If you need to get rid of bugs and pests making your home unsafe, it's time to decide if fumigation is necessary. Learn more about average fumigation costs.
How Does Fumigation Work? What to Expect If You Need Heavy-Duty Extermination
Say “bye-bye” to your bug problem
Get quotes from pest control specialists near you
No obligation · 100% free
Get quotes from pest control specialists near you
No obligation · 100% free
Need Help With a Project? Connect With a Pro
Fumigation duration depends on your home size, but the application process takes about six hours, and you'll need to stay away for 24 to 48 hours while the gas settles and dissipates.
Expect to pay $5 to $20 per square foot for fumigation, or $1,200 to $2,500 for an average home, so budgeting ahead helps you plan for this investment.
Before fumigation, you'll need to open all interior doors and cupboards, remove pets and plants, seal food and medications in specialty bags, and arrange temporary housing for your family.
Hiring a local exterminating professional provides safe handling of dangerous fumigants and access to stronger materials that eliminate severe pest infestations like termites and bed bugs effectively.
Get quotes from up to 3 pros!
Enter a zip below and get matched to top-rated pros near you.
Fumigation is an inconvenient process, but it’s less inconvenient than paying thousands of dollars to repair damage caused by harmful pests, like termites and bed bugs. Although you’ll have to find somewhere else to stay for a few nights, this pest-killing method is more efficient and effective than other solutions. However, it’s important to know what the process involves before you agree to it. Learn how fumigation works so that you know exactly what you’re getting into.
What Is Fumigation?
Fumigation is the process of eliminating pests, such as termites, via tenting the home and exposing the pests to fumigants. Fumigation makes the most sense for more severe cases where heat treatment or other pesticides aren’t possible. This happens when the pest problem becomes widespread, making it difficult to locate the source of the problem.
How Do I Prep My Home for Fumigation?
The gas used to kill the pests in your home can be dangerous to pets and humans, so you’ll need to leave your home for at least 48 hours (sometimes longer). Before you go, there are a few things you should do first:
Open Doors and Cupboards
Make sure to leave all of the doors to your rooms, closets, and bathrooms open. During fumigation, the open doors will allow the gas to travel between rooms and kill the termites wherever they are.
Remove All Pets
Be sure to remove all pets, plants, and people from your home, and that includes your fish! Fumigation is an invasive process, so you’ll need to plan to make sure you and your furry family members have a place to go.
Seal All Consumable Products in Bags
Your fumigation specialist should provide specialty bags to protect all consumables against the poisonous gas. Be sure to bag all food, medications, pet food, tobacco, and toothpaste; you don’t need to seal unopened canned or jarred food.
Prep the Outside of Your Home
The fumigation specialist will put a tent over your home. You should plan to rake gravel or mulch at least a foot away from your house’s foundation before they arrive. If you have plants or bushes next to the house, talk to a professional to decide what to remove.
Shut Off Gas Service and Handle Mail
You may need to shut off gas services to your home for a few days. Your utility company can help you plan when to shut off the service and when to resume it. Make sure you don’t have any package deliveries scheduled for the time you’ll be away. You may even want to ask the postal service to hold your mail for a few days.
What Happens During Fumigation?
Photo: bonandbon / Adobe Stock
First, the extermination company will give you instructions for handling your pets, family, plants, and food. Before gassing out the pests, the pest control company will put a large tent over your home. This tent helps contain the gasses used to kill the bugs.
A fumigant, or gas used to kill pests, is released all throughout your home. After a day has passed, a pro will return to begin aerating your home, allowing the gas to leave your home slowly on its own. Usually after a full day or two of aeration, the fumigation crew will return to remove the tent from your home and test the air to make sure it’s suitable for you to move back in.
How Long Does Fumigation Take?
The application process takes about six hours, depending on the size of your home. It takes another 24 to 48 hours for the poison to settle and dissipate so that you can return safely. Plan an extra day for preparing your home and returning things to normal once the fumigation is complete.
What to Expect After a Fumigation
Once the fumigation process wraps up, the pest control specialist will air out your home, remove the tent, and clean up any materials left behind. You should have your gas turned back on once you’re ready to move back in. Some people feel more comfortable doing a deep clean afterward, though it’s unnecessary.
Fumigation is an effective way to get rid of current infestations. However, fumigation does not prevent pests from reentering the home. You’ll need to take preventative measures to ensure your home stays safe from future infestations.
For certain pests, try standard exterminations before resorting to fumigation to save on costs. Fumigation typically costs $5 to $20 per square foot, or about $1,200 to $2,500 for an average-sized home. On the other hand, a simple cockroach extermination costs between $300 and $700 and is similarly effective.
DIY vs. Hiring a Pro
It’s easier and safer to hire a local pest control company to complete any fumigation work. Professional companies have access to stronger fumigation materials than what’s available commercially. Plus, the pros know how to handle these dangerous chemicals safely. Making a mistake with fumigants could lead to you or your pets getting dangerously sick.
Additionally, tenting your home on your own is difficult and expensive. The complex labor required is enough to deter most avid DIYers away from the project if the risk of fumigant illness isn’t enough already.
Angela Brown contributed to this piece.
Frequently Asked Questions
Pest control services reviews from real Angi homeowners in Columbus, OH
4.7★ avg. • 35 total reviews
- Norman M.
A reliable team for moves across state. My switch to a new place needed careful lifting through tight hallways. The movers checked the doorway first, then carried heavier pieces with slow, controlled movements. Their patience helped prevent damage, and I?d choose them again.
- Jena P.
This company does it right. Firstly, I want to say that Landan was a joy to work with. He was so kind, transparent, and had everything under control. His entire team showed up ready to work and they were all very respectful of the fact that we were in an office space. A little backstory – we...
Krumlauf Floors - Alexis P.
I had FabClean 614 clean my apartment, and she did an outstanding job. She was so professional and efficient. My apartment looks absolutely spotless every surface, every corner, all cleaned to perfection. Definitely highly recommend FabClean 614 if you're looking for top-notch cleaning...
Fab Clean 614 - John A.
Raven and crew does absolutely fantastic job. They are very professional if any concerns were to occur with any of her work she always took responsibility and finished out with a great job. I have worked with her business for a year and have always been satisfied. Very trusted business and...
Creations of Transformation LLC - Austin Y.
I would recommend this company to anyone! He showed up on time, was friendly, completed a very difficult repair on our dryer vent cover, was responsive, and pricing was extremely fair and competitive. I would have him back to do any of our repairs or cleanings without hesitation!
U.S.A. Dryer Vent, LLC - Doug C.
Best cleaning I've had at my property
- Justin W.
Ace Fireplace Services' chimney sweep service is truly exceptional. They used advanced technology to ensure a thorough cleaning process, and my chimney has never looked better. I highly recommend their services.
Ace Fireplace Services - Bobby G.
This company went above and beyond with their work, chimney sweeps are usually pretty messy, but the clean up was spot on.!! Josh explained every thing that he was doing, and the things that he was checking to make sure the chimney was safe for me and my family. He was very professional,...
Supreme brick & chimney - Fransisco C.
Good workers and they do a good job.
Mira Construction - Kellie G.
Mary Cleaning Service is amazing! The entire staff is very professional and they pay a great deal of attention to detail. I would definitely recommend!
The homeowners guide to pest control services
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
Are you struggling with a pest problem? DIY pest control can be effective without being expensive. Here’s how much it’ll cost to bug bomb your house.
When the furnace stops working, it helps to know how it’s supposed to work to nail down the issue. So how does a furnace work? Find out with this guide.
A plumbing stack is an integral part of your drain-waste-vent system and includes three major components. A failed plumbing stack can lead to more damage.
HVAC dampers are crucial for maintaining comfortable and consistent temperatures in zoned systems. Learn what a damper is and how it works in this guide.
Different types of duct joints are used in different scenarios—but all keep your ductwork operating smoothly. Here are eight types of duct joints to know.