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Is a termite infestation covered by your home’s insurance policy?

Termites are feared by every homeowner. They are difficult to get rid of without professional help. If you’ve recently discovered signs of termite infestation, you may be wondering if your home insurance policy will pay to have the pests professionally removed. Here’s what you should know before you file a claim.

How do you know if you have a termite problem?

Before you take any kind of action against termites, you first need to confirm that you have a problem. It’s important to regularly check your home for the following:

  • Mud or wood tunnels
  • Unexplained damage to wood
  • Bubbling or uneven paint
  • Strange piles that look like sawdust (these could be termite droppings)
  • Wood that sounds hollow when you knock on it
  • Discarded termite wings
  • Clicking or rattling sounds inside wood

These are all common signs of termite infestation. If you notice any of them, it’s essential to have KY-KO Pest Prevention conduct a termite inspection as soon as possible. If left untreated, your termite problem could soon become an expensive issue.

What damage can termites cause?

Termites reproduce quickly and can cause significant damage to your home. Because they eat away at wood and walls (including weight-bearing beams and other essential structures), they are a threat to your safety and should be treated as such. The quicker you can address them, the better.

Once a termite colony infests a building, it takes as little as three years for it to cause noticeable damage to a home. In most cases, the damage termites cause can’t be fixed quickly or inexpensively. This is because they consume primarily wood, which harms a home’s structural integrity.

In severe cases of termite infestation, repairing the damage may involve restructuring and/or remodeling entire portions of the home. As you can imagine, this can get expensive. That’s why it’s important to take care of the problem as soon as possible.

Is your home susceptible to infestation?

Some homes are more susceptible to termite infestations than others. Your home has a higher chance of being damaged by termites if it has any exterior wood paneling that comes in contact with the ground. Piles of wood near homes also pose a threat, since they can easily become termite breeding grounds.

To make your home less appealing to termites, don’t pile wood next to your house. You should also make sure all foundation cracks are filled and sealed. Make it as difficult as possible for the pests to enter your home and you reduce your chances of a termite infestation.

Will your insurance policy cover termite removal?

Unfortunately, your home insurance policy probably doesn’t cover termite removal. This is because termite prevention is considered part of the homeowner’s responsibility and a regular component of property maintenance.

What this means for you is that you should plan on taking care of termite removal costs yourself. When compared to the benefits termite removal offers, the cost is minimal.

How can you schedule your inspection?

You don’t need to have proof of a termite infestation to schedule an inspection. If you have any concerns about pests whatsoever, it’s best to have professionals take a look.

That way you’ll have peace of mind if no pests are discovered, and you’ll have the chance to get rid of them if any are detected. To set up your inspection, contact us today.