When drywood termites have spread throughout your home, tent fumigation is the most complete solution available. It reaches every hidden gallery in your walls, attic framing, and structural wood in a single treatment - areas that foam, borate, and spot treatments simply cannot access.
What is tent fumigation?
Tent fumigation — also called structural fumigation — involves sealing your entire home under a tent and introducing a penetrating fumigant gas throughout the structure. The gas reaches drywood termites at every stage of their life cycle — eggs, larvae, and adults — including colonies deep inside beams, wall voids, and roof decking that no other method can reach. After the treatment period, the tent is removed, the structure is fully aerated, and clearance testing is performed before you return home. The fumigant leaves no residue on surfaces, furniture, or belongings.
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Signs that tent fumigation may be the right solution
During inspections, we look for evidence that activity has spread beyond what localized treatment can address. Signs that often lead us to recommend fumigation include:
Drywood termite frass in multiple rooms:
Small, hard pellets that look like sand or fine dirt on windowsills, baseboards, cabinets, or door frames. If we are seeing this in several locations, the infestation has likely spread.
Kick-out holes in multiple areas:
Tiny pinholes in hardwood trim, door frames, or furniture where termites push out frass.
Hollow or blistered wood:
Wood that sounds hollow when tapped or surfaces that look similar to water damage without a moisture source.
Wings on sills or countertops:
Discarded wings after a termite swarm indicate reproductive termites establishing new colonies.
A faint clicking sound inside wood:
An indicator of active termite movement within the wood.
Prior spot treatments that did not hold:
If localized treatment was performed but activity has returned or continued, fumigation is likely the stronger option.
Termite species we treat
South Florida is home to several termite species, and knowing which one you have determines the right treatment approach.
- Drywood termites live inside the wood they eat - roof decking, attic framing, door and window frames, and furniture. They do not need soil contact, which makes them harder to detect and harder to reach. Tent fumigation is the most effective solution when drywood termite activity has spread through multiple areas of the structure.
- Subterranean termites live in the soil and enter structures through mud tubes along the foundation, interior walls, and concrete. They respond best to bait stations and liquid trench treatments around the perimeter - not fumigation.
- Formosan subterranean termites are an invasive species common on the Treasure Coast and throughout South Florida. They are more aggressive than native subterranean termites and require the same soil-based treatment approach - bait stations and trenching.
How the fumigation process works
Step 1. Measurement and planning
Fumigation cost and gas volume are calculated based on the cubic footage of the structure - not square footage. Our inspector measures the roof pitch and checks for crawl spaces or other voids, as these areas require more gas and factor into the quote. You will receive a clear, itemized estimate before anything is scheduled.
Step 2. Preparation guidance
We walk you through exactly what to remove, what to bag, and how long you will be out of the home. You will receive a complete preparation checklist covering food, medications, plants, and pets so nothing is overlooked and there are no surprises on treatment day.
Step 3. Tent installation and treatment
On treatment day, the structure is fully sealed with a fumigation tent and the gas fumigant is introduced. It penetrates all infested wood, including deep inside beams, wall voids, and attic framing where foam and sprays cannot reach, and eliminates drywood termites at all life stages.
Step 4. Aeration and clearance
After the treatment period, the tent is removed and the structure is ventilated. The fumigant fully dissipates and leaves no residue on surfaces or belongings. A licensed technician performs clearance testing to confirm the structure is safe to re-enter. Most homeowners are out of their home for two to three nights.
Step 5: Follow-up and long-term protection
Tent fumigation eliminates the existing drywood termite infestation completely. It does not provide ongoing protection against future termite pressure. Homeowners can enroll in a termite warranty plan with annual inspections, and if termites return while under warranty, treatment will be covered.
When is tent fumigation recommended?
Fumigation is the right call when:
- The infestation is widespread - drywood termites have spread to multiple rooms or structural areas
- Previous spot treatments have not stopped the activity
- Colonies are located in inaccessible areas such as inside walls, attic framing, or roof decking
- If you are buying or selling a home and a WDO inspection report indicates drywood termite activity, fumigation may be recommended before the transaction is completed.
- Multiple active colonies are present throughout the structure
What is included
Every tent fumigation from Wise House includes a warranty. If activity returns, we will address it. Warranty details, renewal options, and any exclusions will be clearly explained before work begins. We do not believe in surprises after the fact. Please note that if fumigation is selected, Wise House uses a licensed fumigation subcontractor to complete the work. All coordination is handled through us.
How much does tent fumigation cost in South Florida?
Fumigation is priced based on the cubic footage of your home (not square footage) because gas volume is determined by the size of the space being treated, including roof pitch and any voids. Homes with steeper roofs or crawl spaces require more gas and will be priced accordingly. The most accurate way to get a number is through a free inspection. We will measure your home, assess the scope of activity, and give you a clear quote with no pressure.
Tent fumigation vs. no-tent treatment
| No-Tent Treatment | Tent Fumigation | |
|---|---|---|
| Best For | Localized infestations | Widespread / whole-home infestations |
| Need to Leave Home? | ✓ No | ✗ Yes (typically 2–3 nights) |
| Treatment Time | Single visit | 1–3 days |
| Targets | Drywood termites | Drywood termites |
| Reaches Hidden Areas? | Accessible areas treated only | ✓ Entire structure |
| Ideal Situation | Early detection, condos, can't vacate | Severe infestations, real estate transactions |
Why Choose Wise House Pest Control?
When you choose us, you’re choosing a team that genuinely cares about your peace of mind and the well-being of your home. Call us today at 561-727-8239 to experience the difference of working with a family-owned pest control company in South Florida.
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We provide tent fumigation services throughout South Florida including Palm Beach County, Martin County, and Port St. Lucie County — including West Palm Beach, Boca Raton, Boynton Beach, Delray Beach, Lake Worth, Jupiter, Wellington, Palm Beach Gardens, Port St. Lucie, and Stuart.
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Termite Control Services FAQ
How long do I have to be out of my home during fumigation?
Is tent fumigation safe for my family and pets?
Do I need to bag all my food before fumigation?
Will fumigation damage my belongings or leave residue?
Does tent fumigation prevent termites from coming back?
Do I need a termite letter for a real estate transaction?
Can I fumigate just part of my home or one room?
How do I know fumigation actually worked?
Is Your Home at Risk? Check the Termite Activity Near You
Search your address on the map below to see confirmed termite infestations in your neighborhood. If activity has been spotted nearby, your home could be next – don’t wait until it’s too late.