Bed Bug Infestations: Understanding Insurance Coverage And Communicability

Bed bugs are a common issue for homeowners and renters alike, but unfortunately, insurance policies rarely cover the costs of dealing with these pests. Bed bug infestations are generally considered a home maintenance issue, which means that homeowners and renters are typically responsible for the costs of extermination and any necessary repairs or replacements. Standard insurance policies are designed to cover sudden and unexpected losses, such as fire or tornado damage, rather than routine maintenance. However, there are some exceptions and additional options for coverage, depending on individual circumstances and locations.

Homeowners insurance does not cover bed bug infestations

Bed bug infestations are notoriously hard and expensive to get rid of. Extermination costs an average of $1,000 to $2,500, though prices vary depending on where you live and the extent of the infestation.

Bed bugs are small, oval-shaped insects that are about a quarter of an inch long and red-brown in color. They have six legs and two antennae, but they do not have wings and cannot fly. Bed bugs feed on human blood and are usually found in mattress seams, sheets, and other areas near their human hosts. They leave behind small reddish-brown faecal spots on mattresses, walls, and upholstery, as well as empty eggshells and shedded skins.

If you have bed bugs, you should contact a pest management professional as they breed rapidly and it can be very difficult to get rid of an infestation on your own. In the meantime, you can vacuum infested areas, wash and dry affected fabrics on high heat, and seal infested items in plastic bags.

Bed bugs are considered a home maintenance issue

Bed bugs are small, oval-shaped insects that are about 1/4-inch long and reddish-brown in color. They feed on human blood and are most commonly found in mattress seams, sheets, and other areas near their human hosts. They are "hitchhikers," often attaching themselves to clothing, luggage, or furniture and traveling from one place to another.

To prevent and control bed bug infestations, it is recommended to regularly inspect your home for signs of bed bugs, reduce clutter to limit their hiding places, and vacuum frequently to remove any bugs that may have hitched a ride. It is also important to wash and dry bedding and clothing on high heat, as bed bugs cannot survive extreme temperatures.

If you discover a bed bug infestation, it is essential to act quickly to contain and treat it. This may involve sealing infested items in plastic bags, washing and drying belongings on high heat, steaming mattresses and couches, and/or seeking the help of a professional exterminator.

Bed bug extermination costs an average of $1,000 to $2,500

Bed bugs are notoriously difficult to get rid of and can cost thousands of dollars to remove. The average cost of bed bug extermination is between $1,000 and $2,500, but prices can vary depending on the severity of the infestation, the size of the infested area, and the treatment method used.

Some pest control companies charge per room, with prices ranging from $300 to $1,000 for treating a single room, and up to $5,000 for treating an entire home. Other companies charge by the square foot, with prices ranging from $1 to $8 per square foot. The cost of bed bug extermination can also depend on the treatment method used. Heat treatment, for example, typically costs $1 to $3 per square foot, while fumigation can cost up to $8 per square foot.

In addition to the cost of extermination, there may also be costs associated with preventing the spread of bed bugs and treating any bites or skin irritation. Bed bugs can spread easily and are often brought into the home on clothing or luggage. They are commonly found in hotels, movie theatres, and on public transit. To prevent the spread of bed bugs, it is recommended to wash any potentially infested clothing or bedding in hot water and to vacuum any affected areas. It is also important to treat any bites or skin irritation caused by bed bugs, as they can cause redness, itching, and swelling.

Renters insurance does not cover bed bugs

Renters insurance covers personal belongings against specific incidents, such as fire, hail, and theft. It also provides liability coverage if a guest is injured on the property and loss of use coverage if the renter has to move out temporarily while repairs are carried out.

In addition to bed bugs, renters insurance typically does not cover rodent infestations or damage from termites or cockroaches.

Bed Bug Identification and Removal

Bed bugs are small, oval-shaped, reddish-brown insects about a quarter of an inch long. They are visible to the naked eye and can be identified by small reddish-brown faecal spots on mattresses, walls, and upholstery, as well as molted skins and empty eggshells.

To remove bed bugs, you can vacuum infested areas, seal affected items in plastic bags, and wash and dry bedding and clothing at high temperatures. You may also need to hire a pest control expert.

Landlord Responsibility for Bed Bugs

In some states, such as Florida, Maine, and New York, landlords are required to exterminate bed bugs if they are found in a rental unit. In other states, the landlord's responsibility depends on whether the bed bugs were present before the tenant moved in or if they were found in a common area.

Bed bugs are not considered a serious medical threat

Bed bugs are not known to spread disease, but they can be an annoyance because their presence may cause itching and loss of sleep. Bed bug bites affect each person differently, ranging from an absence of any physical signs of the bite to a small bite mark or a serious allergic reaction. Bed bugs are not considered dangerous; however, an allergic reaction to several bites may require medical attention.

The best way to treat a bed bug bite is to avoid scratching the area and apply antiseptic creams or lotions and take an antihistamine. Bed bug infestations are commonly treated by insecticide spraying.

Frequently asked questions