Miami Holds No. 1 Spot on Orkin's 2026 Top 50 Termite Cities List

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Orkin (NYSE: ROL) announced on Feb 17, 2026 that Miami is No. 1 on Orkin's 2026 Top 50 Termite Cities list for the fourth consecutive year, followed by Los Angeles and Tampa. Warm-weather markets dominate; six Florida cities appear in the top 20.

The ranking uses Orkin treatment data collected Jan. 15, 2025–Jan. 16, 2026 and highlights rising termite pressure in several U.S. metros, including New York jumping seven spots to No. 9.

Rankings highlight persistent termite pressure and the importance of early home protection to prevent significant costs for homeowners

ATLANTA, Feb. 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Miami and Los Angeles have been competing for the #1 spot as the most termite-infested city in America since Orkin's Top 50 Termite Cities lists' inception. This year, Miami takes home the crown for the fourth year in a row, with Los Angeles and Tampa, Fla. following closely behind. Warm-weather markets continue to dominate, with Florida cities taking up six spots in the top 20 this year. The Northeast saw one of the most notable shifts, as New York reentered the top 10 at No. 9, climbing seven spots since last year and marking the largest jump among leading cities. Heat and dry conditions can allow termites to stay active longer, a trend reflected in the ongoing concentration of warm-weather cities at the top of Orkin's list.

How the ranking is determined: Orkin's annual Termite Cities list is based on data from cities where Orkin Pros performed the most residential termite treatments in owner-occupied residences. The data was collected from Jan. 15, 2025, to Jan. 16, 2026, and helps Orkin better understand the extent of termite problems in each city.

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

 

The Real Cost of Termite Damage
"Termites can cause an estimated billions of dollars a year in damage to U.S. homes every year, and much of that destruction happens out of sight," said Shannon Sked, entomologist and National Technical Director at Orkin. "By the time homeowners notice visible signs, termites may have already compromised structural elements. Adding a proactive, ongoing termite treatment program can greatly help catch problems and prevent costly repairs down the line."

Termites, By the Numbers

• More than 2,200 termite species exist worldwide, with approximately 50 active in the United States.
• Termites are often confused with ants but cause far more extensive structural damage.
• Most termites in the U.S. measure ¼ to ½ inch and range in color from white to light brown.
• Infestations can go unnoticed for months (or even years!) before termite damage becomes visible.
• A single mature colony can have between 60,000 to 1 million termites, with Formosan termite colonies reaching over 2 million individuals.

Common Signs of Termite Activity
Termite damage is often subtle at first. Signs of a termite infestation include:

• Mud tubes along exterior walls, crawl spaces or wooden beams.
• Brief swarms of small, winged insects indoors or near a home's foundation.
• Piles of discarded wings or frass (termite droppings).
• Bubbling or cracked paint, or wood that sounds hollow when tapped.

For homeowners, living in a high-ranking city doesn't mean termites are inevitable, but it does mean early inspections and preventative treatments are especially important.

Prevention Starts at the Foundation
Simple prevention steps can help protect homes year-round. Because termites can affect homes made of any wood material, taking preventative measures can significantly the reduce risk of an expensive infestation:

• Clear gutters and drainage areas to prevent moisture buildup, which can attract some species of termite.
• Repair leaks around pipes, HVAC units and exterior fixtures.
• Seal cracks and gaps near foundations, windows and utility entry points.
• Remove rotting wood, mulch piles and debris close to the home.
• Install screens on vents and windows.
• Inspect wooden structures regularly for early signs of damage.
• Have a pest control professional, like the Pros at Orkin, install a baiting system to protect the house.

When to Call in the Pros
Whether responding to warning signs or planning ahead, homeowners can turn to Orkin Pros for expert support. Orkin offers free termite inspections to help identify risks early and recommend solutions tailored to each home. Additional information is available at Orkin.com. 

About Orkin, LLC
Founded in 1901, Atlanta-based Orkin has been shaping the pest control industry for 125 years, providing protection against termite damage, rodents and insects through its commitment to scientific knowledge and unmatched training. From its earliest days to today, Orkin's innovative spirit continues to define the future of pest management. 

Orkin is dedicated to protecting the places where we live, work and play by helping prevent and control pests and educating consumers about the potential health risks they pose. Guided by a service-first mission to deliver peace of mind, Orkin Pros are trusted professionals who embody the company's values of safety, integrity, professionalism, empathy and innovation. Since 2020, Orkin has partnered with the American Red Cross® to raise awareness about mosquito-borne health threats while supporting the nation's blood supply through monetary contributions and blood donations.

Orkin has more than 400 owned and operated branch offices and nearly 50 franchises in the U.S. The company also has international franchises and subsidiaries in Canada, Europe, Central America, South America, the Caribbean, the Middle East, Asia, the Mediterranean, Africa and Mexico. Learn more about careers at Orkin here.

Visit Orkin.com for additional information. Orkin is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Rollins Inc. (NYSE: ROL). Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and LinkedIn.

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SOURCE Orkin, LLC

FAQ

What did Orkin announce on Feb 17, 2026 about Miami and the Top 50 Termite Cities (ROL)?

Miami ranked No. 1 on Orkin's 2026 Top 50 Termite Cities list for the fourth straight year. According to Orkin, the ranking is based on residential termite treatments from Jan. 15, 2025 to Jan. 16, 2026 and shows persistent termite pressure in warm markets.

How did New York move on Orkin's 2026 Top 50 Termite Cities list and what does it mean for homeowners (ROL)?

New York climbed seven spots to No. 9 on the 2026 list, the largest jump among leading cities. According to Orkin, this shift signals increased termite activity and suggests homeowners should prioritize inspections and preventive measures.

Which cities dominated Orkin's 2026 termite rankings and how many Florida cities are in the top 20 (ROL)?

Warm-weather cities dominated, with Miami, Los Angeles and Tampa leading the list; six Florida cities appear in the top 20. According to Orkin, heat and dry conditions help termites remain active longer, concentrating infestations in warmer regions.

What data period and methodology did Orkin use for the 2026 Top 50 Termite Cities (ROL)?

Orkin based the rankings on where its Pros performed the most residential termite treatments from Jan. 15, 2025 to Jan. 16, 2026. According to Orkin, the method measures treatment volume in owner-occupied homes to gauge termite problems by city.

What home prevention steps did Orkin recommend following the 2026 termite rankings (ROL)?

Orkin recommended regular inspections, repairing leaks, clearing debris, sealing foundation gaps, and professional baiting systems for prevention. According to Orkin, proactive treatment programs can catch problems early and reduce costly structural repairs.

Is Orkin affiliated with Rollins and how does the Feb 17, 2026 announcement relate to Rollins stock (ROL)?

Orkin is a wholly owned subsidiary of Rollins (NYSE: ROL) and the ranking is a consumer-facing report on termite activity. According to Orkin, the announcement reflects service demand trends but does not state direct financial guidance or quantified impact on Rollins results.