Termite damage could cost you thousands of dollars out of pocket, protect your home with preventative treatment
TAMPA, Fla. (March 5, 2018) – If you failed to read the fine print on your homeowners’ insurance policy, this may come as a shock – damage from termites is not covered by most insurance companies in the U.S. That means that the nearly $5 billion U.S. homeowners spend on termite control and damage each year is an out-of-pocket expense.
Because termites thrive in warmer climates, prevention is key if homeowners in West and Central Florida want to avoid expensive home repairs, particularly as we enter the subterranean termite swarming season in February and March.
“Termites are seen as a tremendous liability to insurance companies because you don’t often see them until it’s too late and the amount of damage they cause can be catastrophic and devastating,” said David Joles, director of sales for Environmental Pest Service, parent company of Tampa-based Arrow Environmental Services. “Unfortunately, many homeowners aren’t aware that termite damage isn’t covered until they try to file an insurance claim.”
The average cost to repair termite damage is $3,300, with repairs ranging from replacing a section of drywall or wood floors, to replacing an entire wall. This number increases with more extensive damage, which in severe cases may require the homeowner to replace a major portion of the home’s structure.
“There are two types of homes – those that have termites and those that will get termites,” said Joles. “The best ‘insurance’ a homeowner can get is a professional treatment from a reputable pest control company.”
Typically, professional pest control companies will offer a baiting system or a liquid treatment or a combination of both. Treatments include placing bait stations around the perimeter of a home and or having the soil treated around the foundation. An experienced pest management company will include these treatments in their termite prevention service. They will also inspect the home for signs of termite damage and existing termite activity.
As part of a regular termite treatment program, many pest control companies also offer a special insurance policy for any new damage that is found after the treatment is completed. This is contingent upon keeping up with annual inspections and will cover up to a million dollars in damage to the home.
“Typically, homeowners don’t discover a termite problem until it’s too late and damage is already extensive,” said Joles. “Don’t wait until you see signs of termites to call a professional. Preventative treatment is the best way to protect your home.”
If it’s been more than a year since your last termite inspection, companies like Arrow can provide a complementary inspection and assessment of your home. In addition, regular treatment includes a million-dollar damage insurance policy.
For more information, visit www.arrowservices.com.
About Arrow Environmental Services:
Arrow Environmental Services is a leader in sustainable pest and lawn services around the Southeast, building on a family tradition established more than 100 years ago. Arrow offers residential and commercial pest control, termite control, insulation services, lawn and shrub pest control and fertilization, tree and palm care, and irrigation services in west and central Florida. We guarantee customer satisfaction to the fullest extent, “period.” For more information, visit www.arrowservices.com.
About Environmental Pest Service
Environmental Pest Service, LLC is a leader in sustainable solutions for termite and pest control, and lawn care services in the southeast, building on a family tradition established more than 100 years ago. The company has six brands: Arrow Environmental Services in west and central Florida, Bug Out Service in north Florida, Skyline Pest Solutions in the metro Atlanta area, and Smith Exterminating and Wood Termite and State Pest Control in central North Carolina. For more information, visit www.environmentalpestservice.com.