The home is often an individual’s biggest asset and, in order to protect it, insurance is a must. But even the most comprehensive of policies have their restrictions, and if something happens to your home and you lack appropriate coverage, you could be faced with an expensive repair bill.

One restriction that is almost always not covered is damage caused by pests, as it is considered a maintenance issue that the homeowner could have prevented. This means that if your home is infested with destructive pests like termites or rodents, you may be paying for the damage yourself, and that can be a tall order to fill. The good news is there are simple ways you can keep your home and family safe from destructive pests – all it takes is a little proactive care on your end.

Insurance Companies Won’t Pay for Pest-Related Damage

Homeowner’s insurance typically only extends to cover sudden and accidental damage. Unfortunately, most insurance companies think of pest infestations and the damage they ensue as maintenance issues, that is to say something the homeowner could have prevented. Consequently, any damage inflicted by pests themselves will not be covered by your insurance. In fact, a recent trend by insurance companies is getting more specific about what is not covered in the policy, and at the top of this list is often damage caused by pests. Although some providers offer coverage for pest damage, this typically comes at an additional cost, and many homeowners don’t know they have this option until it’s too late and the damage is already done.

But there is a way to circumvent insurers’ refusal to pay up. Say a termite infestation destroys a support beam in your home. If this beam were to fall, the collateral damage caused will usually be covered by your insurance provider. This is because the resulting damage falls under those two key words: sudden and accidental. However, costs associated with repairing the support beam and any other damage resulting directly from the infestation fall on the homeowner, and that can still be very expensive.

What Homeowners Can Do

If you wait until you see the physical presence of pests in your home, you’re probably going to have a bad time, as the damage may already have been done. In order to avoid costly damage in your home, prevention is your greatest ally. This includes actively inspecting the problems areas of your home on a regular basis, as well as implementing prevention methods that help keep pests out. Installing door sweeps, sealing cracks in the foundation, and covering windows and vents with screens are all great ways to keep pests out. While on the lookout for signs of an invasion, be especially on guard for termites, rodents, and wildlife, as these are the most likely to compromise the structural integrity and wiring of your home.

Contact a Pest Control Professional

At Greenleaf Pest Control, we offer more than the safe and effective removal of pests. Part of our job is to also help prevent destructive insects, rodents, and wildlife from entering your home. Through Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and other eco-friendly treatments, our team can ensure your home is protected from invasive pests and the damage they cause. During the inspection, we will look for both the physical presence of the pests themselves, as well as the problem areas around your home where they may be entering. After the inspection, we will develop a unique treatment plan to protect your home and prevent you from having to deal with a costly repair bill.

If you have any questions or concerns about your homeowner’s policy, check with your insurance agent to see what is actually covered. If pest damage is not included in your plan, the burden of preventing pest damage falls on you. Contact Greenleaf Pest Control for assistance with identifying, treating, and preventing an infestation, making sure to preserve the structural integrity of the house and the well-being of your family.

About the Author:

Daniel Mackie, co-owner of Greenleaf Pest Control, is a Toronto pest control expert well-known as an industry go-to guy, an innovator of safe, effective pest control solutions, and is a regular guest on HGTV. Mackie, along with business partner Sandy Costa, were the first pest control professionals in Canada to use detection dogs and thermal remediation for the successful eradication of bed bugs. In his free time, he is an avid gardener.