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:
- 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:
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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 |
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| Seal entry points |
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| Look for damage |
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