Does Home Insurance Cover Termite Damage

Does home insurance cover termite damage when Bottom of front porch column with termite damage

Does home insurance cover termite damage? Many homeowners ask this question. That’s because termites can inflict serious damage to a home, especially the wooden beams that support a home.

Are You Covered for Termite Damage

Most home insurance policies won’t cover you for damage caused by termites. The reason is that termite damage is viewed as a maintenance issue, and homeowners are responsible for the upkeep of the home.

Therefore, if you have damage as a result of termites, like a weak ceiling or foundation, your home insurance won’t help pay to repair or replace the damage.

Home insurance may cover termite damage in some cases. For example, you’ll usually be covered if termites chew through the wiring in your home and cause a fire, as home insurance policies cover damages caused by fire.

What Does Termite Damage Look Like

If you know what to look for, you can identify signs of termite damage early on, before they spread. Here are the signs:

Signs of Damage
  • Termite tunnels
  • Holes and cracks
  • Hollow wood
  • Bulging/sagging floors and
    ceilings
  • Discarded wings
  • Termite tunnels – Look for muddy tubes on your foundation and walls.
  • Holes and cracks – Keep an eye out for small holes in wood or cracks in beams.
  • Hollow wood – Tap on the wood throughout your house and listen for a hollow sound.
  • Bulging or sagging floors – Your ceilings may also bulge or sag due to termite damage.
  • Discarded wings – When termites find the perfect place to settle, they lose their wings.

How to Repair Termite Damage

If you find termites in your home, your best bet is to contact a pest control professional right away. They can determine the extent of the damage and take steps to remove them.

Pest control professionals know how to deal with these pesky insects. They can apply a liquid insecticide along the perimeter of your property’s foundation to form a defensive barrier. The service could save you from having to pay costly repair bills.

Different Types of Termites

There are three main types of termites that are commonly found in a home:

Subterranean termites
Usually found underground in basements. They thrive in warm climates and tend to cause the most damage.
Dampwood termites
As the name suggests, these termites thrive in wet or moist wood. They’re also larger than other species.
Drywood termites
They require less moisture and feed on hard, dry wood structures, such as walls and furniture.
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How to Prevent Termites

Remember, your home insurance doesn’t cover termite damage because infestations are usually preventable. Prevention techniques include:

Minimize feeding sources
  • Termites love wet wood, so repair leaky faucets and pipes to minimize moisture.
  • Make sure your gutters and downspouts drain water away from your foundation.
  • Use treated wood wherever possible, including decks and fences.
  • Keep firewood, lumber and mulch away from your home.
Seal entry points
  • Check your home’s foundation for small cracks and holes. Spray poison in those entry points and surrounding areas.
  • Seal gaps around any water and gas lines that run outside the home.
  • Keep an 18-inch gap between the soil and the wooden areas of your home.
Look for damage
  • Routinely inspect your home yourself for any signs of termite activity or water.
  • Hire a professional to perform an annual pest inspection.
  • Consider having your home pre-treated to prevent an infestation.

NOW LET’S TALK ABOUT YOU

Do you have the right coverage? We’d love to chat with you about it. Call us at 844-235-3604 or speak to a local agent. If you’d rather not talk, you can get an online quote in just 5 seconds.

The above content is for general informational purposes only and does not replace or modify any provisions, limitations or exclusions contained in any insurance policy.

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