There are a few words that strike fear in the hearts of homeowners, and one of those is termites. Termites have the potential to cause a whole lot of damage, and often you don’t realize you have them until the damage has been done.
Termites are pretty common, and as a homeowner you should be aware of how to deal with them.
What are Termites?
Termites are household pests that feed on wood but can also cause damage to paper, books, insulations, swimming pool liners and filtration systems in your home. Termites are most often found in the spring, as this is the time of year they emerge to start new colonies in the warmer temperatures and rainfall. Some of them have wings, and are often confused with flying ants.
Why Is Identifying Termites Important?
First off, you want to identify termites in your home as soon as possible so you can curb the amount of damage they do to your home. Left alone, a colony can cause major damage that can cost you thousands of dollars in repairs. It’s also important to identify termites if you are buying or selling a home. Home inspections typically include a termite inspection, and if termites are present, the buyer may not go through with the home purchase.
Is Termite Damage Covered by My Insurance?
If you have a standard homeowners insurance policy, termite damage is probably not covered. Most policies cover sudden and accidental damage, and a termite infestation does not fit into this category as many insurance companies see them as preventable with the right home maintenance.
What Can I Do About Termites?
While you may not be able to get insurance through your home insurance provider, many pest control companies offer special types of insurance policies for termite damage. If you’ve had an issue with termites, the pest control company will do regular treatments, and if termites appear between those treatments, they will cover the cost of repairs.
There are also a few things you can do to prevent termites from taking up residence in your home in the first place. You should have a termite inspection done annually, especially if you live in a neighbourhood with a history of termites. You can also prevent them from entering your home by making sure your foundation and walls are free of cracks. When buying a new home, always make sure a termite inspection has been done before you go through with the sale.
In Guelph, the city has its own termite control officer who can conduct a free inspection of your home. Learn more here.
Some homeowners are not aware of the different types of insurance available to them, and which ones they need. Learn more about title insurance and find out if it’s right for you, from HomeLife Power Realty in Guelph and Kitchener.