Termite Swarming Season Is Here, These Are the 10 Most Termite-Infested States
Alaska is the only state where residents never have to worry about a termite infestation. So where does that leave Americans living in the rest of the United States?
Groundworks, a foundation repair and water management solutions provider, revealed the top ten states that have the worst risk for termite damage. And given that termite swarming season is already upon many Americans, it’s easier than ever to know if you have a termite problem.
These are the rankings, starting with the most termite-infested.
1: Florida
Florida residents have the highest risk of encountering a termite infestation in their homes. Twenty termite species live in the Sunshine State, and infestations are possible year-round.
Scientists gathered over 6,500 termite samples to determine where the greatest number of termites live in Florida. The Keys and southeast coastal region came out on top. However, termites are a significant problem along most of the east and west sides of Florida’s coast, along with certain areas inland.
2: Georgia
According to Lookout Pest Control, approximately 20% of Georgia homes have been or will be invaded by termites. Of the three termite species that live in Georgia, the Eastern Subterranean termite is the most prevalent. It’s also the most common termite found in the U.S.
No matter how well-sealed Georgians think their homes are, the chance is high that a termite can enter. Most species only need a gap less than one-sixteenth of an inch wide. They can also chew through rubber, offering them another entry point into homes.
3: South Carolina
South Carolina also has three species of termites. The Formosan termite is particularly damaging in coastal areas, where they even eat through wooden boats.
It only takes about 25 days for a Formosan termite colony to eat one foot of 2×4 wood. For this reason, it sometimes goes by the name “super termite.”
4: Alabama
Alabama is yet another southern state to make this list, and for a good reason: Rain, high humidity, and year-round temperate weather attract many species of termites. In fact, termites in northern states spend the winters inactive.
Experts at Advanced Pest Control implore Alabamans to remove standing water from around their homes. Furthermore, store any chopped wood away from a home’s foundation. It’s best to call an exterminator if you see small insect wings, which is a sign that termites have been swarming.
5: Mississippi
Of the three primary termite species in Mississippi, the Southern Drywood termite is the least common. Unlike subterranean termites, which more commonly impact American homes in the southeast, the Southeastern Drywood builds its colonies in low-moisture wood, and they don’t have soil contact.
Mississippians, especially those along the coast, are more likely to struggle with the Formosan termite, which can cause considerable damage.
6: Louisiana
Swarming termite sightings are common in Louisiana from March to July, with more southern parts of the state seeing them at the early end of that time frame.
According to Louisiana State University, Formosan termites are more common in Louisiana than in any other state. Of the approximately $1 billion in damage this termite species makes in the U.S., nearly $500 million happens in Louisiana alone.
7: Texas
Only two species of termites are commonly found in Texas, but they pack an unwanted punch for residents. The Southeastern Drywood termite is more commonly found in the Lone Star State than in any other state up to this point, largely because Texas has more arid regions.
Unlike subterranean termites like the Formosan, which live in the soil and enjoy damp or rotting wood, Drywood termites make a beeline (or shall we say “termiteline”) to dry, healthy wood. Swarms of Drywoods most commonly occur in Texas from the early spring to the fall.
8: California
California is the one and only state on this list that isn’t in the Southeast. A new type of termite also makes its debut here: The Dampwood termite.
Dampwood termites are fans of decaying wood in damp environments. They create elaborate tunnels, offering an easy way to move food to young termites. Of all the types of wood, Dampwoods gravitate towards timber that’s in direct contact with the soil.
9: Arkansas
The Natural State struggles the most with subterranean termites, leaving unsuspecting owners surprised when they learn about damage to their wooden home’s foundation.
Drywoods are the other type of termite that commonly infests homes in Arkansas. These termites have a darker brown color and shorter antennae than the subterranean variety.
10: North Carolina
North Carolinians surely aren’t celebrating their low ranking on this list. The NC State Extension explains that the subterranean termite variety is North Carolina’s biggest problem.
Unfortunately for residents, a single queen termite can lay thousands of eggs each year. Assuming exterminators don’t interfere with her job, she can keep up this rate for around five years.
Expensive Insects
Americans spend more than $2 billion each year trying to control or prevent termite infestations. But the numbers don’t end there.
Estimates show that around 600,000 homes fall victim to termite damage annually. It costs Americans an average of approximately $3,000 per homeowner to repair them.
How to Spot Termites
Although termites are active year-round in warmer states, seeing swarms of flying termites or the wings they drop once they become landbound are some of the most common ways to spot them. You may also notice the wood in your home buckling or becoming hollowed.
If you have a subterranean termite problem, you’ll find mud tubes around your home. These tubes allow full-grown termites to transfer food (the wood in your home) to their underground colonies.
Getting Rid of Termites
One of the best ways to eliminate termites is to call an exterminator. However, if you want to go at it on your own, these are some tactics you can try:
- Apply orange oil to infested areas
- Pour boiling water over an underground colony
- Use liquid non-repellent
Preventing Termites
If you live anywhere but Alaska and your home contains wood, keeping up with termite prevention is wise. Some items you can do include:
- Keep pieces of wood away from the foundation of your home
- Remove standing water from around your home
- Spread rubber mulch
- Seal cracks in your home
Termites for Health
Believe it or not, cultures from several parts of the world eat termites, including people in certain regions of Africa, Asia, and South America.
Termites contain protein and fat. They also have a nutty flavor when cooked, so it’s common to stir-fry them. Some people even eat them raw.
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