As the weather turns warmer and we start getting excited about spending more time on our back porches and yards, the insects that have been hibernating all winter also come out to play. Summer bugs in South Carolina multiply and thrive in the summer heat.
So what bugs are the most prevalent in the summer months and what can we do about them?
Common Summer Bugs in South Carolina
1. Ants
The southern states are hot and moist and a perfect breeding ground for a variety of insects. Ants of all types are one of the most spotted offenders. Carpenter ants are known as structural destroyers that are far more than just an annoyance at a picnic. Fire ants and Crazy ants are two other species that can take over your yard and kitchen.
White vinegar not only repels ants but also kills them. If you are experiencing an ant problem, try wiping down your hard kitchen surfaces with a solution made of 50-50 vinegar and water. This can include countertops, appliances, kitchen tables, and floors.
2. Mosquitoes
Mosquitoes may win the award for being the most annoying of all the summer insects and are out in full force in the warmer months. They breed in standing water which is unfortunate since we as humans are also attracted to water to keep cool and escape the heat.
One way to eliminate these pesky insects is to remove opportunities for them to breed. Removing buckets or other containers with standing water in your yard is a good place to start.
3. Ticks
If you have children or pets, ticks are likely a summer bug you have to worry about. Ticks can carry Lyme disease so you need to take precautions.
Avoid letting your kids play or venture into areas with tall weeds or grass, always wear pants instead of shorts when hiking, and do a full-body tick check after spending time outdoors.
4. Termites
Termite activity largely increases in the moisture and humidity of the summer months. These insects cause billions of dollars of property damage each year. They can be hard to spot so if and when you see any signs of an infestation, take action immediately.
If you do in fact have an infestation, the best thing to do is call your local pest control company to do a thorough inspection and let them take over. Your home is too big of an investment to not take termites seriously.
5. Cockroaches
Cockroaches are typically associated with spreading filth. They multiply at an incredible rate, especially in the hotter months, and are infamous for being impossible to get rid of.
Again, you could try eliminating cockroaches with a home remedy but an experienced pest control service will be able to truly nip the problem in the bud.
6. June Bugs
One of the bugs that can wreak havoc in South Carolina is the June bug. The June bug is a beetle also known as the scarab beetle. They can be identified by their bright green or brown color. The grub worms begin hatching in April and can cause significant damage to your garden and yard.
Keep an eye out for dead or dry patches of grass in your lawn and seek professional services for treatment and extermination.
7. Bees, Wasps, and Hornets
While bees aren’t a threat and are beneficial to the environment, wasps and hornets can be a threat to your family. Outdoor play equipment made of wood can be a popular place for them to make their nests which turns into the perfect storm if you have little ones.
Plants such as thyme, citronella, eucalyptus, and spearmint are all-natural repellents. It might be worth a try to distribute these varieties throughout your yard to avoid wasp infestations.
8. Lightning Bugs / Fireflies
Lightning bugs and fireflies are the same bugs and they’re some of the most common summer bugs in South Carolina. Both are considered beetles. Firefly is the common name but they’re also frequently called glowworms as well. They produce light without any infrared or ultraviolet frequencies known as cold light.
Lightning bugs love moisture and come out in droves after rain in the spring. They mostly eat insect larvae. They’re completely harmless to humans unless you eat them, but we doubt you were hoping to do that anyway.
Conclusion
If you live in Greenville or Charleston, South Carolina, and are struggling with summer bugs of South Carolina of any kind, contact our experts at Vinx Pest Control. We want to free you from your worries and keep your loved ones safe from unwanted or sometimes dangerous pests. All of our technicians are certified and trained in the pest control industry.
Because we value your time and money, we guarantee our work. If you’re still seeing bugs after your quarterly treatment, we’ll come back and retreat for free. We’re here to make your life better! Click here to see pricing.