Termites, small insects that eat wood, may cause significant damage to buildings, furniture, and crops. The National Pest Management Association claims that termites cause more than $5 billion in property damage each year in the United States.
While termites are found in all states, some areas, such as the Northeast, are more prone to infestations due to favorable climatic and soil conditions.
The US City Most Affected by Termites
According to Orkin, a well-known pest management firm, New Jersey, particularly Newark, has the highest termite infestation in the United States. According to Orkin’s annual list of the top 50 termite cities, based on treatments in 2023, Newark is the most termite-infested city in the US, followed by Los Angeles, Miami, and Tampa.
Reasons Behind Newark’s Termite Issue
Orkin identifies many variables that contribute to the frequency of termites in Newark. The age and condition of the city’s buildings have an important impact.
Newark, one of the oldest cities in the United States, is home to numerous historic houses from the colonial era, many of which were built with wood or wooden components, providing perfect termite food and housing. Furthermore, insufficient upkeep or abandonment of these structures increases the likelihood of termite infestations.
The metropolitan atmosphere exacerbates the situation, with over 280,000 people living in Newark’s 26 square miles. Human activities create trash, which attracts termites, who feed on rubbish, paper, cardboard, and other organic things left behind by humans. Furthermore, termites may travel through cracks, pipes, cables, and other holes that connect various structures around the city.
The temperature and environment of Newark are humid subtropical, with hot, humid summers and cold, snowy winters, which contribute to termite infestations. The resulting wetness and humidity are critical for termite survival and reproduction, with increased activity throughout the spring and summer months.
Preventing and Controlling Termite Infestations in Newark
Termite infestations must be addressed as soon as possible since they may be costly and difficult to eradicate. Consider the following precautions to protect your property and belongings:
- Regularly examine your property for termite signs such as mud tubes, broken wood, abandoned wings, and termite droppings.
- Repair any leaks, cracks, or holes that might let termites in or create moisture problems.
- Remove any wood, paper, cardboard, or other organic items that might provide termite food or housing, either by removing them or storing them in sealed containers.
- Maintain sufficient ventilation and dry conditions on your property, and use dehumidifiers or fans to lower humidity levels.
- Trim any trees, bushes, or plants near your home to prevent termites from getting access to moisture or food.
- Engage the services of a professional pest control firm for routine termite inspections and treatments suited to your individual needs.
Conclusion
The city of Newark, New Jersey, has the most termites of any city in the United States, according to Orkin. There are a lot of termites in the city because of its historical buildings, busy atmosphere, and wet subtropical temperature. Regular property checks, fixing problems with moisture, getting rid of things that termites like, making sure there is enough air flow, cutting back greenery, and hiring professional pest control services for customised inspections and treatments are all good ways to keep termites away.