Miami remains the most termite-infested city in America, according to Orkin’s latest Top 50 Termite Cities list. Los Angeles and Tampa, Fla., held on to their second- and third-place spots, rounding out the top three cities with the most termite trouble in the country. This year, Houston made its debut in the top 10, and for the first time in the history of the list, Oklahoma City and Waco, Texas, made the top 50.

Orkin’s annual Termite Cities list is based on data from cities where Orkin Pros performed the most residential termite treatments. The data was collected from Jan.1, 2024, to Dec. 31, 2024, and helps Orkin better understand the extent of termite problems in each city.

Top 50 Termite Cities

1. Miami
2. Los Angeles
3. Tampa, Fla.
4. Washington, D.C.
5. Orlando, Fla.
6. West Palm Beach, Fla.
7. Houston
8. San Diego
9. Baltimore
10. Dallas
11. Atlanta
12. San Francisco
13. Chicago
14. New Orleans
15. Philadelphia
16. New York
17. Raleigh, N.C.
18. Phoenix
19. Greenville, N.C.
20. Charlotte, N.C.
21. Nashville, Tenn.
22. Memphis, Tenn.
23. Charleston, S.C.
24. Norfolk, Va.
25. San Antonio
26. Fort Myers, Fla.
27. Charleston, W. Va.
28. Indianapolis
29. Pittsburgh
30. Jacksonville, Fla.
31. Oklahoma City
32. Cincinnati
33. Austin, Texas
34. Honolulu
35. Knoxville, Tenn.
36. Myrtle Beach, S.C.
37. Columbia, S.C.
38. Tulsa, Okla.
39. Waco, Texas
40. St. Louis
41. Richmond, Va.
42. Kansas City, Mo.
43. Mobile, Ala.
44. Denver
45. Detroit
46. Grand Rapids, Mich.
47. Chattanooga, Tenn.
48. Harrisburg, Pa.
49. Savannah, Ga.
50. Columbus, Ohio

Seasonal Threats

As the country faces increasingly warmer temperatures for longer each year, homeowners and businesses need to understand the threat termites pose and should prepare their properties before the warmer months. Hotter weather can increase the rate at which termites break down wood, and drier conditions may allow termites to be more active. Termites thrive in warm temperatures, which is one reason warmer-climate cities tend to top Orkin’s annual list.

Noting the impact these wood-eating pests have on residential properties alone, Glen Ramsey, director of Orkin’s entomology team, said, “Termites cost American homeowners about $5 billion a year in damage, often going undetected until they’ve caused serious damage. That’s why homeowners should prioritize preventive treatments this time of year.”

There are more than 2,000 species of termites in the world, with 40 of them active in the United States. They share similar characteristics to ants and typically measure between a quarter- to half-inch long. Termites range in color from white to light brown.

Warning Signs & Prevention

Homeowners and businesses should be on the lookout for these signs of a termite infestation:

• A temporary swarm of small, winged insects inside the property or around the soil outside.
• Cracked or bubbling paint or wood that sounds hollow when tapped.
• Mud tubes on exterior walls, wooden beams, or in crawl spaces.
• An accumulation of wings or frass (termite droppings).

Termites are a threat to properties made of all materials. Here are some preventive measures:

• Ensure water drainage sites are clear.
• Maintain pipes, gutters, downspouts, A/C units, and other areas susceptible to leaks.
• Use caulk to close gaps around the property, especially around utility lines and pipes.
• Remove rotting wood and debris on the property.
• Use screens on windows and outside vents.
• Periodically check wooden structures for damage.

Orkin urges homeowners and businesses that suspect an infestation to call a pest management professional immediately.

ALSO READ: How to Launch an Integrated Pest Management Program

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