Termites
Yes, New York has termites. Eastern subterranean termites quietly eat wood in older buildings across the boroughs.
Where they come from
Native to eastern North America. They lived in the forests here long before the city did.
Where they thrive
Moist soil, wood touching soil, damp basements, crawl spaces, porches and old framing.
How they behave
Blind, creamy white workers do the eating; soldiers guard. They build pencil-wide mud tubes to reach wood.
In New York City
Found in all five boroughs. Spring swarms from March to May are often mistaken for flying ants.
Did you know?
Swarmers drop their wings within hours. Piles of wings by a window are often the first clue.
Related pests
German Cockroaches
The roach that lives indoors, breeds fastest, and causes most commercial kitchen infestations.
Read more →American Roaches
The big reddish roach New Yorkers call a palmetto bug, coming up from drains and basements on hot nights.
Read more →Waterbugs
What New Yorkers call a waterbug is almost always the Oriental cockroach, a dark roach that loves damp basements.
Read more →Think you have Termites?
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