The 10 Worst States for Termites

These tiny, colony-living insects obtain nourishment from wood and plant material, frequently becoming pests in homes around the country. Termites weaken your home or business infrastructure and wreak havoc on shrubs and trees. It’s difficult enough to prevent them from infesting, but treating an established infestation is an arduous process. Each year, termites cause billions of dollars in damage and extreme stress for property owners.

Let’s explore the 10 worst states for termites and discover why these locations provide the perfect breeding grounds for an infestation.

Florida

Florida is officially the worst state in the country for termite damage. They are a common problem in the state due to the warm, humid climate, which provides a perfect environment for this insect to thrive and multiply. Florida has four types of termites: dampwood, subterranean, drywood, and conehead. Subterranean termites are the costliest type and cause the most damage in the state.

Georgia

Like Florida, Georgia has a warm and humid climate year-round, making termites a threat during every season in the state. Spring and summer are the worst times of the year for termites in Georgia, especially subterranean termites, which thrive in moist soil. The eastern subterranean termite is the most prevalent species in Georgia.

South Carolina

Like most states in the South, South Carolina has a warm and humid climate. The state is a very active area for termites because of its ideal environment, especially areas along the coastline. Subterranean termites wreak havoc in the area because this species needs moisture to survive. South Carolina is in TIP Zone One (Termite Infestation Probability), meaning the potential for termite damage is very heavy.

Alabama

Alabama is one of the worst states for termite damage due to its frequent wet weather and warm temperatures. This Southern state is a hot zone for these insects because of its hospitable environment for termites, which can quickly swarm to damp wooden areas around your home. The dreaded southeastern subterranean termite swarms the state between March and June.

Mississippi

Mississippi has three major termite species: eastern subterranean, Formosan, and southeastern drywood. While infestations happen all over the state, they are most prevalent in Mississippi’s coastal counties. Termites are active year-round in the state, but you are most likely to see swarms from spring to fall.

Louisiana

Louisiana has warm, moist weather throughout the year, allowing several types of termites to thrive within its borders. While foraging for food, termites often find their way inside Louisiana homes, leading to structural damage. Termites are active and widespread across the state, but swarming season occurs between April and June, peaking in mid-May.

Texas

Subterranean termites are widespread across Texas, while drywood termites are most common in coastal regions. Texas has one of the highest termite concentrations in the country and its warm, humid weather puts homes at risk for infestations. Eastern Texas is in the very heavy TIP Zone, while Central and Western Texas are in the moderate to heavy zones.

California

Termite infestations are a common problem across all counties in California. However, they are most common in the southern regions and along the coast. Subterranean termites are the most common variety in California and typically swarm during the warmer months. Although, they can be active anytime of the year.

Arkansas

Arkansas is in the moderate to heavy zone (TIP Zone 2) for termite infestation. These insects are fairly active and widespread across the state, especially subterranean termites, which can cause quite a bit of damage. As of now, Arkansas is not home to the invasive Formosan termite. However, it is prevalent in neighboring states.

North Carolina

North Carolina is in TIP Zone 2 and has a moderate to heavy probability of termite infestation. Due to the state’s warm, humid climate, termites easily make themselves at home, especially subterranean termites living in the soil. They can live year-round in the state but are most often spotted during the spring and summer when the weather warms.

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