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Protect Your Home from Termites - Is Home Warranty Coverage the Answer?

SEPTEMBER 18, 2023 | Home Care Buzz Experts
Home Care Buzz Experts
Home Care Buzz Experts

The First American Home Care Buzz team is made up of experienced home warranty writers and editors. Our team provides valuable insights and information to help homeowners like you meet the daily challenges of homeownership. 

 

Does a Home Warranty Cover Termites?

Getting rid of termite infestations requires professional pest control services, which can be covered by home warranty plans for home buyers. A home warranty protects many appliances and home systems when they break due to normal wear and tear.

These items can include heating and cooling systems, plumbing, electrical, and kitchen appliances. A home warranty can also cover pools and spas, roof leaks, and getting rid of termites and other pests.

Does First American Home Warranty Cover Termites?

Yes, all real estate home warranty plans from First American offer subterranean termite treatment coverage as an option. This includes getting rid of termites in your home or garage, but doesn’t cover infestations in fences, decks, etc. We also can’t cover any damage to your home from termite infestations or pests, and this damage isn’t usually covered by homeowners insurance, either. That’s why we have resources like pest control tips and a home inspection checklist to help you recognize and uncover red flags to prevent costly damage caused by pests.

How to Know if Your Home Has Termites

If you have a termite problem, you may need to hire a licensed pest control company. But how can you be sure you’re dealing with an infestation?

A few signs that can signal the presence of termites on your property include:

  • Mud tubes: Mud tubes are one of the most visible signs of termite infestation. Termites create pencil-sized tubes to travel between their nest and food source. Look for mud tubes running up the side of your foundation or walls.
  • Wood damage: Termites feed on wood, and this can cause damage to wooden structures over time. Check for hollowed-out wood, soft or sagging floors, or bubbling or cracked paint.
  • Swarms: Termites typically swarm in the spring or summer, so keep an eye out for groups of winged insects around your property.
  • Frass: Drywood termites create tiny, wood-colored pellets called frass, which they push out of their tunnels. Look for small piles of frass around your home.
  • Clicking sounds: If you hear clicking or rustling sounds coming from inside your walls, this could be a sign of termites.

A closeup look at the eaves of a beige home that show evidence of termite damage and infestation.

How Do You Cover Termite Damage?

Although home warranties for home buyers can cover getting rid of termites, neither home warranty termite coverage nor homeowners insurance policies typically cover termite damage. So now that you know the answer to “Does home warranty cover termites?” is yes, what are some ways you can protect your home?

If you’re a homeowner and live in high-risk areas or in a moist, humid environment, and you aren’t eligible for a real estate home warranty, a termite service agreement could be a good investment. They can help cover the cost of termite damage or infestation. You can purchase termite protection plans through most pest control companies. The cost depends on factors such as size, location, and building type. These contracts generally include an initial inspection, termite control treatment, and annual termite inspections.

If you're concerned about termites, a qualified inspector can identify signs of termite activity and recommend how to protect your home from more damage. Regular termite inspections can also help with early detection, which can save you money in the long run by preventing costly repairs.

How Do You Protect Against Termites?

Prevention is the most effective method of termite control. There are several tactics that can help keep termites at bay by making your home less enticing to these invasive pests. Clearing the space around your home and reducing hospitable conditions is a good place to start. Here are some other things that can help:

  • Monitor and repair any leaking water to limit excess moisture
  • Get rid of standing water around the foundation
  • Keep gutters and downspouts clean
  • Clear excess ground cover, mulch, firewood, or debris near the foundation
  • Regularly inspect for damage, especially around wooden decks and fences

If you maintain your property by reducing clutter and moisture and scheduling regular inspections, you can greatly reduce the risk of termite infestation.

A termite control specialist wearing overalls, gloves, goggles, a mask, and a hat uses a flashlight while crawling underneath a house to inspect for signs of a termite infestation.

What Does a Home Warranty Cover?

Even if you don’t have home warranty pest control coverage for home buyers, there are many benefits that come with home warranty plans. Home warranties help protect your home’s systems and appliances and provide a simple solution when these items break.

To understand more about how a home warranty works and what is not covered by a home warranty, contact us to get a free home warranty quote and for more information.

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