Indiana City Among Most Termite Infested in the Country

If you live in or near this Indiana city, you might want to take extra precautions against the dreaded termites.

As we begin to head into spring and warmer temperatures are on the horizon (hopefully) in Indiana, homeowners need to be aware of the threat that termites pose to their property. When it gets hotter outside, the heat can increase the rate at which termites break down wood, and even worse, drier conditions could mean that termites will be more active. That's why now is the time for Hoosiers to start to prepare their homes before these pests try to destroy them.

Why Are Termites Such a Threat to Homeowners?

Termites can damage a number of structural components in a house, most of which are not covered by standard homeowner insurance policies. That means that you'll be paying out of pocket for some of the damage, which could cost a pretty penny. According to Orkin, termites are often called the “silent destroyer” because they may be secretly hiding and thriving in your home or yard without any immediate signs of damage. While most people associate termites with damaging wood structures, they can actually cause more damage than just the wood in your home. Here are some other things that termites thrive on destroying:

• Laminate Flooring
• Ceilings
• Walls
• Foundation
• Carpet
• and More!

According to Orkin:

“Termites cost American homeowners about $5 billion a year in damage, often going undetected until they’ve caused serious damage,” said Glen Ramsey, Director of the Entomology Team at Orkin. “That’s why homeowners should prioritize preventive treatments this time of year.”

That's a lot of money! It's especially important for Hoosiers to be on the lookout and take preventative measures for termites if they live in or near one Indiana city that landed on Orkin’s Top 50 Termite Cities list.

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Indiana City Among Most Termite Infested in the Country

Orkin’s annual Termite Cities list is based on data from cities where Orkin Pros performed the most residential termite treatments. The data was collected from January 1, 2024, to December 31, 2024. Six cities in Flordia made the list, and five in Texas also found themselves on there. However, only one city in Indiana landed in the top 50.

Indianapolis is the 28th most termite-infested city in the entire country. That says a lot considering how many cities there are in the United States. While Indianapolis may have been the only city on Orkin's list, that doesn't mean that Hoosiers throughout the state shouldn't be concerned. So take note of these things below!

Signs of Termite Infestation

• According to Orkin, these are the signs that your home could have a termite problem:
• A temporary swarm of small, winged insects inside the home or around the soil outside
• Cracked or bubbling paint or wood that sounds hollow when tapped
• Mud tubes on exterior walls, wooden beams or in crawl spaces
• An accumulation of wings or frass (termite droppings)

Preventative Measures Against Termites

• Ensure water drainage sites are clear
• Maintain pipes, gutters, downspouts, A/C units, and other areas susceptible to leaks
• Use caulk to close gaps around the home, especially around utility lines and pipes
• Remove rotting wood and debris on the property
• Use screens on windows and outside vents
• Periodically check wooden structures for damage

If all else fails, call a pest control specialist to take care of the problem before it gets worse.

(H/T- Orkin)