Termites in New York: Long Island Swarms, State Limits and Disclosure

New York doesn't get the termite headlines of the Gulf Coast, but where termites are common, they're a big part of homeownership. On Long Island, they're the insect people ask Cornell Cooperative Extension about most. Here's what New York's termite does, the limits the state puts on treating it, and what sellers have to say about it.

By John Updated 5 min read Termite pressure: Slight to moderate
Sketch map of New York labeled with slight to moderate termite pressure

The short version

New York's termite is the native eastern subterranean termite. Cornell Cooperative Extension in Nassau County says Long Island swarms run from March through June and that termites are the county's most common insect question. State rules limit treatment near wells and in finished basements, and sellers must answer a termite question on the property condition disclosure.

New York at a glance

Termite pressure
Slight to moderate
Termites to know
Eastern subterranean
Why termites like it here
Cold winters and warm summers, with native subterranean termites and many older homes on basements, especially on Long Island.
Inspection report for home sales
NPMA-33 Wood Destroying Insect Inspection Report
On this page
  1. Long Island's termite
  2. When termites swarm in New York
  3. What a swarm means
  4. New York's treatment limits, as Cornell summarizes them
  5. Combining methods
  6. Licenses and the seller's disclosure
  7. For New York homeowners
  8. Questions

Long Island's termite

Cornell Cooperative Extension's Nassau County office says termites are the most common insect subject people ask it about, and that Long Island has many homes affected by termite colonies. Officially, the Island has one species: the eastern subterranean termite, a native, though Cornell notes unofficial reports of others.

Its guide describes the familiar pattern. Workers stay underground and in wood, so damage often goes unnoticed for years. Termites favor the heat from furnaces, chimneys and hot-water pipes, especially in winter, and their mud tubes run from wheat-straw width to wider than a thumb along foundations, basement walls, posts and window and door frames. More on the species in subterranean termites.

When termites swarm in New York

Cornell puts Long Island's swarms from March through June. Swarmers head for light and often end up at windows and doors indoors.

Typical swarm months for the eastern subterranean termite
Termite J F M A M J J A S O N D
Eastern subterranean Daytime, often after a warm rain some swarms peak peak common some swarms

What a swarm means

Cornell says more than 99 percent of swarmers fail or die, so the swarm itself isn't the threat. It's a sign of a well-established colony nearby, and swarmers inside mean that colony is in or under the house. Cornell's identification tips: termite swarmers have a broad waist, four wings of equal length that extend well past the body, and antennae like a string of beads.

If you want a sample identified, Cornell asks for 10 to 15 intact insects in a clean pill bottle; freezing is fine, tape isn't. Mud tubes or damaged wood without live insects are a job for a professional inspection. See termites swarming in your house.

New York's treatment limits, as Cornell summarizes them

From Cornell Cooperative Extension Nassau County's homeowner guide, which summarizes state restrictions on termite treatment. Rules can change; your applicator should know the current version.

Termite treatment limits in New York
Limit What it means for you
No termiticide within 10 feet of a well or cistern Houses on wells may need baits or other methods
High water table If water appears in a test hole dug to the footing within two hours, the soil can't be treated
Finished basements Can't be treated without removing wall and floor coverings
Cracked foundations Cracks and voids must be sealed before treatment
Reapplication Termiticide can't be reapplied unless live termites are present
Certified applicators only Uncertified people may not handle termiticides

Cornell is blunt about the effect: current regulations don't allow every home to be treated effectively, which is why combining methods matters.

Combining methods

Cornell's guide makes the case for using more than one tool. Soil barrier treatments have been used for more than 50 years and work, but they're disruptive and put pesticide into the soil. Baits use slow-acting, insect-specific toxicants that workers carry back to the colony. Borate-treated wood kills the gut microbes termites need to digest wood. Stainless steel mesh barriers exist but can be costly and hard to get. The best results, Cornell says, usually come from combining methods; there's no silver bullet.

Its prevention list will look familiar: seal foundation cracks, replace wet or infested wood, remove wood debris and buried stumps, use treated or non-wood materials in soil contact, direct downspouts away and fix plumbing leaks, ventilate basements and crawlspaces, and keep shrubs from blocking vents. Compare methods in termite treatment options.

Licenses and the seller's disclosure

Termite work in New York has to be done by applicators certified by the Department of Environmental Conservation, and Cornell notes many control methods may only be used by DEC-licensed applicators. You can look up an applicator or business in the DEC's online search. More in how to check a pest control license.

When you sell, New York's Property Condition Disclosure Statement asks whether there is any termite, insect, rodent or pest infestation or damage, and whether the property has been tested for them, with reports attached. Amendments effective March 20, 2024 made the statement mandatory by removing the old option of giving the buyer a $500 credit instead. VA loans require a termite report in certain New York counties. See termite disclosure laws.

For New York homeowners

Do

  • Check basements near the furnace, chimney and hot-water pipes
  • Seal foundation cracks before a liquid treatment
  • Tell the company about any well or cistern
  • Answer the disclosure's termite questions fully

Don't

  • Tape swarmers to paper for identification; use a bottle
  • Expect a finished basement to be treated without opening walls
  • Ask for retreatment without evidence of live termites
  • Let an uncertified person apply termiticide

Questions people ask

When do termites swarm in New York?

On Long Island, Cornell Cooperative Extension says swarms come from March through June. Swarmers are drawn to light and often gather at windows and doors indoors.

Are termites common on Long Island?

Yes. Cornell Cooperative Extension in Nassau County says termites are the most common insect people ask it about, and that many Long Island homes are affected.

Can a house with a well be treated for termites in New York?

With limits. As Cornell summarizes the state rules, termiticide can't be applied within 10 feet of a well or cistern, so baits or other methods may be needed.

Do New York sellers have to disclose termites?

Yes. The Property Condition Disclosure Statement asks about termite, insect, rodent or pest infestation or damage, and about any testing. Since March 2024, sellers can no longer skip it by giving a $500 credit.

Sources