This Is the Most Termite Infested City in the Country
Updated: Oct. 06, 2023
Did your city make the list?
We know that Chicago is the most rat-infested city in America but when it comes to termites, it’s a different story. While Americans are bound to run into a rat or two in the major Illinois city, termites are slightly less likely to be encountered, as Chicago is the thirteenth most termite-infested American city. So where can Americans expect to deal with the pesky insects the most?
Thanks to the pest control company Orkin, we happen to have the answer to that question. The company has released its annual report of the most termite-infested cities across the country, based on the company’s treatment data in metropolitan areas. In 2023, the top 50 most termite-infested cities ranged from coast to coast.
What Are the Most Termite-Infested Cities in America?
Coming in at the top spot for the most-termite-infested city in the United States is Miami, Florida. Los Angeles, California, the top termite-infested city of 2022, follows closely behind at number 2. Tampa, Florida comes in at number 3.
So, what do these three cities have that makes them so attractive for termites? They have “the right mixture of temperature and precipitation this winter that has created an ideal condition for termites to survive this winter,” Frank Meek, technical manager of Orkin, states.
From there, Washington D.C. and Raleigh take the following two spots to round out the top five most termite-infested American cities. These nasty critters seem to leave no stone unturned and cause an estimated $5 billion in damage every year, according to Orkin.
Here is the full list of the 50 most termite-infested cities around the country:
- Miami
- Los Angeles
- Tampa
- Washington, D.C.
- Raleigh
- Atlanta
- Norfolk
- San Francisco
- New York
- Orlando
- San Diego
- Richmond
- Chicago
- New Orleans
- West Palm Beach
- Philadelphia
- Baltimore
- Charlotte
- Dallas
- Greenville, SC
- Nashville
- Phoenix
- Houston
- Indianapolis
- Detroit
- Charleston, SC
- Myrtle Beach
- Charleston-Huntington, WV
- Cincinnati
- Knoxville
- St. Louis
- Pittsburgh
- Augusta
- Columbia, SC
- Memphis
- Greensboro
- Kansas City
- Jacksonville
- Champaign, IL
- Savannah
- San Antonio
- Baton Rouge
- Mobile, AL
- Greenville, NC
- South Bend
- Tulsa
- Austin
- Paducah, KY
- Ft. Myers
- Chattanooga
What Are Common Signs of a Termite Infestation?
According to Orkin, there are some tell-tale signs that you might have a termite infestation. The company suggests being on the lookout for these factors:
- A temporary swarm of winged insects—typically 1/4 to 1/2 of an inch long—in your home or from the soil around your house.
- Cracked or bubbling paint or frass (termite droppings).
- Wood that sounds hollow when tapped.
- Mud tubes on exterior walls, wooden beams or in a crawl space.
- Discarded wings from swarmers.
Where Do Termites Come From?
Of the more than 2,000 termite species, more than 40 of them can be found in the United States. Here’s where you can find them around your home:
- Trees and shrubs near houses
- Stacks of firewood leaning against a home
- Damp soil near house foundations from leaking faucets, gutters or downspouts
- Wooden structures like porches and decks that are in contact with the ground
- Above-ground locations that remain damp
“Termites feed primarily on wood and can compromise the strength and safety of an infested structure,” Glen Ramsey, Orkin’s director of technical services, says. That’s why it’s important to know where termites are located, and how to prevent them.
How Can I Prevent Termites In My Home?
The one thing that is way better than spotting or getting rid of termites that are already in your home is knowing how to prevent them in the first place. To prevent the creatures that “never sleep,” according to Orkin, keep these tips in mind:
- Check water drainage sites to ensure they remain clear and effective.
- Monitor the collection of moisture by fixing pipes, gutters, downspouts, A/C units and fixtures prone to leaking.
- Caulk around utility lines or pipes.
- Get rid of rotting wood and debris near your home.
- Place screens on outside vents.
- Check wooden structures for damage.
