Professional whole-house fumigation, often called tenting or “bombing” a house, typically costs $1,500-$8,000, with many termite jobs near $3,500. House size, pest type, local labor, preparation, and access determine the quote; store-bought bug bombs are much cheaper but do not replace structural fumigation.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Whole-house fumigation | $1,500 | $3,500 | $8,000 | Commonly priced by home size and treatment scope |
| Per-square-foot fumigation | $1.00 | $2.25 | $4.00 | Higher rates may apply to difficult access or extensive prep |
| Consumer fogger treatment | $10 | $30 | $100+ | Product cost only; multiple cans may be needed |
Whole-house fumigation prices by home size
For tent fumigation against drywood termites or other pests that require treatment throughout a structure, many U.S. quotes fall between $1 and $4 per square foot. A 1,500-square-foot home may cost $1,500-$6,000, while a 2,500-square-foot home may run $2,500-$8,000 or more. The average figures assume a standard wood-frame home, ordinary access, and no major repairs.
A typical 1,500- to 2,000-square-foot house often receives quotes around $2,500-$4,500. Coastal areas with frequent termite work and higher labor costs can exceed these ranges; simpler jobs in lower-cost markets may fall near the low end. Assumptions: standard residential structure, normal access, licensed fumigation contractor, no structural repairs.
What tenting, labor, and preparation add to a quote
The total includes more than the fumigant. Contractors assess the structure, seal and tent it, monitor treatment, ventilate it, and verify that it is safe to re-enter. The table shows typical planning ranges; line items may be bundled rather than separately billed.
| Quote component | Typical range | What changes the charge |
|---|---|---|
| Fumigation and treatment | $800-$4,500 | Home volume, pest, dosage, and treatment duration |
| Labor and tent installation | $500-$2,000 | Crew size, roof shape, access, and sealing needs |
| Inspection or diagnostic visit | $75-$250 | May be credited toward treatment |
| Food, plant, and household preparation | $0-$500 | Owner prep versus paid packing or handling |
| Disposal, repairs, or access work | $100-$1,000+ | Damaged wood, blocked access, or required exclusion work |
Labor pricing varies by company and region, but an estimating rate may be $50-$100 per worker-hour. Fumigation quotes are usually project-based, so this formula is useful for comparing labor assumptions, not predicting the final bill. Ask whether inspection, monitoring, and clearance are included.
How square footage and roof shape shift the price
Square footage is a starting point, not the full measure of treatment volume. Tall ceilings, attached garages, additions, and complex rooflines can increase the amount of tenting material and crew time. A home over 3,000 square feet may exceed $6,000, while a compact home with difficult access can still cost more per square foot than a larger, simpler structure.
Pest identification also matters. Whole-structure fumigation is generally selected when infestation is widespread or inaccessible; a localized treatment may be enough for limited activity. Termite damage repairs are usually separate from fumigation, and a treatment does not rebuild damaged framing.
Regional fumigation quotes from coastal to inland markets
Labor availability, contractor competition, climate, and termite prevalence create substantial regional differences. As a rough comparison, a quote in a high-cost coastal metro can be 15%-35% above a similar inland job. Rural work may cost less, but travel fees can offset savings when the nearest licensed provider is far away.
In termite-prone parts of California, Hawaii, and the Southeast, tent fumigation is a familiar service, but local prices still vary by city and structure. Request quotes from providers who serve the property’s ZIP code rather than applying a national per-foot rate without checking site conditions.
When consumer bug bombs cost less but do less
Retail foggers typically cost about $10-$30 each, and a multi-room treatment may require several containers. They release pesticide into open air but may not reach insects inside walls, wood, cracks, or protected nests. Foggers are not equivalent to professional fumigation and can leave untreated pest sources in place.
Using a fogger incorrectly can also expose people or pets, contaminate food surfaces, or create fire and explosion hazards around pilot lights and other ignition sources. Follow the product label exactly, including evacuation and re-entry directions. For a confirmed structural infestation, compare professional treatment options rather than assuming a few cans will solve it.
How long a tented house stays vacant
Residents and pets generally need to leave during fumigation and cannot return until the contractor completes ventilation and required safety checks. The full process often takes two to three days, although scheduling, weather, and the structure can extend the vacancy. Hotels, boarding, meals, and lost work time can add $200-$1,000 or more to the household budget.
Ask the contractor for the expected departure and re-entry times in writing. Confirm who handles plants, food, medications, and other belongings, since preparation rules vary by treatment and provider. Do not re-enter before the contractor gives clearance.
Can spot treatment replace whole-house fumigation?
Localized injection, baiting, or wood treatment can cost roughly $200-$1,500 for a limited area, depending on access and infestation size. These options may be less expensive when inspection confirms isolated activity, but they may not eliminate pests distributed through hidden or inaccessible parts of a structure. A separate inspection can help establish whether a smaller treatment is appropriate.
Compare the treatment scope and any warranty, not just the headline total. Check whether the quote covers inspection, tenting, monitoring, cleanup, and follow-up, and ask what happens if activity returns. A lower bid that excludes needed work may not be the lower-cost choice overall.
Ways to trim a fumigation bill without cutting corners
Get at least two or three written estimates based on the same inspection findings and treatment scope. Ask whether the company has a minimum charge, travel fee, or separate fee for clearance testing. Quotes should identify excluded repairs and explain whether the price changes if the structure needs additional sealing or preparation.
Complete owner-approved preparation before the crew arrives, and arrange treatment during a flexible travel window when possible. Avoid paying for upgrades that do not address the diagnosed pest or structure. If an infestation is limited, ask whether a targeted treatment is supported by inspection results; do not choose it solely because its initial price is lower.