Miami tops this year’s Top 50 Termite Cities list, followed by Los Angeles, Tampa, and New York for the second consecutive year. This year, Atlanta joined the top five after it jumped one spot from last year.
Compiled by Orkin Pest Control in support of the National Pest Management Association’s Termite Awareness Week, the list is based on treatment data from the metro areas where Orkin performed the most first-time customer termite treatments from February 1, 2019 – January 31, 2020. The ranking includes both residential and commercial treatments.
Savannah, GA made the largest leap, moving up 18 spots from last year to number 30 on the list. Myrtle Beach, SC and Lafayette, LA are newcomers to the list, holding numbers 41 and 49, respectively.
The Top 50 Termite Cities
1. Miami
2. Los Angeles
3. Tampa, FL
4. New York
5. Atlanta
6. Washington, DC
7. West Palm Beach, FL
8. San Francisco
9. New Orleans
10. Orlando, FL
11. San Diego
12. Dallas
13. Raleigh, NC
14. Phoenix
15. Houston
16. Baltimore
17. Nashville, TN
18. Charlotte, NC
19. Philadelphia
20. Chicago
21. Ft. Myers, FL
22. Cincinnati
23. Mobile, AL
24. Indianapolis
25. Norfolk, VA
26. Greenville, SC
27. Knoxville, TN
28. Charleston, WV
29. Pittsburgh
30. Savannah, GA
31. Richmond, VA
32. Kansas City
33. Honolulu
34. Oklahoma City
35. Tulsa, OK
36. Boston
37. St. Louis
38. Columbia, SC
39. San Antonio
40. Chattanooga, TN
41. Lafayette, LA
42. Lexington, KY
43. Jacksonville, FL
44. Charleston, SC
45. Denver
46. Louisville, KY
47. Champaign, IL
48. Grand Rapids, MI
49. Myrtle Beach, SC
50. Columbus, OH
For termites, all areas of the U.S. are susceptible to infestations, though specific area pressures of subterranean termites vary from slight to heavy. The Pacific Coast and coastal regions of the Southeast see the additional threat of drywood termites.
Termites swarm based on favorable weather conditions. Most species of subterranean termites swarm in the spring and summer, where drywood termites typically swarm in the late summer and fall months. Major variations in weather typically mean variations in swarms, as well.
Termites swarm when they are searching for their two main factors of survival: moisture and food. Due to urbanization, termites will find their way to properties for food sources, as there are fewer dead trees to invade.
“Termites are an especially sneaky pest, as they can hide and thrive on your property for years without being detected,” said Glen Ramsey, an Orkin entomologist.
Early Detection Is Key
Termites are a threat to more than just your facility, so early detection is critical. Here are some facts about termite swarms and tips to help avoid them:
Facilities can get termites from:
- Wooden structures, such as porches and decks, in direct contact with the ground
- Stacks of firewood leaning against the building
- Long-term damp soil near foundations, from leaking faucets, gutters or downspouts and water retention areas
- Dead trees, shrubs, and other landscaping in close proximity to the building
- Any above-ground locations inside the building that remain damp enough to support termites
Signs of a termite infestation include:
- A temporary swarm of winged insects in your building or from the soil around the building
- Any cracked or bubbling paint
- Sightings of frass (termite droppings) near or in the building
- Wood that sounds hollow when tapped
- Mud tubes on interior or exterior walls, wooden beams or in crawl spaces
- Discarded wings from swarmers
Orkin recommends facility managers make the following proactive moves:
- Regularly check and monitor water drainage sites to ensure they are clear of debris and draining properly.
- Monitor any possible areas where moisture could collect, such as leaky pipes, gutters, downspouts, air conditioning units and other fixtures susceptible to leaking. Pay extra attention to areas around your foundation and on your roof.
- Seal gaps around utility lines, gas lines and pipes and cover exterior vents with screens to help eliminate entry points.
- Reduce food sources by removing any rotting wood or debris, removing excess landscaping mulch and ensuring wooden siding is at least six inches above the ground.
- Monitor wooden structures regularly for any signs of damage.
If a termite introduction is suspected, a pest management professional should be contacted immediately to assess the property.
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