Hilton Head, SC Pest Guide | Insect & Rodent Identification
The 12-mile stretch of gorgeous coastline calls people to Hilton Head every year. From Folly Field Beach to Bradley Beach to Burkes Beach, you can sunbathe, jog or ride your bike for as long as you'd like. From golf to water activities, there is a non-stop list of things to do in the area.
With around 215 sunny days for residents to enjoy the most ideal weather conditions, you would think residents wouldn't have a care in the world But, they do - in the form of insects and rodents. Here are the most common ones to look out for to make sure they don't vacation in your yard or house.
Cockroaches
Palmetto Bugs
The most common, most popular and most well-known bug to take over Hilton Head is the Palmetto bug, which is a type of cockroach. These bugs will enter your home through cracks and gaps in windows and doors and through any tears in a screen. They love dark, warm, moist environments, which isn't good news for your pantry. If they contaminate your food, you could also find yourself face-to-face with salmonella. Another con of these bugs is they can trigger asthma and allergy attacks. These do mainly stay outside, but if they find a way into your home, you need to check your food stores.
Regular cockroaches that do want to make their way into your home are a problem in Hilton Head, as well, so don't forget about those.
No-See-Ums
Also known as biting gnats, sand flies, biting midges or punkies, no-see-ums are heavily seen around Hilton Head.
Mosquitoes
Between the rain, humidity and warm temperatures, Hilton Head is a magnet for mosquitoes. The amount of rain also provides them with plenty of breeding grounds and places to lay their eggs. All of this results in a high mosquito activity in the area, so residents need to be diligent.
Moths
You don't normally think of moths, but South Carolina has a lot of them. This could be a problem if they get inside, as moths can damage your household goods and fabrics. Species like the luna moth, tiger moth and forage looper moth call South Carolina home.
Beetles
Green June beetles, weevils and Asian lady beetles are some of the 73 species that can get into your garden in South Carolina. While they mostly stay outside, they can still cause damage to your yard, so you want to take care of an infestation quickly.
Termites
Anything that can eat wood and wreck the foundation of your home needs to be taken seriously. Termites can destroy shelving, furniture, books and other items if left to roam free. While they are silent destroyers, if you suspect you might have these in your home, call a professional immediately.
Silverfish
These silvery pests aren't really fish but are really a nuisance. They are quick, they can move sideways and they will find a dark hiding place in your house if you let them. You want these gone as soon as possible so they don't get into your pantry.
Rats and Mice
Rodents are all over this country, and in Hilton Head, you have to deal with mice and marsh rats. Norway rats, roof rats and house mice are other rodents that could make their way into your house, especially in the winter, even though it's mild.
Bed Bugs
Bed bugs are pretty much a problem everywhere, so check your mattress and headboard for these insects regularly. They like to come out and bite you at night, so look for groups of bumps on any exposed skin while you were sleeping.
Ants
Fire ants and carpenter ants are the most common species of ants in South Carolina. Carpenter ants like to get in your home, but these black ants are easy to spot. Their dangerous buddies, fire ants, have a painful sting (and are potentially dangerous if you are allergic) but won't usually go after humans unless provoked.
Stinging Insects
Bees are the biggest stinging insect you will have to deal with in Hilton Head. While the bees are important, and you want to rehome them carefully, you don't want a hive in your yard, especially if you are allergic or have children or pets. But since bees are the most common insect in the state, you will probably come across them every year.
How to Protect Yourself and Your Home
It may sound like a lot of insects and rodents are all over the place in Hilton Head, South Carolina, but it's no more than in any other area. And as with other insects and bugs in other cities and states, protecting your yard and home isn't too difficult if you keep up with a few things.
- Take care of your yard and keep the lawn tidy and mowed and greenery trimmed
- Wear bug spray with DEET when you go outside, especially in woodsy areas
- Wear loose and long clothing
- Keep your home's entrances repaired, checking for cracks and holes around doors and windows
- Repair any tears and holes in screens as needed
When to Call the Professionals
Some insects, like termites, would require an immediate call to your local, caring and experienced team at MosquitoNix. Others you might be able to take care of yourself, but don't be afraid to ask for a free consultation just in case. You never know when a problem might be bigger than what you can handle, and you don't need that additional stress.
Hilton Head has a heavily pedestrian-friendly environment, so to stay outside for as many of those sunny and warm days as possible, know which bugs and insects you may come across and which ones might need professional help to get rid of.
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