Insect damage is not covered by a standard homeowners policy. Damage caused by insects, as well as birds and rodents is not covered. This kind of damage is wear and tear and insurance pays for accidental losses such as tornadoes or fires.

So what’s a homeowner to do? This is where prevention comes in. While useful and pretty, the proper application of mulch is important. A layer of gravel is recommended next to the dwelling if there is any wood there. Insects aren’t attracted to rocks. Mulch should be no more than three inches deep; both ants and termites like to nest in it, so don’t have mulch deep enough for them to have a fancy bachelor pad. Use stone instead of railroad ties for borders; stone is cold and hard, and railroad ties are warm and rotting, basically an engraved invitation for insects to come settle in.

Shade is great but there is such a thing as too much. An area that is shady all the time will retain moisture that attracts ants and termites; you don’t want the ground to stay too wet. Once in the mulch, termites and ants are that much closer to your home so that feasting on it is the obvious next step. Some mulches are treated to deter insects, but over time, that treatment will eventually wear off.

Insurers want to provide coverage for well-maintained homes, and that often includes landscaping. While termite and ant damage are not covered by the homeowners policy, a few easy steps can ensure that the more common bugs find your yard less attractive than the neighbor who has several inches of mulch up against the house and under large trees where the sun rarely falls.