Fumigation is a powerful pest control strategy that is often an exterminator’s last resort for tackling severe infestations. Generally, fumigation can cost between $2,000 and $8,000 on average. Exterminators commonly use this method against termites or wood-destroying insects, such as carpenter ants. However, an exterminator may also recommend fumigation for severe infestations, such as rodents or fleas, when other methods have failed to eliminate the issue.

The This Old House team researched average pest control rates for fumigation and broke down other related expenses to give you a comprehensive cost estimate. Keep reading for our findings on how much fumigation may cost you from start to finish based on our research into costs from the best pest control companies.

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Fumigation Cost by House Size

Pest control companies charge between $2,000 and $8,000 to fumigate an average-sized home or $1 to $4 per square foot, based on estimates from various pest control companies. House size is the most significant factor in fumigation costs. The larger your home, the more fumigant—or pesticide—and labor needed to set up the process. Exterminators may even need to set up additional tarps or seals or find a larger tent to tent your home, increasing the overall cost.

Based on our team’s research, here is an estimation of fumigation costs based on home square footage.

Home Size	Fumigation Cost*
1,000 sq ft	$1,000–$4,000
1,500 sq ft	$1,500–$6,000
2,000 sq ft	$2,000–$8,000
2,500 sq ft	$2,500–$10,000
3,000 sq ft	$3,000–$12.000
3,500 sq ft	$3,500–$14,000

*Our team assessed pricing from various pest control companies to determine the fumigation cost figures listed above. We looked at small and large companies to provide an estimated average cost for fumigation based on home size.

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What Factors Affect Fumigation Costs?

Several factors affect fumigation costs, including infestation severity and type, fumigation duration, and temporary accommodations. You’ll also want to budget for the initial inspection. An average termite inspection costs between $100 and $200, although some companies offer free inspections or estimates.

For example, Terminix frequently offers free pest inspections, which can help you determine what kind of pest you have and what it would cost to work with this provider. We recommend asking a pest control professional any questions you have during the inspection.

Infestation Severity

Fumigation is a serious treatment option reserved for extensive or severe infestations. The more severe the infestation, the greater the amount of pesticide needed to eradicate the pests successfully. Fumigation typically costs between $1 and $4 per square foot. A more severe infestation will likely require a higher treatment cost, leaning toward a price of $3–$4 per square foot.

Fumigation Duration

The longer the fumigation process takes, the more expensive your cost overall. As with any service, the more labor and time required, the greater the pest control cost.

Infestation Type

The most common type of pest fumigation is against termites or wood-destroying insects such as carpenter ants. However, if other methods aren’t possible or effective, exterminators may treat other pests such as bed bugs, rodents, and cockroaches with fumigation.

The type of pest impacts overall cost. For example, rodent fumigation typically costs between $2,000–$6,000, slightly less than the average cost of fumigation, which we found to cost up to $8,000. Depending on the type of infestation, you may need to deep clean or replace some items exposed to dead pests. Budget at least $500–$1,000 for these additional expenses after fumigation.

Temporary Accommodations

During the fumigation process, you’ll need to stay somewhere else until you can safely return to your home. If possible, consider staying with a friend or family member to save money during this process. Otherwise, you’ll need to factor in the cost of hotel accommodations, fees, and food while you’re away. On average, hotels in the U.S. cost around $159 per night, which can quickly add up, especially if your house requires a longer fumigation process of multiple days.

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When Is Fumigation the Right Pest Control Method?

Almost all homeowners have dealt with pest infestations at one time or another, whether it’s a few ants entering their home, a lone mouse, or a wasp’s nest. However, technicians reserve fumigation for severe infestations that exterminators can’t address via traps or pesticide spraying.

Fumigation is most commonly associated with termites or wood-destroying pests, such as carpenter beetles, that spread to every hiding place within your home. Fumigation is a comprehensive treatment that eliminates pests in every part of the home, including furniture, clothing, carpets, walls, and more. Consult with a pest control specialist for recommended next steps, as you may find better alternatives to fumigation depending on the pest and infestation severity.

Signs Your Home Needs Fumigation

If your home needs fumigation, you likely have a severe infestation of at least one pest. Here’s common signs your home needs fumigation:

• Dead bugs
• Droppings
• Wings (which some species shed after mating, such as termites)
• Mud tubes
• Hollow wood, such as walls or floors
• Sagging floors
• Spotting live pests
• Unexplained holes
• Signs of nesting
• Visible damage, such as gnawed fabric or boxes and wood shavings
• Failure of other pest control methods, such as sprays or bait

Alternatives to Fumigation

Fumigation is often a last resort for severe infestations, or used as large-scale termite control. However, you can potentially address some pest problems with more eco-friendly alternatives. 

• Heat Treatments: Thermal heat eradicates many pests, including termites. This process involves tenting your home and raising the temperature of the structure’s wood long enough to kill all stages of pest development.
• Spot treatments: Another way to address termites is with spot treatments, a process in which exterminators drill several holes into infested walls and flooring before injecting a termiticide inside. This method requires multiple treatments and won’t reach termites in inaccessible areas, as spot treatments only reach about two square feet back.
• Ultraviolet (UV) and steam treatments: UV light disinfects surfaces and is powerful enough to kill many small pests. It’s invaluable in enclosed spaces and is usually paired with steam or heat cleaning.

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How Does Fumigation Work?

Fumigation involves sealing off your entire home with a tent so pest control professionals can circulate the fumigant, a pesticide in the form of gas. The fumigant moves seamlessly throughout the home, killing all pests within the tent, making it one of the most lethal and effective treatment options.

Typically, professionals reserve fumigation for severe infestations and as a treatment against drywood termites and other wood-destroying insects. Termites and wood-boring pests embed themselves in hard-to-access areas such as walls, floorboards, beams, and furniture, making fumigation one of the few ways to eliminate them.

How To Prepare for Fumigation

On fumigation day, pest control professionals use a tent, tarps, or other sealing methods to contain the gas in your home so it has time to circulate and penetrate the wood and other hard-to-reach areas. Afterward, the technicians will aerate your home to remove the gas, making it safe for you to return to your home.

Consult with your pest control provider for personalized advice on preparing your home and family for fumigation. Here’s a list of general guidelines for setting up your home for a successful fumigation:

• Arrange other lodging: Fumigation often lasts several days, so you’ll need to stay with family or book a hotel to keep you, your family, and your pets safe.
• Schedule a gas shutoff: Speak with your gas company to have your gas turned off during fumigation to prevent possible fire hazards. Turn off all heat sources and unplug appliances to avoid complications.
• Coordinate with your fumigator. Double-check that you left the exterminators with a set of keys and that you signed everything before leaving.
• Open doors and windows: Fumigation uses a fumigant—a pesticide in the form of gas—to kill pests. For the best results, open all interior doors, cabinets, drawers, and closets to allow the gas to circulate throughout every nook and cranny of your home.
• Remove food from your home: Seal all food tightly and place it away from the fumigated area. Throw out any open containers or perishable items, as this food will become contaminated. You’ll also want to take pets, plants, and medication with you.
• Tend to your yard: Prune plants and trim branches touching your home’s exterior to prevent pesticides from reaching the vegetation.
• Remove external fixtures: To avoid damage during the fumigation process, remove exterior items such as antennae, weathervanes, and anything attached to your roof.
• Notify your neighbors: Fumigation requires tenting or giant tarps, so your neighbors might notice something is happening at your home. You can let them know what’s happening in advance and direct them to the pest control company for questions about safety.

DIY vs. Professional Fumigation

Do-it-yourself (DIY) fumigation isn’t recommended by professional companies. Fumigation involves using highly regulated chemicals meant only for trained, certified professionals. Attempting this method without proper training can expose your family to potentially dangerous chemicals.

Other issues with DIY fumigation include effectiveness. If you’re not a pest control professional, you could end up only treating the visible areas where you spot pest problems. However, pests often live in places where we can’t see them, such as inside the walls, crawlspaces, wood, or the attic. DIY pest control products typically aren’t strong enough to handle infestations requiring professional fumigation. For this reason, we recommend saving DIY treatments for minor pest problems or as part of your prevention plan, but using professionals for large-scale infestations.

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Is Fumigation Worth It?

If you’re at the point where an exterminator is recommending this last-resort pest control treatment option, fumigation is likely worth it. Not only can pests destroy your home and belongings, but many can negatively affect your family’s health by spreading disease, triggering asthma and allergies, and causing microbial diseases and infections.

Fumigation reaches pests in areas where other treatments can’t, making it a worthwhile investment if large infestations—which can often multiply in size if left untreated—take over your home.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Fumigation Cost

Can you stay in a house after fumigation?

Yes, you can stay in a house after fumigation. Once the process is complete, the technicians will aerate your home to remove the gas, making it safe to live in again. Depending on outdoor conditions and the size of your home, you can expect to leave your home for 24—72 hours.

Is fumigation completely effective?

No pest control method is 100% effective, but when done correctly by experienced professionals, your home should become pest-free after fumigation. Many reputable pest control companies offer a satisfaction guarantee, meaning the exterminators will return if the targeted pests remain after fumigation.

Is fumigation safe for humans?

Fumigation is safe for humans as long as it’s performed by certified professionals. Pest control professionals must pass extensive training and certification to perform this specialized treatment. After fumigating your home, providers such as Orkin use equipment to double-check if your home is safe. This can include a fumiscope, which measures lingering concentrations of fumigant gas, leak detectors to identify gas that may have escaped the treatment area, and clearance devices to determine if the gas is dispersed enough for people and pets to return home. Fumigants don’t leave residue on your belongings, so your home is safe once it’s been aired and cleared.

What factors influence the cost of fumigation?

Many factors influence the cost of fumigation, such as house size, infestation type and severity, and related expenses such as temporary lodging. The biggest factors in fumigation price include the type of infestation and house size. If you have a larger home, expect to pay more because exterminators will need more labor and pesticides to treat your home completely.

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