Is Carpenter Ant Damage Covered by Homeowners Insurance?

What Kind of Damage Do Carpenter Ants Actually Cause?

Carpenter ants are often mistaken for termites, but they don’t eat wood—they dig through it. And they can still do a number on your home’s structure. These ants build nests by tunneling into damp or decaying wood, which weakens framing, trim, and even support beams over time.

Here are a few red flags that may point to carpenter ant activity:

• Small piles of what looks like sawdust (this is actually insect droppings and wood fragments)
  
  
• Clicking or rustling sounds coming from inside the walls
  
  
• Wood that sounds hollow when tapped
  
  
• The occasional sighting of large, winged ants, especially in the spring
  

The longer the ants go unnoticed, the more extensive the damage can become. That’s where concerns about coverage come in.

So… Is This Type of Damage Covered by Insurance?

In most cases, no—standard homeowners insurance doesn’t cover damage caused by carpenter ants or any kind of pest. That’s because these infestations are usually considered preventable through routine maintenance.

Insurance companies typically won’t pay for:

• Repairs caused by long-term infestations
  
  
• Pest removal services
  
  
• Damage that results from neglect or lack of upkeep
  

They see carpenter ant issues as a home maintenance problem—not a sudden, accidental event that would fall under most policy terms.

Are There Any Exceptions?

There are a few—but they’re not common. Some policies might help with secondary damage or damage that was discovered while fixing something that is covered.

Here’s when homeowners insurance might step in:

• If carpenter ants chew through wiring and cause a fire
  
  
• If the ant damage was hidden and only found during repairs for something like a burst pipe or storm damage
  
  
• If your policy has an added rider or endorsement specifically covering certain pest issues
  

Even then, it’s unlikely the policy would pay for extermination or pest control—just the damage related to the covered event. The best way to know for sure is to check your policy details or talk to your agent.

Preventing a Carpenter Ant Problem Before It Starts

Since insurance typically won’t help after the fact, preventing an infestation is your best defense. Carpenter ants are drawn to moisture and decaying wood—so start there.

Simple steps to help keep them out:

• Repair any leaks under sinks, in basements, or around the roofline
  
  
• Clear away wood piles, mulch, or rotting stumps near the house
  
  
• Keep trees and shrubs trimmed back from your siding and roof
  
  
• Seal up cracks or gaps around windows, doors, and your foundation
  
  
• Consider routine pest inspections, especially in spring and summer when ants are most active
  

These habits can go a long way toward avoiding a costly issue.

What If You Already Have Carpenter Ant Damage?

If you think ants have made their way into your walls or wood framing, the sooner you act, the better.

Here’s what to do:

1. Get a professional inspection. A licensed pest control specialist can confirm whether you’re dealing with carpenter ants—and how bad the damage is.
   
   
2. Document the damage. Take photos, keep notes, and track dates. If you need to file an insurance claim, having a record will help.
   
   
3. Review your insurance policy. Look for exclusions or clauses related to pest damage, and don’t hesitate to call your agent for clarification.
   
   
4. Avoid DIY fixes for major problems. Sprays from the store usually won’t reach deep nests, and they can actually drive the ants further into your home.
   

Why It Helps to Work with a Local Pest Control Pro

Dealing with carpenter ants isn’t something to put off. If you live in Central Ohio, Elite Pest and Termite Control can help you take care of the problem before it gets worse—and offer advice on keeping your home protected in the long run.

We offer:

• In-depth inspections to find hidden nests
  
  
• Targeted treatments that get to the source
  
  
• Moisture control guidance to reduce future risk
  
  
• Prevention plans customized to your home’s layout and environment
  

Our team knows what to look for, what works, and how to handle ant issues specific to our region.