Termites Can Destroy Your Home

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Home Insurance Does Not Cover It!

• Fixing a termite infestation can cost thousands of dollars and require professional home repairs. 
• Homeowners' policies do not cover most termite damage, except in rare cases such as other covered damages that could be related to termites (i.e. roof damage allowing entry of termites)  
• If the homeowner is previously aware of potential termite damage, an insurance carrier will deny claims.
• According to the Insurance Information Institute, pest and rodent problems are considered preventable. Homeowners are expected to take proactive measures to avoid infestations.
• Home insurance won't cover damage that occurs slowly over time.

Signs of Termite Damage 

• Damp wood: Termites like moist spaces, so it is important to look at potential damp habitats around foundations, such as near leaking gutters or around overgrown bushes. Eliminate moisture-producing settings where possible
• Blistered wood, bulging floors, ceilings, or walls: If termites begin to imbed into your home’s wood, you may notice these signs of their presence.
• Mud tubes: Tunnel-like pathways on foundations and crawl spaces; wings and droppings 
• Pinholes in walls with small piles of wood debris nearby

How to Prevent Termites

• Eliminate termite food sources. Termites eat cellulose, which can be found in firewood, plants, mulch, and other woody materials. Keep them at a distance from your home.
• Seal entry points to keep termites out. Check the foundation for cracks and holes. Seal gaps around any water and gas lines that run outside the home. Look for leaky pipes or gutters causing standing water.
• Schedule annual termite inspections. This is an important step for all homeowners. An annual inspection can catch an infestation early and prevent further damage. 
• Have a professional install a Termite Prevention (Baiting) System. This is a collection of 10" cylinder-shaped devices that attract and kill termites before they can get to your home. Only a state-licensed professional can install a termite baiting system.

Article Source: Elizabeth Rivelli, Insurance Writer, BrankRate LLC,                                                                            

By the Numbers

• Termites damage approximately 600,000 homes in the U.S. each year.
• U.S. residents spend an estimated $5 billion annually to control termites and repair termite damage
• According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), U.S. residents spend at least $1 billion on Formosan termite control and repairs each year. Some experts estimate the number is closer to $2 billion.
• Once a termite infestation is identified, it can be difficult to determine how long the colony has been established in the home. Typically, colonies take more than five years to grow to a size capable of causing damage. 
• Each year cause about $30 billion damage to crops and structures in the U.S.
• A homeowner who discovers termite damage will spend an average of $3,000 to repair the damage.
   

How Much Damage?

• The actual amount of wood a colony can destroy depends on the type of termite, size of the colony, type of wood, condition of the wood, what other food sources are available, and temperature. (Termites are less active in cooler temperatures, although they are active year-round in most states.
• Experts estimate a Formosan termite colony can cause extensive damage to a home in less than six months and catastrophic damage in two years.
• In some cases, termite damage can cost thousands of dollars. In other cases, the damage is so extensive, homes must be completely demolished.

Article Source – Pest-Help.com, EPA.gov