Miami Ranks First in Top Termite Cities List

Miami has surpassed Los Angeles this year for first place in pest control company Orkin’s Top 50 Termite Cities List.

Recently released following Termite Awareness Week (March 5–11), Orkin determined its list based upon the amount of residential and commercial termite treatments it performed in various metro areas within the United States between February 1, 2022–January 31, 2023.

According to Orkin, termites are referred to as “silent destroyers” because of their ability to secretly hide and thrive in a building. Termites eat cellulose-based materials commonly found in building materials such as timber, flooring, and dry wall. These pests cost Americans more than US$5 billion in damage annually, which is not typically covered in insurance policies.

In the 2023 list, Los Angeles fell to second place, with Tampa, Florida, and Washington, D.C., ranking third and fourth, respectively. Raleigh, North Carolina, rounded out the top 5.

“Termites feed primarily on wood and can compromise the strength and safety of an infested structure,” said Glen Ramsey, Orkin’s director of technical services. The company offered the following proactive tips to help prevent a termite infestation:

• Check water drainage sites to ensure they remain cleared and effective
• Monitor the collection of moisture by fixing pipes, gutters, downspouts, air conditioning units, and other fixtures susceptible to leaking
• Caulk around utility lines or pipes
• Get rid of rotting wood and debris near the building
• Place screens on outside vents
• Check wooden structures for damage.

Find out which cities are on the list and where they ranked.