Raccoons are small mammals known for their iconic fur patterns and residential scavenging habits. From shredded vents to contaminated insulation, raccoons can quickly cause extensive damage if they manage to get inside your home. Such destruction can leave you with a hefty bill to cover the cost of cleaning and repairs. While coverage varies, understanding what is and isn’t typically covered by your homeowner’s insurance policy can help you make informed decisions and act quickly following a raccoon infestation.
Does Home Insurance Cover Raccoon Damage?
Homeowners’ insurance may cover certain types of wildlife damage, but it’s not usually an all-inclusive policy. Coverage often depends on how the damage occurred and whether it’s considered preventable. Some deciding coverage factors include:
Sudden and Accidental Damage
Homeowners’ insurance is useful for when you’re faced with unexpected damage, such as the aftermath of a storm. In many cases, the damage caused by raccoons is gradual and noticeable over time.
Prevention
Insurance providers often deny claims if the damage is considered preventable. Most providers view pest infestations as preventable issues, since repairs can be made to your property to keep pests from getting inside.
Infestation Duration
Damage caused by an ongoing raccoon infestation is typically not covered. Insurance companies usually view this as a maintenance issue rather than a sudden event.
Common Types of Raccoon Damage
Raccoons are clever and sneaky animals that can cause significant issues for your home. Some of the most common forms of raccoon damage include:
Roof and Attic Damage
Raccoons often tear through shingles, soffits and vents to gain entry. Once inside, they will spread contamination and shred insulation to create nesting areas.
Electrical and Structural Issues
Like many pests, raccoons can chew on wiring, which can affect your electrical service and increase the risk of fire hazards.
Odors and Health Risks
Raccoon droppings and urine can spread throughout your property, leading to foul odors and potential health risks.
Higher Energy Bills
Raccoons frequently disturb HVAC systems and insulation, reducing energy efficiency and increasing utility costs.
Landscaping Issues
Outside your home, raccoons may dig up lawns, damage gardens and tamper with trash cans, leaving your yard a littered mess.
While it may be tempting to handle invasive raccoons on your own, DIY raccoon removal methods can be dangerous and ineffective. Raccoons can become aggressive when threatened, leading to bites or scratches if improperly handled. Instead of risking your health, rely on raccoon removal professionals to safely and effectively remove unwelcome raccoons.
Get Professional Raccoon Removal at Animal Wildlife Trappers
At Animal Wildlife Trappers, our licensed and trained technicians have the equipment and experience to provide you with high-quality raccoon removal services that ensure all nuisance pests are removed completely and permanently. To schedule an appointment and receive a free raccoon removal estimate, call Animal Wildlife Trappers today at 352-267-0546.