chemicals to avoid the risk of re-infestation. The more complex the structure of the home is, the more expensive the fumigation will be, especially if technicians have to create access to closed-off areas that don’t have open airflow.

Infestation Type

What kind of pests need to be eradicated? Termites are one. Because they can easily travel anywhere in the home that provides a food source, and because the damage they cause can be so catastrophic to the structural integrity of the home, termite fumigation is common—since this type of infestation can be widespread, though, the cost of termite fumigation can reach up to $8,000. Homeowners can learn what termites look like to determine whether this is the type of pest they have or whether something else has made itself at home—for example, identifying termite droppings can help the homeowner understand the type of infestation they’re dealing with.

Bed bugs are another type of insect that sometimes requires fumigation, not because of the damage they cause or because of the dangers they pose but because of their resistance to other methods of removal. Bed bug fumigation costs are relatively high because of the volume of bed bugs that can be present in an infestation and the need to hire one of the best bed bug exterminators rather than attempting DIY pest control. Powder-post beetles also require fumigation experts; they lay their eggs in wood, and the damage is caused as the hatched larvae eat their way out; by the time they’re discovered, they’ve already done significant damage.

Sometimes, an infestation of cockroaches may need to be fumigated because of the health risks they present; cockroach fumigation costs are dependent on how intense the infestation is and whether or not the home shares walls with other units. Flea fumigation costs and ant fumigation costs tend to be lower than for other insects; because the insects are easier to kill and require less material, full fumigation may not be necessary. Each type of insect offers a different challenge to fumigators and requires a different length and volume of fumigation, so the cost of the project will vary based on the type of insect being removed. The following are some common infestation types and their fumigation price ranges.

Infestation Type	Cost Range
Ants	$1,500 to $4,000
Bed bugs	$3,000 to $4,000
Carpet beetles	$1,500 to $3,000
Cockroaches	$1,500 to $1,700
Dust mites	$1,500 to $3,500
Fleas	$1,500 to $4,000
Mosquitoes	$1,500 to $6,000
Scorpions	$1,500 to $2,500
Silverfish	$2,000 to $3,000
Spiders	$2,000 to $4,000
Termites	$2,000 to $8,000
Ticks	$2,000 to $6,000
Wood-boring beetles	$1,700 to $7,000

Infestation Severity

In general, if a home is a candidate for fumigation, it’s because the infestation is fairly severe or other methods have already failed. Still, the more significant the infestation is, the more chemicals will be required and the longer the chemicals will have to remain in the home to complete the job. In addition, a severe infestation of termites or powder-post beetles can mean that there’s structural damage to the frame of the home, so additional safety measures may need to be taken to make sure that beams are supported prior to the fumigation to avoid danger of collapse. More severe infestations require more time, material, and caution, so the cost is appropriately higher than it is for less significant infestations. The average fumigation costs for cockroaches are listed below based on the severity of the infestation.

Cockroach Infestation Severity	Average Fumigation Cost
Minor	$100 to $400
Major	$300 to $700
Severe	$2,500 to $7,000

Fumigation Method

Not all fumigants are the same. There are different methods of application depending on the type and location of the infestation. Fumigants are available in solid, liquid, and gas formulations. All of these can be toxic to humans and animals if used improperly, inhaled, or ingested. The processes involved in deploying the different methods (tenting and releasing gas, sprinkling powder or tablets for solids, and spraying liquids) affect the time and labor costs, as does the cost of the material itself.

Fumigation Frequency

Ideally, one thorough fumigation should be all that’s necessary, if proper measures are taken to control the pest population after the initial process. Particularly tenacious infestations may require a follow-up fumigation, and recurrent infestations can require regular treatment—and there’s no discount or reduced cost for subsequent applications, so the cost can mount quickly. Multiple treatments may be required in areas where a lot of grain or wood is stored, but less frequently in homes.

Additional Costs and Considerations

The fees for tenting, application, steeping, and takedown involved in a fumigation will be paid to the exterminator or fumigation professional. However, there are additional costs to consider, some of which aren’t optional.

Prep Work

Before fumigation can begin, the homeowner will need to prepare the area that is to be treated. The steps to follow to prepare a house for fumigation are as follows:

1. Remove or seal all medicines and perishable food items.
2. Plan alternative lodging arrangements for the period of time the pest control company advises to be away from the home.
3. Note where all the exterior access and ventilation points are on the home to ensure the exterminator seals them off to prevent the fumigant from escaping.
4. Turn off natural gas lines to the home, if applicable (it’s fine to leave the water and electricity turned on).
5. Find spare keys to any exterior doors to give to the pest control company.
6. Remove plants, pets, and people from the home.

Homeowners may also need to hire landscapers to prepare the outside of the home for tenting. This may involve moving plants, mulch, and rocks away from the home temporarily, as well as removing fencing that’s attached to the home. Hiring a professional landscaper costs around $50 to $100 per hour.

Hotel Expenses

Fumigation can be as quick as a couple of days or as long as a week or more, depending on the pest, the method of fumigation, and the severity of the infestation. During the fumigation, no humans or animals can be in the home. If family or friends aren’t able to provide a place to stay, homeowners will want to plan on hotel lodgings and meals for the duration of the process. Costs for this will vary based on location and the type of lodging, but they can be fairly significant.

Post-Fumigation Cleaning

Fumigants will seep into everything they touch, and the pests they kill will lie where they fall. Most people choose to have their home professionally deep-cleaned after the process is complete to remove dead insects and any chemical residue, which can be an irritant to skin and potentially lungs. Some people may choose to replace items like linens, pillows, fabric-covered furniture, or carpets if they’re especially concerned about chemical residue. This is another expense to account for when assessing the total house fumigation cost.

Annual Inspections

Ideally, pests will disappear after a fumigation, but insects are living things, and even a very effective fumigation can’t flawlessly reach every spot in the home. It’s possible—even likely—that some insects will survive. If an infestation has been severe enough to warrant fumigation, one of two things is true: The homeowner had a stroke of bad luck and brought a pest into the home inadvertently, or conditions exist that make the home attractive to pests. If the latter is the case, a professional fumigator can make recommendations about steps to take to reduce the likelihood of reinfestation, but it’s also wise to schedule a regular annual or semi-annual inspection. That way, any reinfestation can be caught before the severity gets out of hand and requires another full fumigation. Many pest control companies offer service contracts that include free inspections over a period of time after a treatment, which can save on the cost of annual maintenance as well. In some cases, annual fumigations may be required.

Preventive Measures

Once the fumigation is complete, the homeowner will want to take preventive measures to help avoid future infestations. Some examples of how to prevent pest infestations are listed below.

• Keep wood away from the home’s perimeter.
• Trim shrubs and other plants that are close to the house to avoid them becoming overgrown, or relocate them away from the home.
• Store firewood at least 20 feet away from the home.
• Direct water flow away from the home; for example, adding a downspout extension to the gutters and pointing sprinklers away from the home’s foundation.

Fumigation Alternatives

Fumigation is often a last resort for homeowners who have serious pest problems that other methods have failed to eradicate. For less severe infestations, there are several alternatives for homeowners to consider before going with fumigation, such as the following.

• Electro-gun. Designed for localized termite issues, electro-gun treatment penetrates wood using high frequencies and voltages, killing termites upon contact. However, this method will likely not be effective for more widespread termite infestations.
• Heating. This treatment is similar to fumigation in that it involves tenting the home—but that’s where the similarities end. Instead of pumping fumigant into the home to kill the pests, heat treatment heats the home until the infested areas of wood reaches 120 to 130 degrees Fahrenheit. This can kill termites effectively—but it may also cause damage to personal belongings in the home.
• Microwave. If the termite infestation is localized, microwave treatment is another potential option. Like the electro-gun method, the microwave method penetrates the affected wood to kill the termites. However, instead of using high voltage and frequencies, this method uses microwaves directed at the wood to heat it and kill any pests within.
• Spot treatment. This treatment can be used for small or localized pest infestations. The pest control pro will drill small holes into infested areas of wood and apply a termiticide. They may need to repeat this several times to ensure the infestation is completely gone, but this method is generally the most affordable, so it may be a good starting point.

Types of Fumigation

The type of fumigation used in any given situation will depend on several factors. First, the location and severity of the infestation will be taken into consideration, and then the material from which the pests are to be removed will be assessed. The speed with which the fumigation needs to occur is also a factor.

Gas Fumigation

Most effective at getting into recesses and cracks, along with settling through fabrics, gas fumigation fills the entire space with gaseous chemicals and then “steeps” for a time. Nearly all living things will die when exposed to the gases for a long period of time, so it’s critical that gas fumigation be used only in spaces that can be completely sealed off and that all plants, animals, and people be kept clear until the gas has dissipated. Gas fumigation can be used to control insects and rodents along with weeds and nematodes (roundworms). It is also sometimes used to control pests in warehouses storing tree nuts and cereal grains. Gas fumigation works quickly, but there are some environmental concerns about residue and escaped toxins, so while it’s effective, it’s important to make sure that it’s the last solution to the problem, not the first.

Solid Fumigation

Tablets or powdered forms of solid fumigants can be sprinkled in and around areas where pests are located. Some solid fumigants function by killing insects in all stages, which makes them very effective because they kill existing and developing insects, while others, such as calcium cyanide, cause a chemical reaction only when mixed with water vapor to form a suspension that kills a wide range of pests. Solid fumigants are easier to use than gas fumigants, and in general they are safer and better for the environment, but they do pose dangers when inhaled.

Liquid Fumigation

Applied with a sprayer, liquid fumigants can be used to exterminate pests and mold. They work faster than solid fumigants, but they’re highly toxic, flammable, and volatile. Usually, large quantities of the liquid are sprayed onto the area where pests are present and then allowed to soak in, but because of their toxicity, they must be used only outdoors or in a sealed or tented environment.

Do I need fumigation?

Sometimes it’s obvious: A homeowner returns from a relaxing vacation, strolls into the kitchen and flips on the light, and sees a whole community of roaches scramble for the baseboard. Or a wood post that’s looked a little raggedy in the garage suddenly cracks and crumbles into pieces. Or a homeowner wakes up with a run of bites down the back of their leg—again. Other signs can be more subtle. Generally, homes that need fumigation have a pretty widespread infestation in progress, with the exception of termites—depending on where the termites are located, even a few might be enough to warrant an inspection and fumigation.

Presence of Drywood Termites

Small piles of what looks like sawdust on the windowsill. Windows that are suddenly swollen and hard to open. The occasional dead winged insect or “white ants” in the home. A scratchy sound in the walls. These are signs of drywood termites, and if these indications are present, an immediate inspection is necessary. Drywood termites cause disastrous damage to wood surfaces and structures, and the inspection cannot be delayed—even if affording the treatment is a problem. Termite inspection costs about $133 but will likely be folded into the cost of treatment. For small or localized infestation, termite treatment costs an average of $598. If the infestation is bad enough, there could be structural damage to the house that makes it unsafe. As a result, the problem must be dealt with by one of the best termite control companies immediately, and when a professional recommends fumigation for termites, there aren’t a lot of other options. Equally unfortunate? Homeowners insurance generally does not cover termite damage, termite fumigation costs, exterminator costs, or termite damage repair costs.

Presence of Wood-Boring Beetles

Wood-boring beetles can cause damage similar to that of termites; they’re basically a different version of the same problem. They’re more common in warmer climates and, like termites, find a location they like, locate a food source, and then go to town on structural parts of the home. Because they live deep in the wood, fumigation is usually necessary to eradicate them.

Widespread Bed Bug Infestation

While termites and beetles cause significant damage, they’re reasonably easy to kill—which is why it’s so important to catch them early when spot treatments are still a possibility. Bed bugs, on the other hand, are notoriously difficult to find and kill. Unfortunately, by the time residents become aware of a bed bug problem, it’s usually too late for any attempt at containment or spot treatment. If bed bugs are discovered early—the resident notices a few bites immediately after returning home from a hotel vacation—bed bug treatment costs can be as little as $200 per room for a spot treatment of areas that are likely affected. If, however, the resident has actually seen bed bugs on surfaces, in a bed, or on a couch, it’s likely that large-scale, immediate fumigation is necessary. Bed bugs lay lots of eggs, so treatment is required that kills not only the live bugs but also their eggs and their larvae.

Previously Failed Pest Control Treatments

Unless an infestation is very significant or very dangerous to the residents of the home, exterminators will usually try other pest control methods of extermination before resorting to fumigation, simply because of the expense, inconvenience, and potential chemical exposure associated with it. Preventative measures such as sealed entry points, spot treatments, and other types of poison are all measures that a professional might take initially. However, if those treatments don’t work, pest control professionals will have to determine when the problem has become significant enough to warrant fumigation. When other measures have failed, fumigation becomes the only option to avoid never-ending pest control costs.

Fumigation: DIY vs. Hiring a Professional 

Home improvement stores sell some types of “fogger bombs,” a kind of miniature or less potent gas fumigation cartridge that homeowners can use themselves. They’re generally sold by type of pest and by the size of the space that they can fill. Instructions are very specific as to how to seal the area, where to place the cartridge, and how to turn off fans and HVAC systems. In theory, it’s possible to purchase one of these canisters and attempt to DIY a fumigation, and that may be a good option in very specific circumstances, such as fumigating detached sheds or garages.

But before taking on this task, homeowners will want to remember one thing: Fumigation is allowing poisonous gas to permeate a home, from the couches to the mattresses to the recesses in the kitchen where the food and dishes are stored; for these reasons, it’s important that the person performing the fumigation really understands what they’re doing. The best pest control companies like Terminix and Orkin will be able to assess the size of the problem, the type of pest, the particulars of the home, and any unusual sensitivities that home’s residents may have to chemicals. Additionally, they’ll be able to provide appropriate sealing or tenting materials, gauge how long the chemicals need to remain in the air to correct the pest problem, advise the home’s residents on cleanup, and explain which items in the home are safe to use and when. The likelihood that a fumigation performed by a professional will be successful is much greater than one performed by someone who grabbed a can off the shelf at a hardware store. A failed DIY fumigation will mean that a second fumigation will need to occur, re-exposing the surfaces and fabrics in the home to more chemicals and causing further inconvenience and a significant expense.

While there are many situations where it’s a great idea to try a DIY method before calling in a pro, this isn’t one of them. If a pest infestation requires anything more than a can of bug spray to eradicate the issue, homeowners are advised to find a reputable, trustworthy pest control specialist to assess the problem and make appropriate recommendations for how to fumigate a house. Apartment dwellers will want to contact their landlord or property manager—shared walls and HVAC systems make fumigation masking or tenting far more challenging, and apartment fumigation costs are usually the responsibility of the landlord, not the tenant.

How to Save Money on Fumigation Cost

Unfortunately, there’s not a lot of time to waste if a fumigation is necessary. There will be limited time to compare estimates, budget, plan ahead, look for coupons and discounts, or gather other information. The best trick for homeowners to save money on fumigation is to avoid the need for it in the first place by using strategies that reduce the likelihood of infestation and scheduling regular inspections. Most of the money-saving options below focus on getting the best possible treatment now to save money down the road.

• Get ahead of an infestation. If your home is older or located in an area that is prone to infestation, plan ahead by scheduling annual inspections so problems can be caught early.
• Get multiple quotes. Collect several estimates from reputable fumigation services and compare. This can be tricky if different treatments are recommended, but having several estimates will help you find one that fits within your budget.
• Pick a method by its effectiveness rather than its price. Choose a treatment that seems most likely to really eradicate the problem, even if it’s more expensive. Tent fumigation costs may seem high at first, but choosing a less effective method could cost more over time.
• Look for discounts. Ask about guarantees or discounts on follow-up inspections or repeat treatments.
• Schedule follow-up inspections. After fumigation, schedule regular inspections to reduce the chances of another emergency visit.

Questions to Ask About Fumigation

Homeowners likely have plenty of questions for companies they’re considering hiring to fumigate their home. Some will be the basics: Is the company licensed and insured? What kind of training do you provide? But there are some questions specific to fumigation that the homeowner will need answers to before selecting a pro.

• What kind of treatment do you recommend? Why?
• How much does fumigation cost compared to other extermination methods?
• Is there a less invasive option that would be effective?
• How long have you been in business?
• Are you licensed, bonded, and insured?
• Can you point me to any testimonials or provide any references?
• Have you seen an infestation like this before? How did you treat that? Was it successful?
• How should I prepare for the fumigation?
• What should I remove from my home before treatment, and what can I leave?
• Will the fumigation gases damage my home?
• Do I need to contact cleaning services after the fumigation?
• What does termite damage look like, and can you repair any damage, or will I need to hire another professional?
• When will it be safe to return home?
• Do you provide free follow-up inspections?
• What is the likelihood the pests will return? What should I do then?
• What resolution is available if I’m not happy with the work?

FAQs

Discovering that fumigation is necessary is a rough experience for homeowners, compounded by the need for immediate decision-making while feeling itchy all over. These are some of the most common questions about fumigation and their answers to help homeowners feel secure in their decision.

Q. How long does it take to fumigate a house?

Fumigating an entire house can take anywhere from 2 days to a week or so, depending on the scope and type of infestation as well as the structure of the home.

Q. Do I need to clean my home after fumigation?

Yes, homeowners are highly advised to clean their home after fumigation. Even better, homeowners may consider hiring someone with experience in post-fumigation house cleaning. A professional will know what kinds of cleaners to use and how deeply different surfaces need to be cleansed; they will also prevent homeowners from seeing the scores of dead insects in their home, enabling them to sleep soundly in their room again.

Q. How long should I stay out of my house after fumigation?

Usually, a homeowner can return to their home about 3 days after the fumigation is complete, but it’s important to check with the fumigation professional to make sure; some chemicals may need longer to disperse and dissipate. Homeowners will want to leave time for a deep cleaning before they move back in.

Q. What are the side effects of fumigation?

Most damage caused to humans and animals by fumigation is a result of inhalation. Victims may experience a sense of nausea and dizziness, fatigue, and a neck rash. More significant exposure can lead to gastrointestinal illnesses, headaches, and trouble breathing, while severe inhalation can lead to fluid-filled lungs, dizziness, and death. Mild symptoms will be relieved with fresh air, while more severe cases may require hospitalization.

Q. Do I have to wash the bedding after fumigation?

Theoretically, no, it’s not necessary for a homeowner to wash their bedding if a gas fumigation was performed. However, many people prefer to wash the bed linens and towels, and some prefer to replace them, not necessarily to eliminate any chemicals but to get a fresh start and make sure that any dead pests have been removed from the place where they rest their heads. Residents may choose to throw away their pillows and replace them with new ones if they feel squeamish.

Q. What can be left in the house during fumigation?

Food that is still in its original factory-sealed plastic or metal packaging can remain in place, as can furniture, linens, curtains, and electronics. Food in paper packaging needs to be sealed or secured in plastic or glass prior to the fumigation. Homeowners are advised to check with their fumigator for any additional restrictions based on the type of chemicals used.

Q. Can I sleep in my house after fumigation?

Homeowners will be able to sleep in their house about 72 hours after the fumigation is complete. It’s important that they follow the instructions provided by their fumigator to be on the safe side, but generally, the gas will dissipate within 3 days.

Sources: Angi, HomeAdvisor