Though durable, your home is not immune to damage, sometimes from the smallest invaders. Bugs, termites, other vermin and mold could look harmless, but if ignored they could do a lot of property damage in a short time. Unfortunately, homeowners insurance might not cover these damages.

Therefore, homeowners must do all they can to minimize pest risks in their home. Usually, it doesn’t take a lot of work or money spent. However, a little effort goes a long way toward protecting your property.

Preventing Pest Infestations

When animal invaders—termites, rats, squirrels and more—penetrate your home, they could do damage. Termites will destroy wood frames; vermin could eat away at wiring or drywall. In any case, the repair costs could skyrocket without you even knowing that there’s a threat in your home.

Actively work to keep these pests out of your home by:

• Enlisting a professional pest service to spray around the home at regular intervals.
• Keeping mouse traps, bug sprays or bug bombs on hand for any small contaminations.
• Keep an eye on attics, basements, windows and doors for cracks or other access points.

Plus, always keep a sanitary home. Cleanliness can go a long way to deter pests.

Preventing Mold

Many people don’t realize it, but mold is a living organism, and it is an invasive species. If left to grow unchecked, it can cause both massive property damage and extreme health hazards for occupants.

As we enter spring and summer, humidity and precipitation will increase, and as a result the risks of mold growth in your home will increase. That’s why it’s important to keep an eye on your home.

• Look out for your home’s foundations and roof. If water runs into your eaves or basement, it might be able to seep into other parts of the home. Make regular repairs to these structures.
• If you notice leaks, low water pressure or unknown puddles, this might signal a mold risk. Immediately enlist the services of a plumber to search for and repair the damage.
• Should mold develop, use professional help to clean it up.
• In cases of small mold growth on hard surfaces, you can often clean the surface using bleach and hot water.

The problem with damage caused by mold or pests is that homeowners insurance usually doesn’t cover such issues. These issues usually develop over time, and you usually have ample time to both clean up the mess and repair small damage before it gets worse. Therefore, simply neglecting to fix a problem usually won’t entitle you to an insurance settlement.

Still, were an issue like a severe storm to damage the home, and mold grows as a result, your homeowners insurance will cover the costs of repairs. This will include mold remediation, if necessary.

Check with your insurer in each instance of pest or mold damage to see if you have coverage. However, make preventing these issues your priority.