If you’ve lived through a few summers in Charleston, South Carolina, you know what to expect: sunshine, humidity, warm weather, sweet tea, and bugs. A lot of bugs. As the temperatures climb and the Lowcountry air gets thick, pests of all kinds come out of hiding and start making themselves a little too comfortable inside our homes and businesses.
In this blog, our pest control team will explore five of the most common pests to watch for in Charleston this summer and share a few tips on how to keep your home from becoming their summer vacation spot.
1. Mosquitoes
Mosquitoes love the hot, humid air, and they’ll breed just about anywhere there’s standing water, from a birdbath to that bucket you forgot about in the backyard. Aside from being annoying, mosquitoes can carry diseases like West Nile virus, which you don’t want around your kids or pets.
What you can do:
Dump standing water once a week, clean out gutters, and trim the yard. For absolute peace of mind, let us handle regular mosquito control treatments—we know precisely where they like to hide.
2. Palmetto Bugs
Commonly referred to as “palmetto bugs” in Charleston, these large American cockroaches are particularly active in the summer heat. They’re attracted to moisture and often enter homes searching for cooler environments and food sources.
What you can do:
Seal cracks around doors and windows, fix any leaks, and keep food sealed up tight. And if you’re seeing more than one, it’s probably time to consider expert pest control services like those offered by AllPro Pest Management.
3. Fire Ants
Anyone who’s stepped barefoot into a fire ant mound knows how aggressive and painful these insects can be. Fire ants thrive in Charleston’s warm, sunny weather and build colonies in yards, flower beds, and electrical equipment. Furthermore, fire ants aren’t just annoying; their stings can be dangerous for small children, pets, or anyone with allergies. And once they’ve settled in, they don’t leave without a fight.
What you can do:
Avoid disturbing mounds and resist using DIY sprays that only drive them deeper underground. We offer safe, targeted treatments that go straight to the source.
4. Termites
While termites don’t always make themselves visible, summer is peak season for termite activity. This is especially true in Charleston, where our warm, moist climate is precisely what they’re looking for. Eastern subterranean termites and Formosan termites are the biggest culprits. They can do severe damage before you realize there’s a problem, making annual inspections and routine pest control methods necessary.
What you can do:
Keep mulch and firewood away from your foundation, fix drainage issues, and ensure your crawlspace isn’t holding moisture. And if you haven’t had a termite inspection this year, now’s the time.
5. Ticks
Summer is prime time for hiking trails, beach days, and afternoons in the backyard, and unfortunately, it’s also prime time for ticks. These tiny pests love wooded and grassy areas, and they can carry Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and other illnesses. Even if you’re hanging out in the backyard with the dog, ticks can easily latch on and hitch a ride inside.
What you can do:
Trim grass and brush, use tick prevention on pets, and check yourself and your family after spending time outdoors. For added protection, we can treat your yard with pet—and kid-safe tick control solutions.
Keep Your Summer Bug-Free with Professional Charleston Pest Control Services from AllPro Pest Management
Living in Charleston means learning to share space with nature, but that doesn’t mean you have to live with a pest problem. At AllPro Pest Management, we’re local, know what works, and are ready to help you reclaim your summer comfort. Whether you’re dealing with a specific pest or want to keep things under control with preventative treatments, reach out now.
Our experienced team is here to help you enjoy all the best parts of summer in Charleston, SC, without the unwanted pests. From bed bugs and mosquitoes to Palmetto bugs, spiders, stink bugs, silverfish, and rodents—we’re here to keep your home pest-free year-round!
