How Much Does It Cost to Tent a House? 2026 Fumigation Guide
Last updated: March 5, 2026
Tenting a house (fumigation) costs $1,200 to $5,000, with the average homeowner paying about $2,500. The cost depends primarily on home size, with pricing generally running $4 to $8 per square foot. Tenting is most commonly used for drywood termites and is standard practice in Florida, California, and Gulf Coast states where drywood species are prevalent.
This guide covers what house tenting costs, what the process involves, how to prepare, and when alternatives might be a better option. For a broader look at fumigation, see our fumigation cost guide. For all termite treatment options, see our termite treatment cost guide.
Tenting Cost by Home Size
| Home Size | Tenting Cost | Cost Per Sq Ft |
|---|---|---|
| Under 1,000 sq ft | $1,200 – $1,800 | $4 – $8 |
| 1,000 – 1,500 sq ft | $1,500 – $2,200 | $4 – $7 |
| 1,500 – 2,000 sq ft | $2,000 – $3,000 | $4 – $6 |
| 2,000 – 2,500 sq ft | $2,500 – $3,500 | $4 – $6 |
| 2,500 – 3,000 sq ft | $3,000 – $4,500 | $4 – $6 |
| Over 3,000 sq ft | $3,500 – $5,000+ | $4 – $5 |
The per-square-foot cost decreases slightly for larger homes because the fixed costs (labor, equipment, tent material) are spread over more area. Multi-story homes may cost slightly more than single-story homes of the same square footage due to the additional tent material needed.
Additional Costs to Budget For
Beyond the fumigation itself, budget for these related expenses:
| Expense | Typical Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Hotel stay (2-3 nights) | $150 – $400 | Required for all occupants |
| Pet boarding | $30 – $75/night | Per pet if not staying at hotel |
| Food replacement | $50 – $200 | Items that cannot be bagged |
| Plant care/storage | $0 – $50 | All plants must be removed |
| Termite repair | $500 – $5,000+ | Structural damage repair if needed |
How House Tenting Works
The tenting process follows a specific sequence:
Before Tenting (Your Preparation)
- Remove all food, medicine, pet food, and consumable items (or double-bag in Nylofume bags provided by the company)
- Remove all people, pets, and plants from the home
- Trim vegetation away from the house so the tent can seal to the ground
- Open all interior doors, drawers, and cabinets so gas can circulate
- Arrange alternative lodging for 2 to 3 nights
- Turn off gas appliances and pilot lights
Day 1: Setup
The fumigation crew covers the entire home with a sealed tent (tarps). Warning signs are posted, and the home is secured. Vikane (sulfuryl fluoride) gas is released inside the tent. The gas penetrates all wood in the structure, reaching termites in walls, attics, and areas that no other treatment can access.
Day 2: Fumigation
The home remains sealed for 24 to 48 hours while the gas reaches lethal concentration throughout the structure. The duration depends on the target pest, home size, and temperature.
Day 3: Aeration and Clearance
The tent is removed and fans are used to ventilate the home. A certified technician uses gas detection equipment to verify the home has reached safe levels before clearing it for re-entry. You will receive a written clearance before returning.
When Tenting Is Necessary
Tenting is the only treatment method that guarantees complete elimination of drywood termites throughout an entire structure. It is necessary when:
- Drywood termites are present. Drywood termites live entirely inside wood with no ground contact, so liquid soil barriers do not affect them. Only fumigation gas can reach every piece of infested wood throughout the home.
- Multiple infestation sites. If drywood termites are found in more than one area of the home, spot treatment becomes impractical because additional hidden infestations are likely.
- Inaccessible infestations. Termites inside wall framing, roof trusses, and other enclosed areas cannot be reached by spot treatment, heat treatment, or liquid injection.
- Real estate transactions. A WDO inspection revealing active drywood termites often leads to tenting before the sale can close, as it provides documented whole-structure treatment.
Alternatives to Tenting
Tenting is not always necessary. For smaller or more localized infestations, these alternatives may be appropriate:
| Alternative | Cost | Best For | Limitation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spot treatment | $200 – $600 | Single, accessible infestation | Cannot reach hidden colonies |
| Heat treatment | $1,200 – $2,500 | Accessible rooms or sections | Cannot treat entire structure at once |
| Orange oil injection | $300 – $1,000 | Accessible drywood infestations | Requires drilling into wood, limited reach |
| Borate wood treatment | $1 – $3/sq ft | Preventive treatment of exposed wood | Preventive only, will not kill existing colonies |
The key question is whether the infestation is truly localized or if there are hidden colonies elsewhere in the structure. A thorough inspection by a licensed professional can help determine whether tenting or a less invasive alternative is appropriate.
Where Tenting Is Most Common
House tenting is primarily a regional service, concentrated in states where drywood termites are prevalent:
- Florida. The most common state for tenting. Both drywood and Formosan termites are active throughout the state, and many homes are fumigated multiple times over their lifetime.
- Southern California. Drywood termites are common in coastal and inland areas. San Diego, Los Angeles, and Orange County are high-demand markets for fumigation.
- Gulf Coast states. Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama have drywood termite populations that sometimes require tenting.
- Hawaii. Drywood and Formosan termites are both significant problems, and tenting is common.
In states where only subterranean termites are present (most of the Midwest, Northeast, and Mountain West), tenting is rarely needed. Subterranean termites are treated with liquid barriers and bait stations applied to the soil. For more on termite treatment methods, see how to get rid of termites.
What Affects House Tenting Cost
- Home size. The biggest factor. More square footage means more tent material, more gas, and longer treatment time.
- Number of stories. Multi-story homes require more tent material and rigging, increasing labor costs.
- Roof complexity. Complex roof lines with multiple peaks and valleys are harder to tent than simple gable or hip roofs.
- Landscaping proximity. Heavy landscaping against the home may need trimming before the tent can seal properly.
- Location. Fumigation costs are highest in South Florida and Southern California where demand is greatest.
For overall pest control pricing, see our pest control cost guide.
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