Discovering that your home has a termite infestation can be a nightmare, especially if these pests have already caused significant damage. Out of all the household pests commonly found in Maryland, termites are by far one of the most destructive, causing billions of dollars in damage to US homes each year.
Furthermore, termite damage has to be disclosed to potential sellers when moving away from your home and can lower its resale value.
Financing home repairs from termite damage can be extremely costly, and many people turn to their homeowner’s insurance for help. However, insurance coverage for termite damage can be tricky and cannot always be relied on.
If you have recently discovered termites in your home, you may be wondering if your insurance will cover the costs of repair and what to do next.
Does Home Insurance Typically Cover Termite Damage?
Unfortunately, home insurance does not usually cover termite damage. The reason for this is that insurance companies believe that homeowners are personally responsible for protecting their homes from pests, and termite damage is considered a home maintenance issue.
While it may not seem fair, insurance companies view termite infestations as preventable and feel that homeowners should be responsible for paying for pest control and any pest-related damage to the home out of their own pockets.
Reasons Termite Damage Is Often Excluded
As mentioned earlier, termite damage is typically not covered by home insurance because insurance companies feel that a pest problem is the responsibility of the homeowner. The presence of termites, especially an infestation severe enough to cause damage to the home, is technically avoidable, even these creatures can often live in homes for years before being noticed.
The best thing you could do as a homeowner is familiarize yourself with the signs of a termite infestation and take the necessary precautions to prevent these pests from invading your home in the first place.
Differences Between “Sudden Damage” and “Gradual Damage”
In some instances, insurance coverage may cover structural damage due to termite damage that is considered “sudden.” In these instances, your coverage would have to include a specific clause about insect damage, and the structural collapse would need to be considered sudden and unexpected rather than gradual.
By most accounts, termite and insect damage is considered gradual. Gradual damage is a slow deterioration that happens over a longer span of time, which is considered preventable..
Situations Where Termite Damage Might Be Covered
While most home insurance companies typically do not cover termite damage, there are sometimes a few exceptions you can look for.
- Fires caused by termite damage, such as chewing through wires, may be considered sudden and covered under your policy.
- Structural collapses that are considered sudden and contain specific clauses about sudden insect damage may be covered.
The Importance of Routine Termite Inspections
Based on the evidence above, you cannot rely on insurance coverage to help you recoup the cost of repair to your home. For this reason, it’s important to practice proper preventative care and eliminate termite infestations as soon as possible.
We recommend conducting routine pest inspections for termites and other wood-destroying organisms to avoid any damage. While many homeowners don’t have pest inspections until after discovering a pest infestation, this practice is counterintuitive. Having routine termite inspections performed can help prevent termite infestations altogether and identify the early signs of an infestation before it gets out of control.
Signs of Termite Damage
Another way to avoid a termite infestation is to learn to recognize the signs of one. While termites are considered stealthy, they do leave behind several telltale signs.
- Mud tubes (small, pencil-sized tubes made of wood and dirt that connect termite colonies)
- Termite droppings, AKA frass
- Discarded insect wings
- Cracked or bubbling paint
- Hollow sounding wood
- Small holes in drywall
- Seeing live or dead termites
Be on the lookout in the spring for termite swarmers that can be spotted flying from place-to-place to establish a new nest.
If you notice any of these signs in your home or any other unusual activity or damage, contact an exterminator immediately to have your home inspected for termites. The sooner your home is inspected, the sooner your exterminator will be able to eliminate the termites from your home.
Termite Prevention Tips
Lastly, we wanted to lay out a few termite prevention tips that will make your home less inviting to termites and help you avoid them in the first place. Some of these tips include:
- Seal cracks and crevices using caulk or sealant
- Apply weatherstripping to your doors and windows
- Keep firewood and lumber at least 20 feet away from your home
- Reduce excess moisture in your home
- Apply natural termite repellents such as diatomaceous earth and boric acid)
- Have your home routinely inspected by an exterminator
Unfortunately, the lush sub-tropical climate of Maryland and its dense forests make it a popular hotspot for termites and other wood-destroying organisms. Thousands of Maryland homes are subject to the abuse of termites each year that damage wood furnishings and important structural components of homes.
For greater peace of mind and financial security, contact Pest Czar about our termite treatment plans, including the Sentricon termite defense system.
FAQs
Are there any warranties or service plans that cover termite damage?
Some pest control companies offer “termite warranties” to cover termite damage done to homes. These warranty plans often cover the cost of pest control treatment and even the cost of repairs. When choosing an exterminator, it can be a good idea to inquire about these warranty plans and find out what exactly is included in them, as it can vary by company.
What should I do if I discover termite damage in my home?
If you discover termite damage in your home, the first thing you should do is contact a pest control professional immediately. An experienced exterminator will arrange to come to your home to perform a thorough inspection, confirm that it is termites you’re dealing with, and recommend a plan of action to target and kill the termites in your home.
How often should I get my home inspected for termites?
It is recommended that most homeowners have their homes inspected for termites at least once per year. For homeowners with a history of prior infestations or those with neighbors who have dealt with termites in the past, it may be necessary to have inspections performed more regularly. Your exterminator will be able to let you know how often they recommend inspections for your unique situation.