Termite Fumigation Cost Estimator

1. Enter the structure's square footage. This is the primary cost driver. Larger structures need more tarps, more fumigant, and more labor to seal properly.

2. Select the structure and pest type. Flat roofs and tile roofs are harder to tarp than peaked roofs. Different pests require different fumigant dosages -- bed bugs and powderpost beetles need higher concentrations than drywood termites.

3. Set the story count and tarping difficulty. Multi-story structures need significantly more tarping material and labor. Tight lots with close landscaping or shared walls add time and complexity to the tarp-and-seal process.

4. Check the fumigant volume and duration. The estimated volume helps you plan your fumigant order. Duration tells the customer how long they need to be out of the structure.

Cubic footage and fumigant volume. Fumigant dosage is based on cubic footage, not square footage. A 2,000 sq ft single-story home has roughly 18,000 cubic feet of volume. A two-story home of the same footprint has 36,000 cubic feet and needs roughly double the fumigant. This is the single biggest variable in fumigation pricing.

Tarping complexity. A simple peaked-roof single-story with clear access around all four sides is the easiest and cheapest to tarp. Complex roof lines, tile roofs (which can break under tarp weight), and structures with close neighbors or dense landscaping all add labor hours. Flat commercial roofs may need sand snakes or water seals instead of standard ground seals.

Target pest and dosage. Drywood termites are the most common fumigation target and require a standard dosage. Bed bugs require higher concentrations and longer exposure times, increasing both fumigant cost and the number of days the structure must remain sealed. Powderpost beetles in hardwood require the highest dosages.

Seal quality and temperature. Cooler temperatures slow fumigant penetration and may require higher dosages or longer hold times. Poor seal quality (gaps under tarps, unsealed openings) wastes fumigant and can result in a failed treatment. Investing in proper sealing upfront saves money on re-treats.

Pre-inspection quoting. Before you drive to the property, use this estimator to give the homeowner a ballpark range over the phone. This sets expectations and qualifies the lead. If the estimate is $3,000 and they say "I was hoping for $500," you know to redirect the conversation before investing inspection time.

On-site with the customer. Pull up the estimator on your tablet during the inspection walkthrough. Show the homeowner how structure size, pest type, and complexity affect the price. Transparency builds trust and makes the customer more comfortable with your final quote.

Training new estimators. If you are growing your team, this tool helps new inspectors understand the cost variables before they start quoting independently. They can run scenarios to build intuition for how different factors affect pricing.