Subterranean termites can be found in every U.S. state except Alaska, which has temperatures too extreme for termites to survive. Since subterranean termites live in the soil and are relatively well protected from the environment, they are able to live in a wider variety of climates than other species.
Government organizations complete termite surveys to gauge the spread and activity of termite species nationwide, including subterranean termites. Field surveys may include information recorded by using sticky traps to capture swarming termites, or monitoring stations to test for the presence of foraging termites. Another type of termite survey relies on pest control experts to submit geographical information for termite species they have identified.
Common Subterranean Termites in the U.S.
Termite maps created from surveys and academic research show the broad reach of subterranean termites across the U.S.
- The eastern subterranean termite can be found from Maine down to Florida, across to Montana and down to the Gulf Coast in Texas.
- The western subterranean termite can be found from Washington to southern California and into Idaho and Nevada.
- Formosan termites can be found in Louisiana, Texas, Hawaii, California, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee.
- The arid-land subterranean termite can be located in sunny, dry areas from the Pacific Coast to Indiana, down to southern California and across to Texas and Mississippi.
- The desert subterranean termite can be found in southeastern California and southern Arizona.