South Carolina’s Top Summer Pests and Tips for a Pest-Free Home

Folks across the South are making the most of the final weeks of summer, flocking to backyards and the great outdoors en masse. Unfortunately, people aren’t the only creatures who like to make the most of their summer. Late-summer days are also prime conditions for a number of pests, none of whom would be welcome guests to your backyard activities. 

So: What should you be on the lookout for? How should you handle them? Read on to learn everything you need to know about our four least-favorite Southern summertime pests.

There’s no shortage of insects who do well during the warm summer months, but we’d like to draw your attention to a few especially pesky, hard-to-get-rid-of pests. 

Our top offenders this season are: 

Mosquitoes: These biting insects are more than just a nuisance; they can carry diseases and multiply in any stagnant water around your home.

Ants: Carpenter, fire, and crazy ants are common in the state. These can cause structural damage or simply be a frustrating presence in kitchens and yards.

Bees, Wasps, and Hornets: While bees are beneficial for the environment, wasps and hornets can pose threats, especially when they nest close to human activity.

Termites: Responsible for considerable property damage each year, termites become more active in the summer humidity.

Ticks: With the potential to spread Lyme disease, it’s critical to check for ticks after outdoor activities.

Cockroaches: These pests are known disease carriers and can cause severe infestations, particularly in warm weather.

Stink Bugs, Palmetto Bugs, and Chiggers: These pests can either harm your garden, invade your home, or cause itchy bites, making summer activities less enjoyable.

Once the weather starts warming up, many of us enjoy spending time outside. But we don’t enjoy the pests that come with spending time outdoors, especially when they come indoors. Below are some tips to keep pests away during the warm weather:

• Seal up windows. Identify any openings in the screen and repair them as quickly as possible. Clean each window and screen thoroughly, then seal the outer frame with moisture-resistant sealant.
• Have a professional trim your landscaping. Keeping tree limbs and vines away from your roofline will decrease the likelihood of rats and squirrels getting into your home.
• Do routine cleaning. Create a daily cleaning schedule. Vacuum floors and furniture to pick up traces of food crumbs. Your trash can, pantry, freezer, and fridge should be cleaned regularly to remove food scraps.
• Inspect the exterior of your home and seal any possible entryway for pests.
• Eliminate Standing Water. To prevent mosquitoes, make sure to empty buckets, plant saucers, and any items that accumulate water.
• Termite Monitoring – Be vigilant for termite activity signs, like mud tubes or hollowed wood, and ensure proper drainage around your home’s foundation 

Summer should be enjoyed pest-free! Let us help you keep it that way. Contact a Terminix Service Inc. professional to learn about our pest control services.

Trust Terminix for Your Pest Control Needs

If summer pests are overtaking your South Carolina home, Terminix is here to help. Our certified technicians have local pest expertise and are equipped to tackle any pest issue, ensuring your home remains a relaxing haven throughout the season. Our methods are both environmentally friendly and effective, giving you peace of mind. Connect with Terminix to schedule an inspection and say goodbye to summer pests for good.