Fumigation can be an effective way to eliminate pests and insects from your home, but it comes at a cost. We analyzed fumigation prices from top pest control companies to find out exactly how much fumigation treatment costs on average.

What is Fumigation?

Fumigation involves sealing off an area, such as a home or business, and releasing a lethal gas to suffocate and kill any living pests inside. The most common fumigant used is Vikane gas (sulfuryl fluoride), which is highly toxic to insects, rodents, and other pests, but dissipates rapidly without leaving residue behind.

Professional exterminators perform fumigation by:

• Tenting or sealing off the area with tarps.
• Placing warning signs around the perimeter.
• Releasing the fumigant through hoses and into the contained space.
• Airing out the area thoroughly once treatment is complete.

Fumigation effectively eliminates pest infestations throughout an entire structure all at once. It can target a wide range of pests:

• Termites
• Cockroaches
• Wood-boring beetles
• Bed bugs
• Rodents
• And more

However, the process disrupts normal business operations and requires temporary vacancy during treatment. So fumigation is usually reserved for severe infestations when other pest control methods have failed.

Why Fumigation Costs Are Variable

Fumigation prices depend on several factors:

Size of the Area Being Treated

The larger the space needing fumigation, the more pesticide and labor will be required. Fumigating a larger home will cost more than a smaller apartment or modest-sized house. Commercial structures are typically more expensive to fumigate than residential spaces.

Location and Accessibility

Properties in remote areas or difficult to access spaces may warrant higher fumigation fees due to increased labor and travel expenses for the pest control team.

Infestation Severity

Heavy infestations often take longer to eliminate, which can increase the amount of chemicals and time needed for effective treatment. This is factored into the total fumigation costs.

Additional Services

Added services like follow-up treatments or debris removal after fumigation may result in extra costs on top of the base fumigation price.

Company and Region

Pest control service rates can vary between different companies and geographic regions. Larger, well-established franchises typically charge more than smaller local exterminators. Prices also fluctuate by state based on average wages and operational costs for providers in the area.

With so many variables at play, the most accurate way to gauge fumigation costs is to get an on-site inspection and estimate directly from a qualified exterminator. However, we’ve compiled average price ranges you can expect to pay below.

Average Fumigation Costs by Service Type

Single Family Residential Home

For a standard 2,000 square foot detached home, fumigation costs typically fall between $1,500 – $4,000 per treatment. The minimum starting price is usually around $1,500, while large infestations, luxury homes, and additional services can exceed $4,000. Expect to pay around $2 per square foot on average.

Townhome or Condo Unit

For a multifamily unit around 1,200 square feet, expect to spend $1,000 – $2,000 per fumigation. The more units there are in the building, the less each unit will cost since the exterminator can treat them concurrently under one tent and split chemical costs between units.

Apartment Building Fumigation

To fumigate all units in a standard 20-unit apartment building (around 30,000 sq ft total), costs often range from $15,000 – $35,000 per building. Per unit costs typically start around $750 and go up from there based on infestation severity and other factors.

Hotel or Motel Fumigation

For a modest 50-room hotel, expect to pay $20,000 – $50,000 total. Per room costs can start around $400 for a limited isolated treatment, or $1,000+ for treating all rooms, common areas, amenities, and surrounding landscape together under a full building tent.

Restaurant Fumigation

To fumigate a typical 5,000 square foot restaurant, pricing may range from $5,000 – $15,000 per treatment. Industrial kitchens, dining rooms, and storage areas all need adequate gas concentration, which raises costs.

Office Building Fumigation

For a modern multi-floor 25,000 sq ft office building, fumigation typically costs $30,000 – $80,000. Floor plan intricacies, computer equipment, and other contents in office spaces make them more labor-intensive to seal off and aerate completely.

Warehouse Fumigation

Larger warehouse spaces often exceed 50,000+ square feet. Typical warehouse fumigation costs fall between $45,000 – $125,000. The greater the supply inventory and shelving units inside, the more complex the treatment process and the higher the price tag.

Grain Elevator or Silo Fumigation

These complex agricultural structures require extensive sealing techniques, specialized safety equipment, and large volumes of fumigant to permeate all internal cavities effectively. Expect pricing from $100,000 up to $500,000 per silo depending on capacity and construction.

What Impacts Residential Fumigation Cost?

For homes, the most important factors determining fumigation costs include:

Home Size

As mentioned above, price per square foot for residential fumigation starts around $2. A 2,500 square foot home would be around $5,000 while a larger 5,000 square foot luxury property could exceed $10,000.

Tenting Requirements

Simple one-story homes with easy access may only require basic ground sealing with tarps. Multi-level homes often need extensive roof and exterior sealing which is more labor-intensive.

Infestation Type and Severity

Handling a mild rodent problem will require much lower chemical concentrations than eliminating a major termite colony spread throughout the structure. Difficult pests like bed bugs may warrant follow-up treatments.

Additional Services

Providing structural repairs, installing preventative measures like termite bait systems, and removing clutter or contaminated materials after fumigation can all add costs.

To get an accurate estimate tailored to your specific home and situation, contact a qualified pest control professional for an inspection and consultation.

Cost to Fumigate for Specific Pests

Here are average fumigation costs to treat some common pest infestations:

Termites

• $2,000 – $5,000 for a single family home
• $750 – $2,000 for a condo or townhouse unit
• Higher pricing for extensive structural damage

Bed Bugs

• $2,000 – $4,000 for a home or apartment
• $500 – $1,000 per hotel room
• Often requires supplemental heat or chemical treatments

Wood Boring Beetles

• $1,500 – $3,000 for an affected home
• $5,000+ for large commercial infestations
• Added structural repairs may be recommended

Rodents

• $1,500 – $3,000 for a standard single family property
• $10,000+ for large warehouse or agricultural spaces

Cockroaches

• $1,000 – $2,500 for an apartment or home
• $10,000+ for a large commercial kitchen area

Stored Product Pests

• $15,000+ for grain elevator and food processing facilities
• Typically higher pricing than structural fumigation

Keep in mind that severe infestations, multi-unit structures, and supplementary services will increase costs in all situations.

Can Fumigation Be Financed?

Since fumigation is a significant, one-time cost for most homeowners and businesses, financing options are sometimes available, including:

• Credit cards – Some pest control companies accept credit card payments allowing you to pay over time. This incurs interest depending on your credit card terms.
• Payment plans – Many exterminators offer monthly payment plans at 0% interest for up to 12 months. Plans require a down payment such as 50% upfront with the balance divided over equal installments.
• Loans – You may qualify for a personal, home equity, or business loan with your bank at competitive interest rates. This provides a lump sum payment to the pest control provider.
• Homeowner’s insurance – In cases involving substantial termite damage, your insurance may cover a portion of fumigation costs, however, policies vary.
• Business expense – Commercial enterprises can usually expense fumigation as an operational cost or capital improvement for potential tax benefits.

Consult with your pest management professional and financial institution to see if any financing options make sense for your fumigation needs.

How to Reduce Fumigation Costs

While fumigation is the most thorough pest control method, there are some steps you can take to reduce costs:

Get Multiple Estimates

Don’t go with the first bid you receive. Contact 3-5 exterminators to compare rates and find the best value.

Hire a Local or Regional Company

Avoid overpaying for big national franchise markups and take advantage of lower overhead from local and regional pest control firms.

Bundle Services

Combining fumigation with preventative treatments like termite baiting at the same time may provide a discounted bundle price.

Schedule in the Off-Season

Pest control companies are less busy in colder months and may offer lower prices during their slower seasons.

Remove Excess Clutter

Decluttering before fumigation reduces obstacles for the pest control team, lowering labor time and cost.

Implement Preventative Pest Control

Take proactive measures so small issues don’t become major infestations that require expensive fumigation.

Safety Tips for Homeowners During Fumigation

If you choose fumigation to eliminate household pests, keep these precautions in mind for your safety:

• Evacuate yourself and all people and pets from the structure for the duration of the process, as directed by your pest control professional.
• Remove any perishable food items and plants that could be impacted by the gases used.
• Follow all instructions from the exterminator exactly, including where to place warning signs around the property.
• Do not enter the home until the area is certified aerated and given the all clear by the pest control team.
• Ventilate the property thoroughly by opening windows and doors for several hours after it is safe to re-enter.
• Wash all exposed surfaces and fabrics thoroughly as an added precaution after returning.

By selecting a reputable company and adhering to proper safety protocols, you can achieve great results from fumigation with peace of mind.

Frequently Asked Questions About Fumigation Costs

How much does it cost to fumigate a house for termites?

For a typical single family home, expect to pay $2,000 – $5,000 on average to fumigate for termites. Costs depend on the square footage, infestation extent, and any repairs needed.

Can I stay in my house during fumigation?

No, all occupants must fully vacate the structure during the fumigation process for safety. The chemicals used are extremely toxic to humans and animals when concentrated inside the sealed tent.

Is Vikane gas dangerous?

Vikane and other sulfuryl fluoride fumigants are highly poisonous in concentrated form but break down rapidly into non-toxic compounds once aerated. When applied properly by certified professionals, Vikane is considered safe and effective.

How long after fumigation can you return to your home?

You can usually return 12-48 hours after fumigation once the exterminator has aerated, tested, and cleared the area for re-entry. Follow their guidance exactly on when it’s safe to return.

Does homeowner’s insurance cover fumigation?

Policies vary, but in some cases insurance may partially reimburse fumigation costs resulting from substantial termite or pest damage. Check with your provider for coverage specifics.

Can I use bug bombs instead of fumigation?

No, total-release foggers contain pyrethrins or pyrethroids that only kill exposed insects and do not penetrate walls, floors, and furniture like fumigants. Foggers cannot replace whole-structure fumigation.

How long does the fumigation process take?

The sealing process takes about a day, fumigant exposure lasts 8-72 hours depending on the pest, then aeration takes another full day before the space is safe for re-entry. So expect 2-5 days total.

The Bottom Line

While fumigation costs can seem daunting, this intensive treatment is often the only way to fully eliminate severe infestations from an entire property. Typical costs range from $2 – $4 per square foot for homes and $0.75 – $1.50 per square foot for commercial spaces.

Get multiple quotes from reputable pest control companies to find the best rate for your specific needs. And be diligent with follow-up preventative care after fumigating so the investment provides long-term pest protection. With proper safety precautions for inhabitants, fumigation lets you reclaim your space from invasive infestations.

Conclusion

Fumigation can provide definitive results against pest infestations when performed correctly, but does come at a significant cost. Prices largely depend on the size of the space, the types of pests, and the extent of the problem. For a general idea, expect to invest around $2,000 – $5,000 for a residential home fumigation job. Commercial buildings range widely based on their purpose and contents. Carefully vet any pest control companies and get multiple quotes before proceeding. Follow all safety precautions during the process. With some strategic preparation and budgeting, fumigation can offer a potent pest control solution when you need it.