Termite Risk by U.S. Region
Understanding regional termite activity, species distribution, and local risk factors across the United States.
Termite risk varies significantly by geography due to climate, soil conditions, and species distribution. Understanding your region's specific risks helps you take appropriate preventive measures and recognize when professional inspection is needed.
U.S. Termite Risk Zones
🔴 Very High Risk Regions
States: Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, coastal North Carolina, Texas (eastern), Hawaii
Risk factors:
- Year-round termite activity
- High humidity and warm temperatures
- Multiple termite species present
- Formosan termites in coastal areas
- Drywood termites common
Common species:
- Eastern subterranean termites
- Formosan termites (coastal)
- Drywood termites
- Dampwood termites (some areas)
Recommendations:
- Annual professional inspections mandatory
- Preventive treatment strongly recommended
- Active monitoring systems beneficial
- Pre-construction treatment essential
🔴 High Risk Regions
States: California, Arizona, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Tennessee, Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, southern New Jersey
Risk factors:
- Long active season (8-10 months)
- Favorable climate for termites
- Subterranean termites widespread
- Drywood termites in warmer areas
Common species:
- Western/Eastern subterranean termites
- Drywood termites (CA, AZ, NM)
- Desert termites (Southwest)
Recommendations:
- Annual inspections recommended
- Preventive measures important
- Monitor for swarmers in spring
- Address moisture issues promptly
🟡 Moderate Risk Regions
States: Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, Kentucky, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, New York, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois
Risk factors:
- Seasonal termite activity (5-7 months)
- Subterranean termites present
- Cold winters slow activity
- Risk varies within states
Common species:
- Eastern subterranean termites
- Occasionally dampwood (near moisture)
Recommendations:
- Inspections every 2-3 years minimum
- Annual inspections for older homes
- Focus on moisture control
- Monitor basements and crawl spaces
🟢 Lower Risk Regions
States: Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Iowa, Wisconsin, Michigan, Minnesota, Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine
Risk factors:
- Short active season (3-5 months)
- Cold winters limit colonies
- Lower termite populations
- Still present, just less common
Common species:
- Subterranean termites (limited)
- Dampwood termites (Pacific Northwest)
Recommendations:
- Inspections every 3-5 years
- Inspect when buying/selling property
- Monitor moisture-damaged wood
- Don't assume immunity
Regional Breakdowns
Southeast (FL, GA, SC, NC, AL, MS, LA)
Climate impact:
- Hot, humid climate ideal for termites
- Year-round activity
- Multiple swarming seasons
- Coastal areas have highest risk
Species present:
- Formosan termites: Coastal areas, extremely destructive
- Eastern subterranean: Throughout region
- Drywood termites: Florida, coastal areas
- Dampwood termites: Near water sources
Local considerations:
- Building codes often require pre-treatment
- Insurance may require inspection documentation
- Real estate transactions always include termite inspection
- Treatment costs 20-30% higher due to Formosan risk
Peak swarm season: February-May (subterranean), May-June (Formosan), year-round (drywood)
Southwest (CA, AZ, NM, NV, TX)
Climate impact:
- Hot, dry climate (except coastal CA)
- Desert termites adapted to arid conditions
- Drywood termites in coastal/urban areas
- Irrigation creates favorable conditions
Species present:
- Desert subterranean: Adapted to dry conditions
- Drywood termites: CA coast, urban areas
- Western subterranean: Where moisture available
- Formosan termites: Southern TX coast
Local considerations:
- Irrigation systems can attract termites
- Stucco homes still vulnerable (wood framing)
- Drywood termites major concern in CA
- Fumigation common in coastal California
Peak swarm season: March-May (subterranean), September-November (drywood in CA)
Mid-Atlantic (VA, MD, DE, PA, NJ, NY)
Climate impact:
- Moderate climate with distinct seasons
- Active season April-October
- Cold winters slow but don't eliminate activity
- Urban heat islands extend activity
Species present:
- Eastern subterranean: Primary species
- Occasional drywood: Rare, usually imported
Local considerations:
- Older homes with stone foundations at higher risk
- Basement moisture issues common
- Real estate inspections standard
- Treatment costs moderate
Peak swarm season: March-May
Midwest (OH, IN, IL, MI, WI, MN, IA, MO, KS)
Climate impact:
- Cold winters limit termite populations
- Active season May-September
- Risk higher in southern portions
- Urban areas have higher risk
Species present:
- Eastern subterranean: Most common
- Dampwood: Rare, moisture-damaged wood only
Local considerations:
- Basements and crawl spaces primary concern
- Moisture from snow melt creates risk
- Older homes more vulnerable
- Lower treatment costs than coastal regions
Peak swarm season: April-June
Pacific Northwest (WA, OR)
Climate impact:
- Cool, wet climate
- High moisture favors dampwood termites
- Subterranean termites less common
- Active season April-October
Species present:
- Pacific dampwood: Most common, largest termite in U.S.
- Western subterranean: Present but less common
Local considerations:
- Moisture control critical
- Roof leaks major risk factor
- Wood-to-soil contact problematic
- Treatment focuses on moisture elimination
Peak swarm season: August-October (dampwood), April-May (subterranean)
Mountain States (MT, ID, WY, CO, UT)
Climate impact:
- Cold, dry climate
- Lowest termite risk in continental U.S.
- Short active season (3-4 months)
- Elevation affects risk
Species present:
- Subterranean termites: Limited populations
- Dampwood: Very rare
Local considerations:
- Still inspect when buying property
- Monitor moisture-damaged areas
- Lower valleys have higher risk
- Treatment rarely needed
Peak swarm season: May-June
Factors Affecting Regional Risk
Climate Factors
- Temperature: Warmer = higher risk, year-round activity above 70°F
- Humidity: High humidity favors termites, especially subterranean
- Rainfall: Adequate moisture supports larger colonies
- Winter severity: Harsh winters reduce but don't eliminate termites
- Growing season length: Longer season = more damage potential
Geographic Factors
- Coastal proximity: Higher humidity, more species diversity
- Elevation: Higher elevation = lower risk
- Soil type: Sandy, moist soil favors subterranean termites
- Urban vs rural: Urban heat islands extend active season
- Vegetation: Dense vegetation provides moisture and cover
Human Factors
- Construction practices: Vary by region, affect vulnerability
- Building codes: Some regions require pre-treatment
- Landscaping trends: Irrigation, mulch use affect risk
- Home age: Older homes often more vulnerable
- Maintenance culture: Regular inspection reduces damage
Regional Building Codes & Requirements
Pre-Treatment Requirements
States requiring or recommending pre-treatment:
- Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama (required in many counties)
- Hawaii (required statewide)
- California (required in some areas)
- Other high-risk states (varies by locality)
Inspection Requirements
Real estate transactions:
- FHA/VA loans: Required in most states
- Conventional loans: Lender discretion, common in high-risk areas
- Some states require seller disclosure of termite history
- Inspection standards vary by state
Regional Treatment Considerations
Treatment Method Preferences by Region
Southeast:
- Liquid + bait combination common (Formosan risk)
- Fumigation for drywood in Florida
- Higher treatment rates needed
Southwest:
- Fumigation standard in coastal California
- Liquid treatment for subterranean
- Spot treatment for localized drywood
Other regions:
- Liquid treatment most common
- Bait systems gaining popularity
- Lower chemical rates sufficient
Need Regional Termite Information?
Our specialists understand regional termite patterns and can help you assess your specific risk level.
Call (833) 404-3632 for regional guidance, or contact us online.
Related Resources
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