Which pests does fumigation treat?

Chemical fumigation treats termites in timber, severe cockroach and rodent infestations, stored product pests including grain beetles and weevils, and timber-borne insects including borers and beetles. Heat treatment is most effective for bed bugs, booklice, and certain stored product pests. Standard surface spray is more appropriate for most residential pest situations.

Chemical & Heat Treatment · Whole-House Available

Fumigation Services Brisbane

Q: How much does fumigation cost in Brisbane?

Targeted room fumigation in Brisbane starts from $480. Whole-house chemical fumigation costs $1,400-$3,800 depending on property size and pest type. Heat treatment for bed bugs costs $600-$1,800 per room or $2,200-$5,500 for a whole property. All prices include a post-treatment inspection and written report.

Q: Do I need to leave my house during fumigation?

Yes. All occupants including pets must vacate the property during fumigation. For chemical fumigation the property must be vacated for a minimum of 8-12 hours. For heat treatment the property must be vacated for the duration of the treatment, typically 6-8 hours. Re-entry is confirmed only after post-treatment testing confirms safe levels.

Q: What is the difference between chemical fumigation and heat treatment?

Chemical fumigation uses registered gaseous fumigants applied in a sealed environment. It is effective for a broad range of pests including termites, stored product pests, and severe infestations. Heat treatment raises the temperature of the entire space to 55-60 degrees Celsius for several hours, killing all life stages of heat-sensitive pests like bed bugs without chemicals. Heat treatment is preferred for bed bugs because it penetrates mattresses, furniture voids, and wall cavities that chemical spray cannot reach.

Q: Is the property safe to re-enter after fumigation?

Yes, once cleared. For chemical fumigation, re-entry is permitted only after the fumigant concentration has been tested and confirmed below safe exposure limits. We conduct post-treatment air testing before issuing a re-entry clearance. For heat treatment, the property can be re-entered once it has cooled to safe ambient temperatures, typically within 1-2 hours of treatment completion.

Q: Are pets safe after fumigation?

Pets must be removed from the property before fumigation begins and must not re-enter until the property has been cleared. For chemical fumigation this means after post-treatment testing confirms safe levels. Fish tanks must be removed or sealed before chemical fumigation as fumigants can penetrate tank water. For heat treatment, pets can return as soon as the property has cooled.

Chemical fumigation for severe infestations, termite-infected timber, and stored product pests. Heat treatment for complete bed bug eradication without chemicals. Targeted room treatments from $480. Whole-house from $1,400.

Get a Quote 0406 178 471

At a Glance

Targeted room treatmentfrom $480

Whole-house chemical$1,400–$3,800

Heat treatment (bed bugs)from $600/room

Vacate requiredYes, 8–12 hrs

Post-treatment inspectionIncluded

When Fumigation Is the Right Choice

Standard surface spray is appropriate for most residential and commercial pest situations. Fumigation is warranted when pests are inaccessible to surface treatment, when an infestation is severe and widespread, or when complete eradication with a single treatment is required.

Termites in structural timber

Fumigation of termite-infested structural timber where the infestation cannot be reached by injection or baiting systems. Particularly relevant for roof timbers with large active colonies.

Bed bug eradication

Heat treatment is the most effective method for complete bed bug eradication. At 55-60°C all life stages including eggs are killed. More reliable than chemical treatment in heavily infested properties. See our bed bug page.

Stored product pests

Grain beetles, flour weevils, Indian meal moths, and other stored product pests infesting a pantry, dry store, or food storage facility. Fumigation clears all infested stock and containers in a single treatment.

Severe cockroach infestations

Properties with an established cockroach infestation spread through wall voids, ceiling spaces, and subfloor areas that cannot be reached effectively with surface gel or spray treatment.

Treatment Methods

Chemical Fumigation vs Heat Treatment

We use two fumigation methods depending on the pest and property. The right choice depends on what needs to be treated, whether chemicals can be used in the space, and the property type.

Chemical Fumigation

Sealed environment gas treatment

A registered gaseous fumigant is applied in a sealed environment. The gas penetrates all areas of the structure including wall voids, subfloor, and roof space. Effective for a broad range of pests. The property must be sealed and all occupants including pets must vacate. Post-treatment air testing is required before re-entry.

Target pests:Termites, cockroaches, stored product pests, borers

Duration:8–24 hours depending on property size

Vacate:8–12 hours minimum + re-entry test

Fish tanks:Must be removed or sealed

Heat Treatment

55–60°C for 6–8 hours

Specialised heaters raise the entire treated space to 55-60°C and maintain that temperature for 6-8 hours. At this temperature all life stages of heat-sensitive pests including eggs are killed. No chemical residue left in the property. Preferred method for bed bug eradication because heat penetrates mattresses, furniture voids, and wall cavities that chemical spray cannot reach.

Target pests:Bed bugs, booklice, some stored product pests

Temperature:55–60°C maintained throughout

Duration:6–8 hours

Chemical residue:None

Process & Timeline

Fumigation Process and Timeline

Every fumigation job follows the same four-stage process regardless of the method used. The timeline varies by method and property size but the steps are consistent.

Stage 1

Site Inspection

Pre-treatment inspection to assess extent of infestation, identify pest species, confirm the property can be sealed for treatment, and prepare the written treatment plan.

Stage 2

Preparation & Sealing

Property is prepared according to the pre-treatment checklist. All occupants and pets vacate. The structure is sealed. Sensitive items are removed or protected per the preparation guide.

Stage 3

Treatment

Fumigant is applied or heat is ramped up to target temperature. Treatment period is monitored throughout. For heat treatment, temperature probes confirm target temperature is reached in all zones.

Stage 4

Clearance & Report

Post-treatment testing confirms safe re-entry levels (chemical) or safe temperatures (heat). Written clearance report issued. Re-entry confirmed by the technician before occupants return.

What to Do Before Fumigation

Preparation Checklist

Incomplete preparation is the most common reason fumigation produces poor results or requires a repeat treatment. We provide a written preparation checklist when you book. Here is a summary of what must be done.

Must Be Done Before Treatment

All people and pets vacate the property

Fish tanks removed or fully sealed with tape

Open food moved to sealed containers or removed

Houseplants removed from the treatment area

Heat-sensitive items flagged to technician (for heat treatment)

Gas appliance pilot lights extinguished

Items Sensitive to Heat Treatment

Aerosol cans and pressurised containers

Vinyl records, CDs, and optical media

Wax candles, crayon collections, wax art

Chocolate and heat-sensitive food items

Musical instruments (particular wooden instruments)

Fine art with heat-sensitive media or adhesives

Pricing

Fumigation Pricing Brisbane

All prices include a pre-treatment inspection, the treatment itself, post-treatment testing, and a written clearance report. Prices depend on property size, pest type, and method required. A site inspection is required before a firm quote can be issued for whole-house fumigation.

Targeted Room (Chemical)

from $480

Single room or defined area. Stored product, severe cockroach, or borer infestation. Post-treatment report included.

Heat Treatment (Bed Bugs)

from $600/room

Per-room heat treatment. Whole-property heat treatment from $2,200. Clearance inspection and report included.

Whole-House Fumigation

$1,400–$3,800

Full structural chemical fumigation. Site inspection required for firm quote. All stages included.

FAQ

Fumigation FAQ

How much does fumigation cost in Brisbane?

Targeted room chemical fumigation starts from $480. Whole-house chemical fumigation costs $1,400-$3,800 depending on property size and pest type. Heat treatment for bed bugs starts from $600 per room or $2,200-$5,500 for a whole property. All prices include pre-treatment inspection, the treatment, post-treatment testing, and a written clearance report. Request a free quote or call 0406 178 471.

Do I need to leave my house during fumigation?

Yes. All occupants including pets must vacate the property before fumigation begins. For chemical fumigation the minimum vacate period is 8-12 hours, plus additional time until post-treatment air testing confirms safe re-entry levels. For heat treatment, occupants can return once the property has cooled to safe ambient temperatures, typically 1-2 hours after treatment ends. Re-entry is confirmed by the technician.

How long does fumigation take?

Targeted room chemical fumigation takes 2-4 hours. Whole-house chemical fumigation takes 8-24 hours depending on the fumigant and property size. Heat treatment takes 6-8 hours to reach and maintain 55-60 degrees Celsius throughout the treated space. The full process including preparation, treatment, and clearance testing typically takes one full day.

What is the difference between chemical fumigation and heat treatment?

Chemical fumigation uses registered gaseous fumigants in a sealed environment, effective against a wide range of pests including termites and stored product pests. Heat treatment raises the space to 55-60 degrees Celsius for 6-8 hours, killing all life stages of heat-sensitive pests like bed bugs without any chemical residue. Heat treatment is preferred for bed bugs because it penetrates mattresses, furniture voids, and wall cavities that chemical spray cannot reach. See our bed bug page for more detail.

Is the property safe to re-enter after fumigation?

Yes, once cleared. For chemical fumigation, re-entry is only permitted after post-treatment air testing confirms fumigant concentration is below safe exposure limits. We conduct this testing before issuing re-entry clearance. For heat treatment, the property can be re-entered once it has cooled, typically 1-2 hours after treatment completion. The technician confirms re-entry in writing.

Can apartments be fumigated?

Chemical fumigation of apartments is complex because the building must be sealed and neighbouring units can be affected by fumigant drift. Individual apartment heat treatment is simpler as it does not involve gas. Body corporate and building management approval is required before any fumigation of an apartment or strata property. Call 0406 178 471 to discuss the options for your specific situation.

Are pets safe after fumigation?

Pets must vacate before fumigation begins and must not return until re-entry is confirmed. For chemical fumigation this means after post-treatment air testing. Fish tanks must be removed or fully sealed before chemical fumigation as fumigants can penetrate tank water. For heat treatment, pets can return once the property has cooled to safe temperatures.

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Chemical & Heat Treatment · Brisbane · Post-Treatment Clearance Included

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