Persistent Pests: Miami, Los Angeles and Tampa Face Highest Termite Activity for Third Year Straight

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Orkin has released its Top 50 Termite Cities list, with Miami maintaining its position as America's most termite-infested city, followed by Los Angeles and Tampa. The rankings are based on residential termite treatments performed by Orkin from January to December 2024. Notable changes include Houston entering the top 10, while Oklahoma City and Waco made their first appearances on the list.

According to Orkin, termites cause approximately $5 billion in annual damage to American homes. The company warns that increasing temperatures and longer warm periods are expanding termite activity, particularly in warmer-climate cities. The report identifies key warning signs of termite infestations and provides preventive measures for homeowners, including proper water drainage, maintenance of pipes and gutters, and regular inspection of wooden structures.

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Orkin Shares What Homeowners Need to Know to Help Prevent Costly Damage

ATLANTA, Feb. 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Miami remains the most termite-infested city in America, according to Orkin's Top 50 Termite Cities list. Los Angeles and Tampa, Fla., held onto 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.

Miami remains the most termite-infested city in America, according to Orkin's Top 50 Termite Cities list.

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 January 1, 2024, to December 31, 2024, and helps Orkin better understand the extent of termite problems in each city.

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

As we face increasingly warmer temperatures for longer each year, homeowners need to understand the threat termites pose and should prepare their homes 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.

"Termites cost American homeowners about $5 billion a year in damage, often going undetected until they've caused serious damage," said Glen Ramsey, Director of the Entomology Team at Orkin. "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 ¼ to ½ inch long. Termites range in color from white to light brown.

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

• A temporary swarm of small, winged insects inside the home 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 scraw spaces
• An accumulation of wings or frass (termite droppings)

Termites are a threat to homes 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 home, 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

Homeowners who suspect an infestation should call the Pros at Orkin for a free termite inspection. For more information about termite treatment and prevention, visit Orkin.com. 

About Orkin, LLC
Founded in 1901, Atlanta-based Orkin is a global leader in pest control services, specializing in protecting homes and businesses against termites, rodents, and insects. With more than 120 years of experience, Orkin is committed to safeguarding public health by preventing and controlling pests and educating consumers about their potential health risks.

Orkin operates nearly 400 branch offices and nearly 50 franchise locations across the U.S., with additional international franchises and subsidiaries spanning six continents, including Canada, Europe, Central America, South America, the Caribbean, the Middle East, Asia, the Mediterranean, Africa, and Mexico.
Orkin Pros are dedicated to delivering exceptional customer care, guided by core values of safety, professionalism, empathy, integrity, and innovation. They leverage advanced pest control technologies to solve pest problems effectively and efficiently.

Since 2020, Orkin has partnered with the American Red Cross® to raise awareness about mosquito-related health risks while supporting the national blood supply through donations and monetary contributions.
Orkin is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Rollins, Inc. (NYSE: ROL). To learn more about careers at Orkin, click here. For additional information, visit Orkin.com. Follow Orkin on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. 

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SOURCE Orkin, LLC

FAQ

Which cities topped Orkin's 2024 Termite Cities list?

Miami ranked first, followed by Los Angeles and Tampa as the cities with the highest termite activity in 2024.

How much do termites cost American homeowners annually according to Orkin (ROL)?

According to Orkin, termites cost American homeowners approximately $5 billion annually in damage repairs.

What new cities appeared in Orkin's (ROL) 2024 Top 50 Termite Cities list?

Oklahoma City and Waco, Texas made their first appearances on the Top 50 Termite Cities list in 2024.

How many termite species are active in the United States according to Orkin (ROL)?

According to Orkin, there are 40 active termite species in the United States out of more than 2,000 species worldwide.

What is Orkin's (ROL) geographical presence in 2024?

Orkin operates nearly 400 branch offices and 50 franchise locations across the U.S., with additional international franchises across six continents.