In South Carolina, are there more bugs during the summer?
Unfortunately, yes. Unlike us warm-blooded mammals, insects are ectothermic (cold-blooded), relying on environmental heat to regulate their body temperature. During the fall and winter, many bugs hibernate or migrate. As the weather warms up, these bugs return to our yards and homes, multiplying and thriving off the summer heat.
Of course, this coincides with a time when friends and family gather for barbecues, enjoy wooded hikes, or visit the pool for an afternoon swim. So as insect activity increases, so do our time outdoors.
What bugs pose a problem during the summer in South Carolina?
Mosquitoes
Mosquitoes are among the most annoying bugs in South Carolina. During the summer, these pests are out in force, often breeding in still water in yards and around homes. The best way to deal with them is to eliminate opportunities for them to breed. Professional pest services like Compass Pest Management offer comprehensive mosquito control services.
Learn more about mosquito season in South Carolina.
Ants
During the summer, you’re most likely to spot these types of ants in South Carolina:
- Fire ants
- Carpenter ants
- Crazy ants (also known as Tawny ants or Raspberry ants)
- Pharaoh ants
- Argentine ants
- Pavement ants
Learn more about professional ant control in South Carolina.
Bees, Hornets & Wasps
Bees, hornets, and wasps aren’t always considered pests, as some do not pose a threat and are beneficial to the environment. But in some cases, wasps and hornets may endanger you or your family. Common types of bees, wasps & hornets you will see during South Carolina’s summers include:
- Wasps & hornets
- Mud Daubers
- Cicada killers
- Umbrella wasps
- Yellow jackets
- Baldfaced hornets
- European hornets AKA giant hornets
- Bees
- Honey bees
- Bumblebees
Learn about stinging insects in South Carolina and how to control them.
Ticks
Ticks are very active during the summer, and as more people spend time outside, it is important to take precautions. Ticks can carry Lyme Disease, which can be contracted from their bites. Avoiding tall grass, wearing pants when walking through the foliage, and checking your body for ticks after being outside are the best methods for prevention.
Refer to the CDC’s guide for ticks for more information.
Stink Bugs
The brown marmorated stink bug is often found in and around homes in South Carolina during the summer. Their namesake is the foul odor they release as a defense mechanism. They pose more of a threat to gardens and crops than homes or bodies.
Spiders
Spiders are one of nature’s pest controllers. While some are relatively harmless, many can be dangerous. Some commons spiders in South Carolina include:
- Brown recluse spiders
- Black widows
- Hobo spiders
- Funnel web spiders
- Mouse spiders
- Black house spiders
- Wolf spiders
- Trap-door spiders
- Orb weaver spiders
- Huntsman spiders
- Longlegged sac spiders
- And many others
Concerned about spiders? Learn more about spider pest control in South Carolina.
Termites
Termites cause incredible amounts of property damage each year. During the summer, termite activity increases, especially when moisture from rain and humidity. It is important to take preventative measures and respond quickly if you do see signs of a termite infestation.
Learn more about termites in South Carolina, or take the next step to prevent or eliminate an infestation today.
Cockroaches
Roaches also thrive in the warm weather of summer. They breed rapidly in the hotter months, leading to increased infestations in homes and businesses across South Carolina. Cockroach infestations can be difficult to eliminate, depending on the type of roach and severity of the infestation. The two most common types of cockroach infestations in South Carolina are:
Identify and eliminate cockroach infestations safely and quickly with professional pest control services.
Fleas
Fleas are more than just a pest that bothers our pets. Fleas can hitch a ride on cats, dogs, or even humans, and live in carpets or furniture. They often bite people’s ankles and leave itchy bumps. Like many other pests, flea activity increases during the warmer months.
Chiggers
Chiggers are very tiny red mites that can bite and leave itchy, painful bumps. In South Carolina, they can be found in yards, living in damp areas in the ground, often around trees and bushes.
Pest Control in South Carolina
Struggling with pests as they flare up in South Carolina’s hot summer months? Compass Pest Management is an award-winning, local pest control company that goes the extra mile with affordable, effective services. Contact us today and we’ll eliminate your pest problem before you know it.