Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Carpenter Ant Damage in the USA? (Guide)

In general, homeowners insurance does not cover carpenter ant damage in the USA. This is because carpenter ant damage is considered to be a maintenance issue, and homeowners insurance is typically only intended to cover unexpected events, such as fire, theft, and vandalism.

However, there are a few exceptions to this rule. For example, if carpenter ants cause damage to your home as a result of a covered event, such as a storm or fire, your homeowners insurance may cover the cost of repairs. Some homeowners insurance policies may offer optional coverage for carpenter ant damage.

If you are unsure whether or not your homeowners insurance covers carpenter ant damage, you should contact your insurance company to review your policy.

Carpenter ants are a common pest that can cause structural damage to homes by burrowing into wood. If you discover carpenter ants in your home, you may wonder if your homeowners insurance policy covers the damage they cause. Here is what you need to know about carpenter ant damage and homeowners insurance in the USA:

What are carpenter ants?

Carpenter ants are large ants that excavate wood to create galleries and tunnels for nesting. They do not eat wood like termites. However, their excavation can severely compromise structural integrity and allow water damage or rot. Common signs of an infestation include sawdust-like waste, hollowed wood, and ants entering and exiting through tiny holes.

Does standard homeowners insurance cover carpenter ant damage?

Standard homeowners insurance policies typically cover sudden and accidental damage caused by carpenter ants. This means coverage would apply if carpenter ants unexpectedly infested your home and damaged the structure. However, gradual, long-term damage that went unnoticed for a period would likely not be covered.

What kind of damage is covered?

If covered, homeowners insurance will pay for necessary repairs to stabilize and restore your home after carpenter ant damage. This can include structural repairs like replacing damaged framing, repairing holes in walls or floors, and treating infested areas. Cosmetic repairs like replacing damaged drywall may also be covered.

Are there any limitations or exclusions?

Most insurers do not cover the cost of carpenter ant extermination or ongoing preventative treatments. Some policies have a special deductible for insect damage claims. There may also be dollar limits on the amount that will be paid for damage involving carpenter ants or wood-boring insects. Damage that began before your policy term or that results from negligence may be excluded.

Tips for insects coverage claim

To make sure you are covered for carpenter ant damage:

• Review your policy and understand the coverages, limitations, and exclusions for insect or vermin damage.
• Inspect your home periodically for early signs of an infestation. Address issues promptly to prevent extensive damage.
• Keep records of all pest control efforts and repairs to prove the damage was sudden and accidental.
• Consider adding an endorsement to your policy if more protection is desired.

How can you prevent carpenter ant damage in the future?

There are a number of things you can do to prevent carpenter ant damage, including:

• Inspect your home regularly for signs of carpenter ants.
• Repair any leaks or moisture problems in your home.
• Seal any cracks or openings in your home’s foundation.
• Trim trees and shrubs away from your home.
• Store firewood away from your home.

What should you do if you have carpenter ants in your home or office?

If you have carpenter ants, you should contact a pest control professional to treat the problem. Pest control professionals have the experience and expertise to safely and effectively eliminate carpenter ant infestations.

With a standard homeowners policy, costs to control carpenter ants before they cause damage are not covered. But if the ants do damage your home’s structure, the repairs are typically covered, subject to your policy terms. Ultimately, it is important to understand your specific policy’s coverages and exclusions for insect damage claims.