Homeowners Insurance and Termite Damage – What Do You Need to Know?

Homeowners insurance covers losses and damages caused by sudden and accidental perils, including natural disasters, theft, vandalism, etc. However, it will not cover termite damage. Do you know why? Let’s discuss it.

Why Does Homeowners Insurance Not Cover Termite Damage?

Termites do not damage your home or its property right away, so they cannot be considered accidental or sudden. Instead, they enter your home through cracks/ places where wood contacts the ground and slowly but constantly eat up the wood, causing serious damage to your home. Taking timely precautions can help prevent extensive termite damage, which is why insurance providers usually consider termite damage to be a consequence of the homeowner’s negligence and deny coverage.

Will Termite Damage Be Covered by Renters Insurance?

No! Renters insurance doesn’t cover termite damage and related losses. If your rental home has termites, inform your landlord so they can take timely action.

How to Know If Your Home Has Termites?

Termites enter your home through the ground and build nests over there, so it can be difficult to find their presence until they cause serious damage, such as cracks in ceilings and floors. Dry wood termites eat wood structures and live inside walls and furniture. Common signs of dry wood termites include:

• fine lines on your wall
• peeled paint
• cracks in your wooden furniture, panel, beams, etc.

Some other signs that indicate termites’ presence in your home include:

• Insects with equal-length wings crowding around a light source (only termites have equal wing length).
• Wood will sound empty as termites feed on it.
• Insect wings on spider webs or near windowsills could indicate termites, as they shed their wings very soon.

How Can Termite Infestation Be Treated?

If you notice any of the above-mentioned signs of termites in your home, contact a professional exterminator immediately. They will inspect your home to find damaged areas and perform any of the following treatments to get rid of termites:

• Baiting

  Baits containing cellulose (structural wood component) and a slow-acting insecticide can hinder the growth of termites and over time cause them to die while they attempt to shed wings. Baits can be installed in your yard and other places in your home that you suspect may have termites.

• Soil Treatments

  Chemical termiticides are used to prevent termites from entering your home.

Is Termite Treatment Covered by Homeowners Insurance?

No! Routine maintenance and prevention measures are homeowners’ responsibility to keep their homes in top shape while preventing termites. So, termite treatment done before or after the damage will not be covered by homeowners insurance.

Tips on Preventing Termites

• Keep mulch and plants away from your home.
• Avoid stacking firewood near your home, as it can attract termites.
• Switch off your door lights during termites’ swarming season (when winter weather turns warmer).
• Prevent standing water near your home’s foundation.
• Use only treated wood inside and outside your home.
• Fix leaks on gutters, faucets, and roofs, as they could cause water damage.
• Schedule a pest inspection regularly.

Consult with Kneller Insurance Agency for Custom Home Insurance!

If you are looking for all-inclusive homeowners insurance at affordable rates, contact us today at Kneller Insurance Agency. We are ready to create the perfect policy for your needs.