If you’ve ever dealt with pests in your home—whether it’s termites, bed bugs, rodents, or ants—you know how stressful and costly it can be to eliminate the problem. One of the most common questions we get at Rid-a-Pest is: Does my homeowner’s insurance cover pest control? Unfortunately, the answer isn’t always straightforward. Let’s break it down so you know what to expect.
The Short Answer: Usually Not
In general, standard homeowner’s insurance does not cover pest control or damage caused by pests. Insurance companies typically consider pest infestations to be a maintenance issue, meaning it’s the homeowner’s responsibility to prevent and manage them.
Insurance is designed to cover sudden, accidental losses—not damage that results from neglect or something that gradually happens over time. Since pest issues often build up slowly (like termites eating through wood or mice nesting in insulation), insurers see them as preventable with proper home care.
What Kinds of Pest Damage Are Excluded?
Here are a few common pests and how damage from them is usually treated by insurers:
- Termites – Termite damage is almost never covered. Despite the fact that termites cause billions of dollars in damage every year, insurance policies generally exclude them because they act slowly and silently over time.
- Rodents (mice, rats, squirrels) – Most rodent damage is excluded for the same reason: it’s considered a maintenance issue. If a squirrel chews through wires in your attic or mice get into your pantry, your policy likely won’t help.
- Bed Bugs – These are almost always excluded. No matter how they got into your home, the cost of extermination typically falls solely on the homeowner.
- Cockroaches, Ants, Wasps, and Other Insects – Unless a pest causes sudden, accidental damage that leads to a larger insurable event (like a fire), their treatment and the damage they cause are typically not covered.
When Pest Damage Might Be Covered
While it’s rare, there are some situations where pest-related issues could be covered—usually if the pest causes a secondary problem that qualifies as an insured peril.
For example:
- A squirrel chews through wires, causing a fire. The fire damage may be covered, but not the cost to remove the squirrels or repair the wires.
- A raccoon breaks through your roof and causes immediate structural damage. If the damage is sudden and accidental, you might be covered for repairs—but not for removing the raccoon or preventing future entry.
- A burst pipe caused by pests might also be considered under your policy, but only if the damage is considered accidental and not due to neglect.
Always check with your insurance agent or review your policy carefully. Sometimes optional riders or endorsements can be added to cover specific types of risks.
Why Preventive Pest Control Is Worth the Investment
Since most pest control costs are out-of-pocket, preventive maintenance is essential. Regular inspections, sealing potential entry points, keeping food stored properly, and treating your home seasonally can go a long way toward avoiding costly damage.
At Rid-a-Pest, we offer affordable pest prevention plans that can save you thousands in the long run. It’s much easier (and cheaper) to stop a problem before it starts than to deal with extensive infestations or repairs later.
What to Do if You Discover Pest Damage
- Document Everything – Take photos and make notes of where you found pests or damage.
- Contact a Pest Control Expert – Have a professional like Rid-a-Pest inspect and confirm the source and extent of the infestation.
- Call Your Insurance Agent – Even if you suspect it’s not covered, it’s worth checking in to see if the damage falls under any covered scenarios.
- Take Preventive Measures – After treatment, take steps to prevent future issues. This may include repairs, sealing up entry points, or setting up a seasonal pest control plan.
Final Thoughts
So, does home insurance cover pest control? In most cases, no. Pest issues are typically seen as part of routine home maintenance, which means the responsibility falls on the homeowner. However, in rare cases where pests cause sudden, accidental damage, parts of the repair may be covered.
The best course of action is prevention. At Rid-a-Pest, we help homeowners across Northwest Arkansas protect their homes with safe, reliable, and humane pest control services. Whether you’re dealing with a current infestation or want to set up a prevention plan, we’re here to help.
Call Rid-a-Pest today for a free inspection and let us help keep your home pest-free—before pests turn into problems!
