Should you be looking into a pest control service? The lowcountry is home to a variety of bugs and pests. And if you live in Charleston, South Carolina, you may be sharing your home with ants, cockroaches, termites, or even rats (yes, rats!). Below, we’ll answer the most common questions about pests in Charleston, and if a pest exterminator is really worth it.
If you were to ask any pest exterminator about bugs in Charleston, South Carolina, you’d probably hear a long list of undesirable creepy crawlers. Charleston is home to a wide variety of bugs, including ants, termites, bed bugs, black and brown widow spiders, fleas, cockroaches, and mosquitos. Yikes! While some of these species can be classified as harmless and annoying, others, not so much.
One dangerous pest that calls Charleston home is the black widow spider.The unmistakable bright red markings on the black widow spider signal a warning. Rightfully so, as their venom is extremely dangerous, and in rare cases, deadly. The most common hiding places for these spiders are in the corners of your home, like entryways, closets, and garages.
While less dangerous than black widow spiders, termites are also present in Charleston, and can pose a severe threat to your home’s infrastructure. According to Terminix Technical Director Kevin Hathorne, termites cause an average of $5 billion in damage every year.
When dealing with especially dangerous and harmful pests, it’s best to trust a pest control service for the most effective extermination.
2. Are cockroaches common in Charleston, SC? Does Charleston have palmetto bugs?
Yes, cockroaches – sometimes referred to as palmetto bugs – are very common in Charleston, South Carolina. However, with help from a pest exterminator, you can rest assured your home is protected.
Cockroaches can be bothersome, persistent, and even dangerous to some individuals. They carry a variety of bacteria that can cause disease in humans, including Salmonella, which can cause food poisoning, diarrhea, and gastrointestinal disorders. They can also be a source of allergens, and have the potential to cause asthma or an allergic reaction in children. In short, this pest is not something you want crawling around your home!
Charleston’s warm climate offers the ideal environment for cockroaches to thrive, and due to their foraging nature, they can quickly infest a home. A pest exterminator is the best way to ensure effective elimination of these pests.
3. Are there termites in Charleston, SC?
Yep! In fact, South Carolina has one of the most active termite populations in the U.S., especially in the warmer months. Without adequate pest control, termites can easily cause major damage to your home. Luckily, a pest exterminator can eliminate all types of termites found in Charleston: Eastern Subterranean, Drywood, and Formosan.
Each of these types of termites flock to wood (think interior infrastructure and hardwood flooring), making your home an ideal place for infestation.
But one Charleston species in particular, the Formosan termite, can do extreme damage. They can have colony sizes that range in the millions, making them a serious problem, because they can cause more damage in less time than other subterranean species. In infestations like these, a pest control service is the key to eradication.
4. What kinds of rats are in
Charleston, SC?
In Charleston, pests are not just limited to bugs, and often a pest control service can include rat prevention. While not always as obvious as bugs, a rat presence can cause a major threat to your health and safety. Rats can contaminate food, spread diseases and parasites, and cause damage to your home.
A pest exterminator in Charleston, SC, will usually look for two distinct types of rats, the Norway rat and the Roof rat. The Norway rat is the most common type of rat and is found in about 48 states across America.
The Norway rat is larger than the Roof rat and likes to burrow along the foundations of buildings and homes, as well as moist environments like fields and gardens. Once inside your home, Norway rats are most likely to be found at lower elevations, such as your basement.
The Roof rat is more accustomed to Charleston, South Carolina’s warmer climate. As its name suggests, the Roof rat prefers to hide in high elevation areas, like ceilings, attics, trees, and sometimes even within the walls of your home.
The Roof rat is smaller in size compared to the Norway rat, making it easier for them to burrow in tight knit spaces. Because this type of rat prefers warmer and more humid environments like South Carolina, it’s important to find a pest exterminator in Charleston, SC, to help remove them.
When it comes to rats and mice, the best form of pest control is early prevention. If you notice a rat close by or within your home, or see nests or partially eaten fruit nearby, it’s time to call a trusted pest exterminator.
5. Is pest control worth it?
Short answer—absolutely! If you live in Charleston, South Carolina, getting in touch with a pest exterminator is one of the best things you can do for the overall safety of your health and home.
If left untreated, the many pests in Charleston including cockroaches, termites, and rats, have the ability to completely destroy the inner workings of your home, creating a potentially dangerous environment for you and your family to live in.
Additionally, these pests can spread harmful and unwanted diseases to children and loved ones. Pest control is extremely beneficial, and essential to the longevity of your home.
At Terminix, safe, reliable, and effective pest control is what we do best. With our Terminix guarantee, you can count on your home being free from troublesome pests. Our expertise on Charleston native bugs and rodents allows us to take care of your home in the most effective way possible.
For protection from termites, cockroaches, rats, and everything in between, we’ve got you covered. Trust Terminix for unparalleled pest control service in Charleston, South Carolina.