With people spending more time at home in 2020, termites and termite damage were likely observed more frequently than in previous years. Parallel to this, 2020 held a record-breaking number of storms and hurricanes offering what termites need most in life – moisture.
Did Houston make the top Termite City in 2020?
The list is based on treatment data from the metro areas where Orkin performed the most first-time customer termite treatments from February 1, 2020 – January 31, 2021. The ranking includes both residential and commercial treatments.
- Miami
- Los Angeles
- Tampa
- Washington, DC (+2)
- Atlanta
- West Palm Beach (+1)
- New York (-3)
- New Orleans (+1)
- Orlando (+1)
- Dallas (+2)
- San Francisco (-3)
- San Diego (-1)
- Raleigh
- Houston (+1)
- Baltimore (+1)
- Phoenix (-2)
- Philadelphia (+2)
- Charlotte
- Indianapolis (+5)
- Greenville, NC (+6)
- Nashville (-4)
- Cincinnati
- Chicago (-3)
- Norfolk (+1)
- Pittsburgh (+4)
- Knoxville (+1)
- Charleston, VA (+1)
- Kansas City (+4)
- Savannah (+1)
- Columbia, SC (+8)
- Richmond, VA
- Fort Myers, FL (-11)
- St. Louis (+4)
- Mobile, AL (-11)
- Oklahoma City (-1)
- Jacksonville (+7)
- Lafayette, LA (+4)
- Tulsa (-3)
- Honolulu (-6)
- Waco (new to list)
- San Antonio (-2)
- Boston (-6)
- Chattanooga (-3)
- Louisville (+2)
- Grand Rapids (+3)
- Wichita (new to list)
- Austin (new to list)
- Columbus, OH (+2)
- Charleston, SC (-5)
- Denver (-5)
What does termite love?
“Weather conditions directly impact termite swarms,” said Glen Ramsey, Orkin entomologist.
“Most subterranean termites swarm in the spring and summer, while drywood termites typically swarm in the late summer and fall.” Termite infestations are a threat to all areas of the U.S., though pressures from subterranean termites may vary. The Pacific Coast and coastal regions of the Southeast also face the additional threat of drywood termites.
“Termites swarm when they are looking for moisture and food, and with fewer dead trees to invade in urban areas, termites will move to residential areas for food and moisture,” said Ramsey.
Property owners can get termites from wooden structures, such as porches and decks, directly touching the ground; firewood leaning against the house; soil that stays damp long-term from leaking faucets or water retention areas near foundation and dead trees or other landscaping near the house.
Signs of a termite infestation include
- A temporary swarm of termites in your home, in the soil or around the exterior of the house
- Cracked or bubbling paint
- Wood that sounds hollow when tapped
- Mud tubes on the interior or exterior of walls or wooden beams
- Discarded wings from swarmers
- Sightings of frass (termite droppings) in or near the house
How to prevent termites
To proactively avoid termites, Orkin recommends that homeowners regularly monitor water drainage sites to ensure they are properly draining, paying extra attention to areas around the foundation and on the roof. Additionally, seal gaps around utility lines, gas lines and pipes and cover exterior vents with screens to help reduce entry points. Lastly, reduce termite food sources by removing any rotting wood, debris or landscaping near the house.
How can we help?
We are no termite exterminators and if we told you that we can fix your termite problem, we would be lying. However, we are experts in helping you with buy sell and rent real estate in Houston.
We would advice you to contact an exterminator and get a free consultation from companies like Orkin, or Terminix. Most of these companies will have a guarantee behind their service from 6 months to 1 years, guarantee you to be free from these wood loving insects.
And when you’re ready to sell your home, contact ApexPro to find an agent who can help you sell your Houston home. Start your home buying/selling journey now with ApexPro.
About ApexPro Real Estate
ApexPro Real Estate Group is a full-service real estate brokerage specializing in single family and attached residential properties throughout Houston and the surrounding areas. We are a privately-held small business that brings together top agents, cutting-edge technology, and unparalleled service to help clients throughout Houston to buy and sell real estate — and enjoy themselves every step along the way. Our client reviews are exhibits our dedication to help our clients extends beyond the closing table and we would love to earn your business.