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Pest Prevention | Homeowner’s Manual Blog Series

September 10, 2026||inPersonal Insurance|home, home repairs, homeowners insurance, homeowners manual blog series, house safety tips, personal insurance, pest control, pests

This blog series highlights key tips from our Homeowner’s Manual, designed to help you stay ahead of maintenance, reduce repair costs, and prevent common insurance claims. From roofing and plumbing to emergency preparedness and seasonal upkeep, each post shares practical steps to protect your home year-round plus access to a full monthly checklist in the complete downloadable guide.

Protect Your Home From Costly Damage Caused By Pests

Pests may be small, but the damage they cause can be significant. Termites, rodents, ants, and other unwanted visitors can damage wood, wiring, insulation, and other parts of your home. They can also contaminate food and pose health risks to your household.

Regular maintenance and early prevention are key to keeping pests from becoming a costly problem.

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Termites cause over $5 billion in damage annually, which most policies don’t cover.

Simple Ways to Help Keep Pests Out

Seal cracks and gaps.
Inspect windows, doors, siding, and your foundation for small openings. Rodents and insects can enter through surprisingly small spaces, so sealing potential entry points is an important first line of defense.

Store food securely.
Keep pantry items and pet food in airtight containers and clean up crumbs or spills promptly. Easily accessible food sources can quickly attract unwanted pests.

Trim shrubs and trees away from your home.
Branches and overgrown vegetation can create convenient pathways for insects and rodents. Keeping landscaping trimmed back can also reduce moisture buildup around your home.

Inspect regularly for signs of activity.
Watch for droppings, damaged wood, gnaw marks, nests, unusual sounds, or evidence of termites and ants. Catching a problem early may help prevent more extensive damage. Fall is a peak season for rodents seeking warm shelter. A quick check of your attic, basement, and garage this month can catch a problem before it grows.

Call a professional when needed.
If you discover a significant infestation, professional pest control may be the best way to eliminate the problem and reduce the chance of it returning.

Why Pest Prevention Matters for Your Home Insurance

One important consideration for homeowners is that damage caused by pests is generally not covered by homeowners insurance. Insurance policies typically treat infestations and pest-related damage as preventable through routine home maintenance, not as sudden or accidental losses. That means damage caused by termites, mice, squirrels, insects, and other pests may leave you responsible for repair costs.

Taking preventive steps can help protect both your home and your budget.

Prevention Is Part of Protecting Your Home

Homeowners insurance is an important safeguard against many unexpected losses, but it isn’t a substitute for regular home maintenance. Staying ahead of pest problems can help you avoid costly repairs while keeping your home healthier and better protected.

Explore Murphy Insurance’s Homeowner’s Manual for more practical maintenance and prevention tips designed to help you protect one of your biggest investments.

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Download our Homeowner’s and Condo Owner’s Manuals

Owning a home or condominium is one of life’s biggest investments, and protecting it comes down to regular maintenance and thoughtful care. A well-kept home or condo not only makes daily life more comfortable but also helps you avoid unexpected and expensive repairs. From routine seasonal tasks to maintaining the structure itself, every detail contributes to your abode’s long-term safety and durability. Download our homeowner’s and condominium owner’s manuals to protect your peace of mind and your investment.

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Homeowners insurance shouldn’t be confusing. At Murphy Insurance, we help you find the right coverage for your home, from the roof over your head to what’s inside it. We are an independent agency, so we shop multiple carriers to find you real protection at a fair price. And we don’t stop at price and policy. We provide education to help protect you from claims, like our homeowner’s insurance manual and our extensive blog library. Visit our Homeowners Insurance page to learn more.