Do You Live in One of the Top Termite Cities in the U.S.? Read This To Find Out

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Sorry, Miami residents—you might want to put pest control on speed dial.

The Magic City has earned the dubious honor of being the No. 1 urban area for termite infestations, according to Orkin’s Top 50 Termite Cities list. Miami, by the way, is reclaiming its long-running “prize,” which it temporarily ceded to Los Angeles last year. This year, L.A. ranks No. 2, with Tampa, FL, nibbling at its timbers at No. 3.

The ranking is based on metropolitan areas (cities and their surrounding towns) where Orkin performed the most first-time termite treatments between February 2022 and January 2023.

The cities sitting at the top of the termite heap share similar coastal climates, making them ideal places for subterranean and drywood species of termites to feast.

“Miami, Los Angeles, and Tampa experienced the right mixture of temperature and precipitation this winter that has created an ideal condition for termites to survive the winter,” says Frank Meek, technical manager at Orkin.

Take a look at the rankings below.

Top termite cities, 2023

Termites are more than simply repellent insects invading your space. Every year, termites cause billions of dollars in damage, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. Property owners spend more than $2 billion annually fixing the damage they cause and ousting them from their residences. What’s worse? Most insurance plans don’t cover the damage.

Read on for insight into how homeowners can sniff out a potential termite issue, how to prevent an infestation, and what to do if the worst-case scenario happens.

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Watch: Head Off a Termite Invasion: 5 Smart Strategies

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What do termites want and how do I know if I have them?

Termites are drawn to sources of cellulose, which makes wood inside of homes look particularly tasty. These menaces range in size from a 16th of an inch to about 1 inch long. The most common species in the U.S. is the native subterranean termite.

At times, termite problems are easy to pinpoint. Subterranean termites build mud tunnels from the ground up into the wood they want to snack on, and they can be spotted along the foundation of a home. Drywood termites produce holes in the wood they’re munching on, kicking out a pile of pellets through the hole as they go.

“Keep an eye out for small, pinpoint holes in drywall with what looks like dirt around them,” says Glen Ramsey, Orkin’s director of technical services. “You may also see mounds of drywood termite pellets, which often resemble piles of small seeds, or piles of wings left behind after fly swarms around windows.”

Sometimes, the presence of termites is subtler. Look out for warped flooring, rippled paint, and hollow-sounding wood—all signs of insectile feeding frenzies.

How to prevent infestations

Termites are drawn to wooden structures (such as porches and decks) that directly touch the ground, as well as moisture from leaky pipes, improper drainage, and poor airflow. Here are several common-sense steps homeowners can take to prevent infestations.

Get rid of rotting firewood and other debris near the house. Ensure the soil around your home’s foundation stays dry through proper grading and drainage. Regularly maintain your gutters and downspouts to prevent moisture collection and leaks. Reduce or eliminate openings that throw out the red carpet for termites, including cracks in your cement foundation. Fix leaks as soon as you see them. Place screens on outside vents so termites can’t enter.

And if you do find an infestation, don’t panic. Termites won’t eat your house overnight; in fact, it would take five months for 60,000 termites to eat one foot of a two-by-four piece of lumber.

Just make a note of what you see, call pest control, and hang tight.

“Professional termite service companies can send out inspectors who will give you specific recommendations for your structure,” Ramsey says.

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