The cost of termite tenting in Florida for a typical 1,800–2,400 sq ft single-family home in Polk County runs $1,800 to $3,600, with larger and multi-story homes scaling up by cubic footage. Tenting cost is driven by the cubic footage of the structure, the target gas concentration (which is set by the species and the type of wood being penetrated), and the level of preparation work needed to seal the structure. Call the number below to be connected with an FDACS-licensed Category 8E fumigator serving your Polk County address.
What drives Florida tenting cost
- Cubic footage of the structure — the dominant cost driver. Two-story homes and homes with vaulted ceilings cost meaningfully more than single-story with 8' ceilings.
- Sulfuryl fluoride dose rate — determined by the species (drywood termite vs. powderpost beetle), the wood thickness, and the target half-life inside the wood.
- Tarp size and complexity — complex rooflines, attached carports, lanais, and pool screen enclosures complicate the seal.
- Prep work — gas shutoff coordination, exclusion of food and medications, pet and plant relocation. Most operators include this in the quoted price but a few quote it separately.
- Aeration and clearance testing — standard on every job; included in pricing.
Polk County tenting cost by home size
| Home size | Typical Polk County tenting cost |
|---|---|
| Up to 1,500 sq ft single-story | $1,200 – $2,200 |
| 1,500–2,400 sq ft single-story | $1,800 – $3,200 |
| 2,400–3,500 sq ft single-story | $2,800 – $4,800 |
| Two-story 2,000–3,000 sq ft | $2,800 – $5,500 |
| Larger / complex (3,500+ or two-story 3,000+) | $4,500 – $8,500+ |
| Furniture-only fumigation chamber | $250 – $600 per item set |
What's included vs. extra in a tenting quote
Standard inclusions: tarp installation, sulfuryl fluoride (Vikane), monitoring with Fumiscope, aeration, clearance testing, and FDACS Notice of Treatment filing. Standard exclusions: structural repair of damaged wood, post-fumigation cleanup of moved furniture, lodging during the 48–72 hour vacate window. Some operators charge extra for landscaping protection or for tarp damage caused by site conditions outside their control.
Related Lakeland Exterminators pages
- Drywood Termite Tenting in Lakeland — service page
- Drywood Termite Treatment in Lakeland — species coverage
- Termite Treatment Complete Guide — pillar
Frequently asked questions
Why is two-story tenting so much more expensive?
Cubic footage roughly doubles vs. a single-story of the same square footage, and tarp size and seal complexity also increase. Crew time on the prep day is 30 to 60 percent longer.
Is tenting cheaper in Polk County vs. South Florida?
Slightly. Polk County typically runs 5 to 15 percent under Miami-Dade and Broward County pricing because of crew labor cost and the logistics of getting equipment to coastal job sites.
Does the tenting price include the bond?
Sometimes. Some Polk County operators include a 12-month re-treat warranty in the tenting price; others quote it as an optional rider. Confirm before signing.
Can I get tenting cost itemized?
Yes. Reputable operators will itemize gas cost, tarp/labor, prep, aeration, and bond. Comparing apples-to-apples requires this breakdown.
How do I find a Polk County fumigator?
Call the number on this page. Operators routed through this line are FDACS-licensed in Category 8E.
Call (XXX) XXX-XXXX — routed to FDACS-licensed pest control operators serving Polk County, FL.