Termites can do tremendous damage. Each year, the insects wreak billions of dollars in destruction to homes in the U.S., according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
In fact, American homeowners pay $2 billion annually treating homes that have fallen victim to termite infestations.
Of course, termites are a bigger danger in some places than in others. They thrive in warmer temperatures, which is why homeowners in Florida have to be especially vigilant.
Four of the 10 cities where homeowners suffer the most termite damage can be found in the Sunshine State, according to a recent analysis by pest control company Orkin.
In all, 21 termite species are active in Florida, and at least six of those were invasive species, according to the University of Florida.
In determining which cities suffer the most termite damage, Orkin looked at data from cities where the company’s professionals performed the most residential termite treatments in 2024.
Climate change is worsening the termite problem in the United States, Orkin says. As temperatures trend hotter for longer, termites are finding more hospitable environments for their home-wrecking ways, it says. Hotter weather helps termites break down wood faster, and drier weather makes them more active.
In a summary of the findings, Glen Ramsey, director of Orkin’s entomology team, says termite damage often goes undetected for long periods, which can result in serious damage. “That’s why homeowners should prioritize preventive treatments,” he says.
U.S. cities with the most termite infestations
As previously mentioned, Florida is ground zero for termite damage — and Miami takes the crown for having the most termite infestations. It’s the third straight year that Miami has topped the list.
Here are the 25 U.S. cities with the most termite infestations:
- Miami
- Los Angeles
- Tampa, Fla.
- Washington, D.C.
- Orlando, Fla.
- West Palm Beach, Fla.
- Houston
- San Diego
- Baltimore
- Dallas
- Atlanta
- San Francisco
- Chicago
- New Orleans
- Philadelphia
- New York
- Raleigh, N.C.
- Phoenix
- Greenville, N.C.
- Charlotte, N.C.
- Nashville, Tenn.
- Memphis, Tenn.
- Charleston, S.C.
- Norfolk, Va.
- San Antonio
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