Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Bed Bugs?

Homeowners insurance does not cover bed bugs because insurers consider them a preventable hazard. Insurance companies reason that regular maintenance via cleaning and disinfecting can fend off a bed bug infestation. Since a bed bug claim will likely get denied, you will need to cover the cost of professional treatment or use a DIY solution.

On This Page

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  Why Aren’t Bed Bugs Covered by Homeowners Insurance?

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  When Would Homeowners Insurance Cover an Infestation?

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  What Causes Bed Bugs?

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  What Should You Do If You Have Bed Bugs?

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  How Much Does It Cost To Treat Bed Bugs?

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  Tips for Preventing Bed Bugs

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  FAQs

Why Aren’t Bed Bugs Covered by Homeowners Insurance?

Bed bugs are not covered under standard homeowners insurance policies because insurers classify bed bugs as a preventable hazard. Perils that are covered are usually those that are sudden and out of your control such as some natural disasters, pipes bursting and burglaries. 

“Bed bugs don’t fit that definition,” Samuel Greenes, a licensed insurance broker and the CEO of Blue Insurance, told SmartFinancial in a message. “They're seen as a maintenance issue, like termites or mold, which can generally be prevented with upkeep.”

When Would Homeowners Insurance Cover an Infestation?

While rare, one type of instance that may be covered would be if the bed bug infestation occurred because of a covered peril. For example, say a pipe burst in your home, and during the temporary relocation, bed bugs latched onto your belongings. “Because the root cause — the burst pipe — is a covered peril, there's a potential argument for some related bed bug cleanup costs [to be covered],” Greenes said.

However, proving this link can be difficult and is why bed bug claims are usually denied. “You'd need meticulous documentation of the original damage, the infestation's timing and likely professional help to make your case to the insurer,” Greenes said.

A liability claim may be one of the few instances in which a homeowners insurance claim for bed bugs might be accepted. For example, say a guest stayed at your home and was bitten by bed bugs in your guest bedroom. If they sue you, then homeowners insurance may cover the legal expenses and your guest’s medical bills.^[1] However, this is a highly specific scenario that may not always be covered.

What Causes Bed Bugs?

Several factors can contribute to bed bugs occupying your home, such as traveling, buying used furniture and letting bed bugs grow out of control.

Traveling

Frequent travelers are more likely to bring bed bugs into their homes without realizing it. If there are bed bugs in the place you’re staying, those insects can hitch a ride on your clothes, luggage, backpacks and other belongings. 

Secondhand Furniture

Secondhand furniture can spruce up your living space but can also be home to bed bugs. Avoid buying used mattresses outside traditional retailers and if you do, thoroughly inspect the item before loading it into your car. 

Lack of Cleaning

Spotting early signs of a bed bug infestation can be difficult if your living space is cluttered. Sticking to a regular cleaning schedule can create a healthier living space for you and your family and stop infestations from happening.

What Should You Do If You Have Bed Bugs?

Depending on your budget and the infestation level, you can take a DIY approach to remove bed bugs or hire a professional. Removing bed bugs yourself is cheaper but will require regular maintenance, time and labor.

First, thoroughly look throughout your entire home for bed bugs. Generally, bed bugs like to nestle in the following areas:

• Mattress seams, folds and box springs
• Bed sheets
• Loose wallpaper seams
• Pet sleeping area
• Furniture and clutter around sleeping areas

Once you identify the problem areas, use the following tips to contain and remove bed bugs from your home.

• Use a strong-suction vacuum to target mattresses, furniture with fabrics and areas around your bed daily.
• Use a handheld steam cleaner to kill bed bugs in problem areas.
• Wash and dry on the highest heat setting.
• Encase your mattress in a mattress cover to starve existing bed bugs and prevent new ones from settling in.
• Discard or quarantine infested furniture.

Severe infestations, however, will likely require a professional. Insecticides purchased from the store may be ineffective due to bed bug resistance and may spread chemicals harmful to you and your pets if used improperly. In addition, professionals may use high-heat methods that can heat target areas to kill all bed bugs and their eggs.

How Much Does It Cost To Treat Bed Bugs?

In 2023, the average cost to hire a professional for residential bug treatment was $961 but on the lower end, it can range from $320 to $400.^[2][3] Professional services will use multiple factors when calculating your costs, such as the square footage of your home, accessibility to the problem area and the infestation level.

Tips for Preventing Bed Bugs

The following tips can help keep your home bed bug-free or at least address the problem before a few bed bugs morph into an infestation.

• Clear clutter, especially in areas where you or your pets sleep, so you can spot bed bugs when they’re crawling around.
• Seal cracks in furniture, walls and baseboards.
• Plug your electrical outlets as bed bugs may settle in rarely used electrical sockets.
• Use a mattress cover to prevent bed bugs from settling into the seams and box springs.
• Vacuum regularly, including your mattress.
• If you get a secondhand mattress or other furniture, steam it before bringing it into your home.
• When staying in a hotel, do a quick sweep for bed bugs in the mattress seams, upholstered furniture and carpeting around the bed before you unpack your luggage. If you suspect bed bugs, ask to switch rooms or change hotels.
• When you return home after traveling, wash your clothes in hot water and put them in the dryer to kill potential bed bugs.