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Does My Home Warranty Cover Pest Control?
Bugs in the house? See whether your home warranty has your back
Photo: Oscar Wong / Moment / Getty Images
Photo: Oscar Wong / Moment / Getty Images
Highlights
Standard home warranties do not cover pest control.
Most home warranties do not cover pest-related damage.
In some cases, you can purchase separate add-on warranties to cover pest control.
Regardless, your local exterminator can help you treat and remove pests permanently.
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Nothing kills a cozy vibe like discovering your home has been claimed by ants, roaches, or other pesky pests. Your first instinct may be to reach for your home warranty—but there’s a catch.
Standard home warranties do not cover pest control or pest-related damages. Let’s take a closer look at what your coverage includes and where it may lead you to fend for yourself.
Types of Add-On Pest Coverage for Home Warranties
When it comes to pest control, home warranty coverage isn’t one-size-fits-all. Although most basic plans exclude pest control, some companies offer optional add-ons for certain types of infestations like termites, ants, or roaches.
The key is to read the fine print to figure out what exactly is included since it can vary by provider. Here’s an idea of the type of home warranty add-ons you can purchase for pest control.
Inspection and Treatment
Some extended coverage options cover pest inspections of your home, which allows trained professionals to visit your property at specified intervals to look for signs of pests. If an infestation is discovered during an inspection, your add-on feature of your home warranty may cover the cost to treat the infestation.
Infestation Damage
If wires have been chewed, insulation has been compromised, or structural elements of your home are damaged, your add-on may cover the cost for repairs or replacement, if specified. This coverage is more rare, so you’re less likely to find it in most add-on home warranty policies.
Rodent Removal
Select companies may also offer rodent removal, especially if the creature or creatures in question are causing damage to covered systems (like chewing through HVAC wires). This service can also include emergency tasks, like removing a wasp nest inside your home. This add-on home warranty feature must be specified in your contract.
How Can Pests Enter Your Home?
Pests are nothing if not resourceful—they can squeeze, crawl, and burrow their way into your home through openings you may not even know exist.
Common entry points include:
Cracks and gaps in the foundation, walls, and around windows and doors
Unsealed or unchecked attics, basements, and crawl spaces
Cracks and gaps in vents, chimneys, and utility lines
Damaged weatherstripping or screens
In this case, prevention is key and regular inspections of these entry points can make the difference between a pest-free home and one that requires the help of an exterminator.
How to Get Rid of Pests
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Eliminating pests starts with identifying what type of critter is in your home and acting quickly. Minor infestations can often be managed with over-the-counter traps, sprays, or more natural remedies, such as diatomaceous earth or essential oils. Other helpful hacks include sealing entry points, keeping your home clean, and properly covering leftovers.
For larger-scale infestations, however, it’s best to call an exterminator near you to target the root of the infestation with stronger treatments.
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