One question many homeowners ask is, "Will my homeowner's insurance cover pest damage?" The answer is not always straightforward. In this blog, we will discuss the different types of pest damage, and what homeowners insurance typically covers.
Types of Pest Damage
Just as there are plenty of different types of pests that can damage your home, pest damage can come in many forms. Having a good idea of what to look for may not only help you prevent issues from getting worse but also give you and your pest control contractor an idea of where to start when dealing with pests.
The main types of pest damage include:
- Structural Damage: Some pests, like termites, can cause structural damage to your home. They can weaken the foundation, walls, and roof, leading to costly repairs.
- Damage to Personal Property: Pests like rodents, ants, and cockroaches can damage your personal property, including clothing, furniture, and electronics.
- Health Hazards: Some pests, such as bed bugs and mosquitoes, can pose health hazards to you and your family. They can cause allergies, asthma, and even transmit diseases.
Armed with the knowledge of different types of pests and the damage that they can inflict on your home is a good start when working with your insurance company to figure out whether or not they will cover the damage.
What Homeowners Insurance Typically Covers
Speaking of working with your insurance company, homeowners insurance policies typically cover damage caused by unexpected events, such as a fire, storm, or theft. However, when it comes to pest damage, it is not always clear-cut.
More often than not, homeowners insurance policies do not cover damage caused by pests like termites, rodents, or carpenter ants. These types of infestations are considered preventable and are the homeowner's responsibility to maintain and repair.
In some cases, homeowners insurance may cover damage to personal property caused by pests. However, it will depend on the specific policy and the cause of the infestation. For example, if your home is infested with bed bugs, your policy may cover the cost of replacing your mattress and bedding. Still, it may not cover the cost of extermination services.
Pest-related health risks are typically not covered by homeowner's insurance. You will be required to foot the bill for medical care if a pest infestation makes you or a member of your family ill. All of this goes to show how important it is to put together a pest prevention plan with your pest control contractor.
What Homeowners Can Do to Protect Themselves
While the best way to avoid pest damage is to prevent infestations from occurring in the first place, pests happen. You may be able to work with your insurance company to find ways to add additional coverage to help offset the financial burden of pest damage.
Most importantly, keep your home clean and free of clutter, seal up any cracks or holes in your foundation and walls, and store food in airtight containers. Regular inspections by a pest control professional can help identify and address infestations early before they cause significant damage.
Choosing the Right Pest Control Company
Finding the right pest control company to make regular inspections and treat your home for pests can be a huge undertaking in and of itself. However, it does not have to be a hard choice; just check out our article “How to Choose a Professional Exterminator,” where we lay out exactly how to research and choose the best candidate to protect your home from pests.
In brief, using your local network to vet local exterminators is probably your top tool when searching for a pest control company. Additionally, it is important to look at the company's credentials, which should lend a hand in showcasing its legitimacy and track record. For what it's worth, there are plenty of solid companies in the market these days, but finding the best is vital for the protection of your home
Protect Your Home with Rid-A-Bug
Since its inception in 1972, Rid-A-Bug Exterminating, Inc. has been family-owned and run. For the past five decades, we have offered the area with the best quality extermination while retaining exceptional customer service.
Rid-A-Bug Exterminating provides quick, trustworthy, and successful pest control. When you need us the most, our expert professionals can arrive quickly and provide answers to your pest problem. We have a variety of significant certifications in addition to years of expertise, including:
- Licensed, Certified and Registered Staff – North Carolina Department of Agriculture
- WDIR Accredited Inspectors – North Carolina Pest Management Association
- Quality Pro Certified – National Pest Control Management Association
- NC Wildlife Damage Control Agent – NC Wildlife Commission
- TAP Insulation Certified Installer
Pests and rodents can be an issue all year. If you have a pest problem, you should contact Rid-A-Bug Exterminating. We are your dependable exterminators throughout the Carolinas and Virginia, serving the Piedmont, foothills, Triad, and all the way down to Charlotte.
We respond immediately, usually within 24 hours, to ensure that your property is free of bugs and rodents as soon as possible. Please contact us as soon as you notice an insect problem. We are here to help!