There seems to be a changing of the guard, as the city of Angels has apparently become the city of… termites?
Pest control specialist Orkin revealed Los Angeles is claiming the top spot for the first time on the company’s annual Top 50 Termites Cities list. Miami, the historic frontrunner, has fallen to second place, with Washington, D.C., Tampa, and Chicago rounding out the top five. Both Chicago and Raleigh are newcomers to the Top 10, with Chicago making the biggest jump from No. 23 to No. 5 on this year’s list.
The list is based on treatment data from the metro areas where Orkin performed the most first-time customer termite treatments from Feb. 1, 2021, to Jan. 31, 2022. The ranking includes both residential and commercial treatments.
- Los Angeles (+1)
- Miami (-1)
- Washington, DC (+1)
- Tampa (-1)
- Chicago (+18)
- Atlanta (-1)
- New York
- Raleigh (+5)
- Dallas (+1)
- Orlando (-1)
- San Diego (+1)
- Norfolk (+12)
- Houston (+1)
- Richmond, VA (+17)
- San Francisco (-4)
- West Palm Beach (-10)
- Philadelphia
- Nashville (+3)
- Baltimore (-4)
- Charlotte (-2)
- Cincinnati (+1)
- New Orleans (-14)
- Indianapolis (-4)
- Greenville (-4)
- Phoenix (-9)
- Pittsburgh (-1)
- Knoxville (-1)
- Kansas City
- Savannah
- St. Louis (+3)
- Louisville (+13)
- Columbia, SC (-2)
- Austin (+14)
- Charleston, SC (-7)
- Lafayette, LA (+2)
- Ft. Myers (-4)
- San Antonio (+4)
- Grand Rapids (+7)
- Mobile, AL (-5)
- Boston (+2)
- Waco (-1)
- Tulsa (-4)
- Columbus, OH (+5)
- Jacksonville (-8)
- Charleston, SC (+4)
- Chattanooga (-3)
- Honolulu (-8)
- Wichita (-2)
- Oklahoma City (-14)
- Denver
With spring and termite season in full swing, it is important to take the necessary steps to protect your property from these “silent destroyers.” An ideal environment for termites consists of a combination of warmth, moisture, and food. Termites are constantly in search of any source of wood, including at homes, commercial properties, and beyond.
Orkin entomologist Glen Ramsey warned, “Some species of termite queens lay millions of eggs each year that hatch and grow into wood-eating machines, wreaking havoc within the foundation … and causing extensive damage.”
Warnings & Tips
Properties get termites from wooden structures (such as porches and decks) directly touching the ground; firewood leaning against the building; soil that stays damp long-term from leaking faucets; or water retention areas near foundation and dead trees or other landscaping near the building.
Signs of a termite infestation include:
- A temporary swarm of termites in your building or home, in the soil, or around the exterior of the property;
- Cracked or bubbling paint;
- Wood that sounds hollow when tapped;
- Mud tubes on the interior or exterior of walls or wooden beams;
- Sightings of drywood termite frass (termite droppings) in or near the property.
Orkin recommends these proactive termite prevention tips:
- Regularly check and monitor water drainage areas 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.
- 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.