The words TOP 50 written in wooden letterpress type.

Contributed by Orkin

There seems to be a changing of the guard, as the city of Angels has apparently become the city of… termites?

Pest control leader Orkin reveals Los Angeles is claiming the top spot for the first time on this year’s Top 50 Termites Cities list, released this week. 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 #23 to #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 February 1, 2021 – January 31, 2022. The ranking includes both residential and commercial treatments

1. Los Angeles (+1)                                               

2. Miami (1)

3. Washington, DC (+1)

4. Tampa (-1)

5. Chicago (+18)

6. Atlanta (-1)

7. New York  

8. Raleigh (+5)

9. Dallas (+1)

10. Orlando (-1)   

11. San Diego (+1)

12. Norfolk (+12)

13. Houston (+1)

14. Richmond, Virginia (+17)

15. San Francisco (-4)

16. West Palm Beach (-10)

17. Philadelphia 

18. Nashville (+3)

19. Baltimore (-4)

20. Charlotte (-2)

21. Cincinnati (+1)

22. New Orleans (-14)

23. Indianapolis (-4)

24. Greenville (-4)

25. Phoenix (-9)

26. Pittsburgh (-1)

27. Knoxville (-1)

28. Kansas City 

29. Savannah 

30. St. Louis (+3)

31. Louisville (+13)

32. Columbia, South Carolina (-2)

33. Austin (+14)

34. Charleston, South Carolina (-7)

35. Lafayette, Louisiana (+2)

36. Ft. Myers (-4)

37. San Antonio (+4)

38. Grand Rapids (+7)

39. Mobile, Alabama (-5)

40. Boston (+2)

41. Waco (-1)

42. Tulsa (-4)

43. Columbus, OH (+5)

44. Jacksonville (-8)

45. Charleston, South Carolina (+4)

46. Chattanooga (-3)

47. Honolulu (-8)

48. Wichita (-2)

49. Oklahoma City (-14)

50. Denver  

With spring and termite season in full swing, it is important to take the necessary steps to protect facilities 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 residential properties and beyond.

Facilities 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 facility. Signs of a termite infestation include:

  • 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 facility

Proactive termite prevention tips that Orkin recommends for facility managers:

  • 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.