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As temperatures drop, the cozy warmth of your home becomes increasingly inviting—not just to you, but to unwanted guests like rodents. Managing rodent populations effectively and humanely is crucial to maintaining a safe and healthy home environment. Here, we explore several safe and effective rodent control strategies that homeowners can implement during the colder months …

As the chill of winter sets in, we’re not the only ones seeking shelter from the cold—many pests do the same by overwintering inside our homes. Overwintering pests can pose significant risks to both your property and health if not managed properly. In this guide, we’ll explore what overwintering pests are, the dangers they present …

Detecting early signs of a pest infestation can be the key to preventing a minor annoyance from becoming a major problem. Often, homeowners might not notice the subtle clues that indicate pests have moved in. At The Pest Force, we’re here to help you identify these less obvious signs so you can take action quickly. …

Discovering pests in your home isn’t just a nuisance; it can be a serious health threat. At The Pest Force, we understand that knowing the potential health risks of common pests is crucial for maintaining a safe and healthy home environment. From rodents to cockroaches, mosquitoes and ants, each pest brings its own set of …

In Myrtle Beach, one unwelcome guest that often makes its appearance in homes and businesses is the palmetto bug, commonly known as the American cockroach. At The Pest Force, we understand how distressing it can be to find these pests inside your property. Here, we will shed light on the habitat, habits and reasons why …

In Myrtle Beach, SC, summer brings sunshine, beach days, and, unfortunately, mosquitoes. These pesky insects can turn outdoor fun into an itchy, annoying experience. At The Pest Force, we understand the importance of keeping your summer mosquito-free. That’s why we’ve compiled the ultimate guide to mosquito control, featuring eight effective methods to protect your outdoor …

Living in Myrtle Beach means enjoying beautiful beaches and a warm climate. However, the high humidity that comes with coastal living can significantly increase pest activity. At The Pest Force, we understand how local climate factors like humidity can influence pest behaviors and we’re equipped to help you manage these challenges effectively. Let’s explore the …

The arrival of summer often heralds enjoyable outdoor activities, but with the warm weather, we also encounter a less-than-welcome guest: the mosquito. Besides being a nuisance, mosquitoes can pose significant health risks to you and your family. With diseases like Zika virus, West Nile virus, dengue and malaria becoming increasingly prevalent, it’s more crucial than …

Protecting your home from termites is essential for maintaining its structural integrity and preventing costly damage. Termites are relentless pests that can wreak havoc on wooden structures, leading to extensive repairs and financial losses. By understanding the risk factors that attract termites and implementing effective elimination strategies, you can safeguard your home against these destructive …

There’s nothing worse than discovering bed bugs in your home. These tiny pests can quickly multiply and wreak havoc on your peace of mind. Fortunately, with proper identification and prevention techniques, you can keep bed bugs at bay and ensure a good night’s sleep. Let’s dive into how to identify bed bugs, prevent infestations and …

As winter blankets the Grand Strand in South Carolina, the chilly temperatures might lead you to believe that pests are taking a seasonal hiatus. However, winter brings its own set of unwelcome guests seeking warmth and shelter. Let’s explore the top Winter’s uninvited guests: top pests to watch out for along the Grand Strand is …

As homeowners, keeping our homes healthy and safe is a top priority. And one of the most common issues we face is pest infestation. Pests can carry diseases, damage our properties, and pose serious health risks for us and our loved ones. That’s where pest control comes in. Regular quarterly pest control services are an …

The holiday season is a joyous time when we often welcome family and friends into our homes, and for many, this means bringing the festive spirit indoors with live trees, wreaths, firewood and boxes of holiday decorations. Unfortunately, these holiday staples can also bring unwanted critters and crawlers into your home. Let’s take a look …

The winter months can be a breeding ground for various pests, including mice. These tiny rodents can cause a lot of damage to your home, including chewed wiring, spreading diseases, contamination of food, and structural damage inside the walls. It’s important to take preventive measures to keep them out to avoid the problems they can …

Fall is a beautiful season, with leaves turning golden and a crisp breeze blowing. Fall also means new pests are looking for warm places to live in, like your home. The most common fall pests that invade homes in South Carolina are rodents, cockroaches (both German and American) and spiders. While they might just be …

Cockroaches are some of the most reviled pests for homeowners across the world, but German cockroaches are particularly difficult to get rid of. German cockroaches are smaller and more invasive than the American cockroach or Palmetto bug commonly found in the southeast. These pests multiply quickly, which means that taking preventative measures is key to …

Palmetto bugs can be a daunting problem for homeowners in warm climates like South Carolina. The palmetto bug is actually the American cockroach. They are known to wander into homes looking for shelter and food. They prefer a dark, damp and warm environment that can be found in your walls or under appliances in your …

As we enter the warmer months, many of us will be gearing up to spend more time outdoors. However, with the temperatures rising, it brings about an unfortunate side effect: tick season. Ticks are not only a nuisance, but they can also transmit serious diseases such as Lyme disease. It’s important to keep yourself, your …

Flea infestations are more common than you think, and they can be a real pain to deal with. Fleas are tiny, wingless insects that feed on the blood of humans and animals. Even the cleanest homes can become infested with fleas, and getting rid of them can be a time-consuming and expensive process. Fortunately, there …

Have you ever come across a fire ant mound while working in your yard or playing outside with your kids? These pesky insects are not only annoying, but they can also be dangerous if you get too close to their territory. Fire ants are not native to the United States, and they were brought over …

The Importance of Professional Mosquito Control Services. Nothing ruins a beautiful day outdoors like pesky mosquitos. Not only do they leave itchy bites, but they also carry dangerous diseases such as Zika virus and West Nile virus. As a homeowner, it’s crucial to take preventative measures to protect your family from these annoying insects. One …

Are non-native insects invading your home or property? If you live in South Carolina, there are several non-native invasive insects to watch for in SC. While invasive pests can be pesky and annoying, they also cause a lot of damage to the local ecosystem. So, if you’ve got non-native bugs around your home or property, …

Do you have crawl space in your home? If so, it’s important to be aware of the pests that might move into this dark, damp area during the winter months. What Pests Might be Living in Your Crawl Space this Winter Pests like mice, camel crickets, cellar spiders and even brown recluse spiders can all …

When winter rolls around, it’s important to winterizing your home to prevent seasonal pests like palmetto bugs, mice, rats, bed bugs, and termites. Here are some tips to help you winterize your home and keep these pesky pests at bay: 1. Clean your gutters regularly to prevent buildup that can attract winter pests like rats …

Winter is the prime time for rodent infestations, so it’s important to take preventative measures to protect your home from these unwanted pests. Here are a few tips that will help you prevent rodent infestations this winter: 1. Install screens on vents and chimneys to prevent rodents from entering your home through these openings. 2. …

Are you worried about termites finding their way into your home? These pesky insects can cause significant damage to wooden structures and can be a nightmare to deal with. Luckily, there are steps you can take to prevent termites from invading your property in the first place. Here are the top tips to prevent termites …

As the weather starts to cool off and we begin to spend more time indoors, pests start to look for new places to live. In particular, pests like spiders, mice, rats and roaches are among the critters looking for a warm place (like your home) to spend the colder months. Here are some tips to …

Preventing Bed Bug Infestation.  Bed bugs are excellent travelers and often make their way to new sites by hitchhiking on furniture, in luggage, on clothing, on bedding or in boxes. When you travel, always be sure to read the reviews to look for reports of bed bugs. You can also take some simple steps when …

Fleas are plentiful here in the south because they flourish in a warm, humid climate. Fleas are wingless insects that get onto hosts by jumping. The most common hosts are your pets, but fleas can and do bite humans as well. Here are some facts about fleas and how to fight them! Facts About Fleas …

The Dangers of Ticks (And How to Avoid Them). Ticks are small, parasitic insects that can be found in tall grasses and woods. They attach themselves to their host (usually a human or animal) and feed on their blood. Ticks can transmit a number of diseases to their hosts, including Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted …

If you’re like most people, you probably don’t give mosquito service much thought – until you start getting bitten by mosquitoes, that is. Then, suddenly, mosquito control becomes a top priority! So how does mosquito control service work? And how can it help reduce the mosquito population in your area? Inspection The first step in …

Spring is the time of year when many pests come out to play. Here are some of the most annoying spring pests, and how to avoid them: House Flies – House flies are one of the most common pests around, and they love to invade homes in the springtime. To avoid them, keep your windows …

Summertime means mosquito season! Are you a tasty mosquito treat, always getting swarmed with the pests while others aren’t bothered? Why do these pesky bugs seem to bite some people more than others? There are a few reasons why mosquitoes might be more attracted to you than other people. Your Clothing If you’re wearing dark …

Here in South Carolina, our spring weather tends to come earlier than in many other parts of the country. This means you need to be aware of spring pests earlier than other areas as well. There are numerous early spring pests trying to make their way into your home. Here is the list of early …

A CL-100 inspection is a termite inspection that covers almost everything. It will tell you if your house has termites, the extent of the infestation, what kind of wood is affected, if there are other insects or pests in your home, and it goes into detail about how to stop any infestations before they get …

A crawlspace is a space beneath a house where pipes and ductwork can be accessed. It’s also the place where some people store belongings, like that dusty box of books and all those old clothes that no longer fit. Crawlspaces are part of the structure of the house and provide an excellent hiding spot for …

There are several pests that are still active, even in the winter. So, it’s important to keep your quarterly or regular pest control service going year-round. What could possibly be trying to get into your home in the colder months? Here are the top winter pests to watch out for in South Carolina. Cockroaches Roaches …

This is the time of year when mice start looking for a warm place with access to food to spend the winter. Don’t let your cleaning habits make your house a target for mice and other vermin. Are your cleaning habits attracting mice? Let’s take a look… 1. You don’t clean your floors often – …

Prevent Fall Pests   The key to dealing with fall pests is to prevent them from entering your home. Fall is the time many bugs and other pests make their way into your home in search of food or a warm place to spend the colder winter months. Just a few of the pests looking …

Fire ants are a prevalent type of ant in the southeast. Fire ant is a general term used for over 280 different species with similar characteristics. Fire ants build massive colonies and will swarm and attack anything or anyone they view as a threat to their colony, which is part of what makes them so …

Summer is the optimal time for ants to make their way into your home looking for food. Being vigilant is key. As soon as you see one ant, assume there are more coming. If you’re not paying attention, you could wind up with an ant infestation. Preventing ant infestations might be tough but it is …

If you own a home in South Carolina, you’ll need termite protection. Even with termite treatments, it’s important to follow good practices when it comes to termite prevention. Termites are very prevalent in our area and cause $5 billion in property damage every year across the United States. Not only can they cause damage to …

Tick bites are serious because ticks can carry a number of illnesses that infect humans and animals. Most notably, ticks carry Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever but also anaplasmosis, babesiosis, borrelia, ehrlichiosis and others. With the exception of Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, the rest are commonly referred to as Lyme and co-infections as …

When dealing with mosquitoes, your priority should be avoiding mosquito bites versus treating bites once they happen. Why? Mosquitoes can carry and transmit a number of serious illnesses such as Zika, West Nile Virus and even Chikungunya. Here are some helpful tips on avoiding mosquito bites before they happen. 1. Avoid peak mosquito hours – …

In our warm South Carolina climate, mosquitoes are most active from March through October. Mosquito activity typically peaks during the warm summer months. However, depending on rainfall and temperatures in any given year, mosquitoes might be active for a longer period of time or activity might begin to peak sooner than summer. This looks to …

There are four main springtime pests that are mostly dormant during the winter that re-emerge in springtime: ants, termites, flies and mosquitoes. It’s ideal to prepare now for springtime pests to prevent infestations. Ants are considered the top nuisance insect in the U.S. Termites, especially subterranean termites, are more visible during the spring because it …

While fleas are often top of mind for pet owners, there are other pests that can be dangerous for your dog or cat. Many common pests carry parasites and bacteria that can lead to heartworm, rabies, Lyme disease and physical illness such as vomiting and diarrhea. Here are some of the pests you need to …

The short answer to this question is YES. It’s a myth that pests stop or die off during the colder months. Pests like mice, rats, termites, carpenter ants and even fleas are quite active during the winter months and looking for a place to stay warm. Keeping up with your pest control year-round is the …

Rodents like mice and rats might be cute but they are vectors for diseases and parasites, such as salmonella and Hantavirus. Bacteria and germs on their bodies contaminate surfaces, kitchen equipment, dishes, foods and anything else they crawl across. They are also notorious for gnawing on wiring inside of walls, causing shorts and sometimes house …

These pests and insects impact the value of your home and not just your comfort and peace of mind. Let’s take a look at the top 5 pests you don’t want to find in your home. 1. Termites – At the top of this list are termites. According to the National Pest Management Association, termites …

Fall is the season when pests start seeking a warmer place to eat and sleep. Unfortunately, that warmer place is often your home! Ants, fleas, palmetto bugs, mice, bats and other pests look to your home for food and shelter. We’ve got the tips to help you prevent these fall pests from infesting your home. …

One of the most common and most screech-worthy pests in the south is the palmetto bug. The palmetto bug is also known as the American cockroach. While they look similar to their cousin, the German cockroach, they are much larger in size and are generally not interested in invading your home. If you find one …

Ticks can carry a number of different diseases that can be transmitted to humans, including ehrlichiosis, tularemia, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, Lyme disease and many others. Preventing tick bites is the key to avoiding these diseases and if you do get bitten, locating and removing the tick as quickly as possible is of the essence. …

Ah, summertime! The warm sun and outdoor fun are what memories are made of. It’s also the time when several bugs thrive in the heat and humidity. Keep your memories pest free by watching out for these summer spoilers. 1. Mosquitoes – The hot and humid climate is perfect for them to feed and breed. …

Ah, summer! The time to enjoy the outdoors, sunshine and fun with friends. However, the word “friends” doesn’t include mosquitoes! Aside from avoiding the outdoors at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active, what can you do? Here are some tips for avoiding mosquito bites this summer. 1. Use bug spray – There are …

The National Pest Management Association (NPMA) has released its bi-annual Bug Barometer forecast – a seasonal forecast of what we can expect in terms of pests in the various regions of the United States. In general, on-going warmer and wetter weather than average this winter have allowed certain pest populations to thrive or spike earlier …

It’s springtime once again and with the warmer weather and spring showers, pests are looking for food, water and shelter. Prevention is easier, cheaper and safer than treating an infestation. However, it helps to know what springtime pests to be watching for. The most plentiful springtime pests in South Carolina are: Palmetto bugs (cockroaches) Ants …

If you’ve kept up with the news about the environment, you’ve likely heard that bees were recently declared the most important living beings on the planet by the Earthwatch Institute, an international environmental organization. If you’ve been wondering what is so important about bees, read on.   Bee Basics Worldwide, there are about 20,000 species …

When the weather turns cold and wet here in Myrtle Beach, the pests from outside start looking for a nice warm place inside to spend the winter. Here are some common pests that will often try to take up residence in your home when the cold comes to town. Mice – Mice infest homes particularly …

South Carolina is a popular state for termites. If you’ve moved here from an area with less impact from termites or you just never gave termites much thought before a recent issue, you likely have some questions about the notoriously destructive bugs. Here are the top termite control questions: Q: How do I know if …

When you think of household pests, few bugs are as disturbing as bed bugs. However, there are a number of pests that are actually worse than bed bugs in a variety of ways. Some cause serious illnesses while others are destructive to your home or belongings. Let’s take a look at the top 6 pests …

Often mistaken for centipedes, millipedes are about 1.5 inches long and dark brown to dark red in color. They’re arthropods, not insects, and have a hard outer shell. They have segmented bodies and at least two pairs of legs on each segment. There are over 6,000 species of millipedes worldwide. The common millipedes we’re used …

Despite the warm temperatures we have right now, fall is just around the corner. Fall is stink bug season because these foul smelling bugs like to invade homes looking for a place to stay warm during the cooler months. Stink bugs are an invasive species and will access your home, business or other warm building …

It’s the height of summer and the bees, wasps and hornets are out in full force. It’s important to know the difference between the different types of stinging insects as the wounds from their stings can require different treatments and some people are allergic to stings. In general, bees have more fuzz and are less …

If you’ve been to the beach recently around dusk or early evening, you might have had the unpleasant experience of being bitten on your feet and lower legs. These biting bugs go by a number of names, including no see ‘ums, sand gnats, and sand flies. All of these names are referring to the same …

Aside from the Black Widow, the second venomous spider of concern in the Carolinas is the Brown Recluse. The Brown Recluse is most active from March through October. They’re typically found in dark corners, boxes, books and under furniture. They tend to be shy and not very aggressive unless they feel threatened. About the Brown …

While nearly all spiders are capable of venomous bites, there are two main spiders of top concern in the Carolina’s: The Black Widow and the Brown Recluse. Let’s take a closer look at the infamous Black Widow spider. Black Widow Spider Facts The “widow” family of spiders actually includes 31 different species and not all …

It seems we all know someone who never seems to get bitten by mosquitoes. Or perhaps you are the person that seems to attract mosquitoes from all over the county as soon as you step outside. Believe it or not, science does have some pretty compelling evidence for why mosquitoes prefer certain individuals over others. …

Not all bugs are bad news. Some bugs provide some very useful benefits for people, especially if you have a garden (or any of your neighbors do). If you find these bugs in your home, it’s best to humanely capture them and safely return them outdoors where they can continue to do the beneficial work …

Botflies are having a bit of a viral moment on the internet lately (or at least their larvae are). If you’ve come across any video footage, you might be wondering if botflies are a risk in South Carolina. The answer is yes, in certain circumstances. While the botflies that target human hosts are found in …

Have you ever wondered where all the bugs go when the weather turns cold? Different bugs do different things to survive when the temperatures drop. Let’s take a look! Move in with you – This one shouldn’t be much of a surprise. Insect roommates that tend to move in to escape the cold are less …

A team of entomologists (scientists who study bugs) searched through 50 homes in Raleigh, North Carolina, collecting every arthropod (bug) they could find. The results of their search might surprise you… How many bugs? Researchers found something in every room of every home. In fact, the team of entomologists found between 32 and 211 different …

Like people, pests head for higher and drier areas when flooding occurs. Unfortunately, sometimes your home is the higher and drier area they find. What types of pests are common following a flood? The most common pests for our area include fire ants, Palmetto bugs (American cockroaches), flies, mosquitoes (including the extra large gallinippers) and …

The key to effective pest control is sensible pest control. At The Pest Force, we use an approach called Integrated Pest Management (IPM). This approach is a combination of techniques for reducing resources pests need to survive (food, water, shelter and ways to get into your home) and using pesticides as minimally as possible. This …

Most people have heard the scary stories about earwigs climbing into the ears of unsuspecting sleepers to burrow into their brain to lay eggs. Thankfully, this story is simply an old wives’ tale. As far as pests go, earwigs are less destructive and generally not focused on infesting your home. Earwigs are unintentional invaders who …

In South Carolina, stormy weather can do more than just rain on your parade (or your day at the beach). Rainy weather can also cause ant problems in your home. Let’s take a closer look at how rain brings the ants marching in. Ants Problems and Rain In our humid subtropical climate, rain is not …

Flea and tick season is here in the Myrtle Beach area. It’s important to know that fleas and ticks aren’t just a problem for your pets but also for you. Both of these pests can carry a number of bacteria, parasites and other vectors that can cause serious illness. For example, ticks can carry Lyme …

Mosquito season has begun in the Grand Strand. So, it’s time for a refresher on mosquito facts and tips to protect yourself and your loved ones from mosquito-borne illnesses. Mosquito Facts: Big Dangers in Little Bugs While the word “mosquito” means “little fly”, these bugs are bigger dangers than their name implies. South Carolina is …

If you’ve ever noticed that our local palmetto bug looks a lot like a really large cockroach, you’ve got a good eye. The American cockroach, more well-known in this area as the palmetto bug, is the largest cockroach species in the U.S. However, this bug is very different from the common German cockroach most people …

Fire ants, also known as red imported fire ants (RIFA), are a common insect encounter in South Carolina. While the ants can vary in color throughout their lifecycle, the red color of the upper segments of the body is distinctive, as are the mounds they build. A fire ant mound looks like a pile of …

While termites are active all year long, they are less likely to be traveling in search of a new place to call home during the colder months. With the weather warming back up, termites are once again on the move. Termite damage left undetected and untreated can negatively impact the structural integrity of your home, …

No-seeums, gnats, bitty flies… no matter what you call them, they’re known for being downright annoying. If you’ve recently moved from up north or out west and think there seem to be more of them here, you’d be right. Our area is south of the Gnat Line, according to entomologists (bug experts) – also called …

Got bugs and wonder where they came from? The answer might surprise you. Different bugs have developed interesting ways to hitch a ride into your home, such as stowing away in electronics, using used furniture for transportation, popping into your purse or hitching a ride… on you. Let’s take a look at common hitchhiking pests …

As the weather turns cooler, mice and other critters are seeking out ways to keep warm. One of those ways is by taking up residence in your house – in the walls, attic or any other space they find cozy and safe. To keep mice from making themselves at home in your house, it helps …

Even with Fall in full swing, bugs that make you itch are still out and about in our temperate coastal climate. Don’t let your guard down, protect yourself from itchy bug bites year-round. Some bug bites cause more than an itch and can transmit serious illnesses. Here’s our list of top biting bugs to be …

When we think of pests, we often think of bugs that get into our pantries or bite us or our pets outdoors. Most of us don’t give much thought to the pests that prefer our houseplants. Recognizing common houseplant pests and preventing them is far easier than saving an infested plant. Common Houseplant Pests Houseplant …

The honeybee is a vital part of our everyday lives, even if we don’t realize it. More than 30% of the fruits and vegetables we eat and more than 70% of the agricultural crops used for food (such as grains) are pollinated by bees. Without bees, honeybees in particular, we would be unable to produce …

Few bugs are quite as overlooked as the humble moth. National Moth Week coming up July 25-31 is a great opportunity to learn more about moths in our area. Meet the Moth Moths are members of the order of Lepidoptera, the same order that includes butterflies. However, moth species outnumber butterflies approximately 10 to 1. …

Summer is a time for enjoying time outside, for backyard cook-outs and playing catch with the kids and the dog. Nothing puts a damper on your outdoor fun like yard pests. Fleas, ticks, ants, mosquitoes, chiggers, mites, spiders, palmetto bugs, and even centipedes aren’t just a nuisance – they can carry and spread serious illness. …

In the southeast United States, as temperatures increase, so too do the number of bugs. The National Pest Management Association (NPMA) recently released its bi-annual Bug Barometer. The Bug Barometer is a bug forecast for different regions of the country that uses current and past weather patterns and bug seasons to predict which bugs will …

Rodents can cause a lot of damage to a home. The sooner you recognize you may have a rodent infestation, the faster you can have your pest control technician out to investigate and eliminate the infestation before the damage is too extensive. Here are 10 telltale signs you may have rodent problem in your home: …

Termites are the number one threat to the structure and integrity of your home – more than fire, flood or wind. Termites are found in nearly every state in the United States, and are found all over the world. Serious damage that has been undetected and untreated for many years can lead to dangerous conditions …

Wasps and bees fall into two categories—social or solitary and we have both in our area. Mud Dauber The mud dauber is a solitary wasp that makes an unsightly nest in a sheltered area of your structure that looks like short muddy tubes about 1” long. The mud dauber is a shiny, black, slender insect ...

“She’s such a love bug!” “He’s been bitten by the love bug!” “You are my love bug!” Everyone has heard of, been called or called someone else a love bug at least once in their life. Have you ever stopped to wonder where the term “love bug” came from? It turns out that a love …

Termites are one of the costliest of all insects. They are a threat to 70% of the entire world and to every part of the United States except Alaska.  The South Carolina coast is in the heart of the highest threat zone. Here in The Grand Strand the most destructive termite we encounter is the ...

You might not give much thought to how bugs spend the colder winter months. Even in South Carolina, the temperatures can dip pretty low in the evenings as well as during the day when a cold spell hits. Many assume all bugs just die off in the winter, however, most bugs have found ways to …

Along came a spider and sat down beside her… Spiders are pretty amazing with nearly 38,000 known species and counting. Understandably, most people do not want to find a spider in their home; but when spiders are found outdoors we can appreciate all of their benefits to the environment. They are a predator to some ...

Silverfish If you have seen a silverfish you know where it gets its name. With its silvery blue metallic color and the way it moves, it looks like a little fish. Silverfish hide during the day; they are active at night and avoid light. They are most commonly found in kitchens, bathrooms, basements, crawlspaces and …

Pill bugs, commonly called a roly poly, can roll up in a little ball when disturbed. The sow bug closely resembles the pill bug but cannot roll up in a ball. Both are grey in color and about ¼” to 5/8” long with a round top and a flat bottom. These crustaceans aren’t insects, but ...

Mice are considered to be the greatest household nuisance worldwide. Along with the damage they cause, they carry a multitude of diseases. The house mouse unfortunately gets its name from its most common dwelling—your home. Unlike other pests, their curious nature often brings them out into the open, scurrying along walls and out from under ...

Although you have found ants in your house, they are actually from the outside. They are in your house looking for the same things you are looking for—something to eat and drink. And they like the same foods you do! There are many different species of ants—some like starchy foods, some like greasy foods and ...

Flies are not usually a significant pest problem, but there are two that can be quite prolific and difficult to control. The Phorid Fly The Phorid fly is a small, black, hump backed fly often mistakenly identified as a fruit fly. Sometimes called scuttle flies, Phorid flies can often be identified by their habit of ...

Fleas are small, dark, wingless insects that are agile and have piercing sucking mouth-parts perfect for feeding on the blood of their hosts which include dogs, cats, and other mammals, including you. Their hind legs are long and made for jumping. This tiny insect can jump vertically up to 7” and horizontally up to 13.” ...

Most of us in South Carolina have been stung at one time or another by the imported red fire ant. In the genus Solenopsis, they can cause serious medical, economic and ecologic problems, not to mention their stings really hurt! They are called imported fire ants because they are native to South America and were ...

What a strange name for a bug. This name originates from the old English from stories about how this insect burrows into people’s ears to lay its eggs. While this is not a normal practice of the earwig there have been reports of earwigs, spiders and other insects entering people’s ears. The earwig’s flat body ...

Roaches are the world's most dominant indoor pest and The Grand Strand is home to a variety of species. Almost everyone is familiar with the oval, flat bodied insect that hides in cracks and crevices and comes out at night. They are successful survivors because they are cautious, fast-breeding, eat just about anything and can ...

Clothes Moth The webbing clothes moth and case making clothes moth are very similar in appearance and are the most common moths in this group. It is actually the larvae of these moths that feed on and damage fabrics. You may see 100-150 pin head size eggs that have been laid very near the fabric ...

These long slender insects look like a worm with lots of legs–in fact the name millipede means “thousand feet.” There are many different millipede species and they can have anywhere from dozens to hundreds of legs. Despite their many legs they actually move pretty slowly compared to their cousin, the centipede. The most common pest ...

If you have a structure with any portions of untreated or unpainted wood in South Carolina you are going to most likely meet the carpenter bee. These robust black and yellow bees resemble bumble bees; however, bumble bees have yellow fuzz on their abdomens while the abdomen of the carpenter bee is black and shiny. ...

Carpenter Ants are one of the wood destroying insects that can be a serious problem for structures in South Carolina. While these ants provide a needed benefit in forests by excavating and breaking down dead trees, it is not a welcomed visitor in your home as these pests can cause damage as they tunnel through ...

Adult bed bugs are about ¼ inch long, broadly oval, reddish-brown, with small wings that look like small pads. They do not fly. Their body is very flat, and they possess long, slender legs and antennae. They have a long, segmented proboscis (beak) that extends forward when it is feeding. Immature bed bugs are known ...

The cold temperatures of the winter months make your warm home all the more inviting to bugs. In South Carolina, bugs that like to come in for the winter include palmetto bugs (American cockroach), termites, carpenter ants, earwigs, stink bugs and kudzu bugs to name just a few. The key in preventing infestations of any …

Have you ever seen a large furry-looking orange and black ant? If your answer is “yes,” then you have seen a velvet ant. You may be wondering why this furry bug is also called a cow killer. The truth is that this fuzzy ant is not an ant at all – it’s a wasp! And …

In coastal areas in the Southern United States, flooding is an unfortunate part of life. Hurricanes, the humid semi-tropical climate and low-lying areas along the ocean create optimal conditions for flooding. When a flood event happens, most people are focused on property damage and don’t give any thought to how flooding influences pest control. Flood …

Ants. When you see one marching across the kitchen floor hoisting a crumb of food nearly the size of his whole body, you know there are more where he came from. And soon enough, you find a trail of them marching through your home. Why? Why do they love the inside of your home so …

While the idea of eating bugs may remind you more of extreme game shows than a tasty dinner, an estimated 2 billion people worldwide eat bugs as one of their primary food sources. And with more than 2,000 species of edible bugs across the globe, there are lots of options. In the United States, entomophagy …

Particularly in Myrtle Beach, when you think of pantry pests, the first insect that comes to mind is likely the palmetto bug, or American cockroach. The truth is that there are other pests far more likely to be searching for a snack in your pantry. Moths, weevils, mites and beetles love a nice dark and …

The word “bed bug” makes a person’s skin crawl just hearing it. The thought of tiny blood-sucking parasites coming out of the shadows in order to prey upon you while you sleep is a thought that no one wants to become a reality. However, the reality is that bed bugs are living in every state, …

Every spring love is in the air for the Carpenter Bees as they emerge out of their winter slumber. It’s an exciting time of life—it’s mating season. Male bees will tussle with each other head butting and sometimes tumbling in air as they wrestle for dominance. The male of the species acts pretty tough often …

In South Carolina Carpet beetles are an occasional pest which means they don’t do harm when they stay where they are supposed to, but occasionally they come inside and become a pest. Outside the adult beetle feeds on pollen and nectar and the larvae eat organic material such as feathers, fur, horns, animal skin, dead …

You can expect to see termite swarmers, those silky winged black ant-like insects, fluttering out of the ground or a dead tree–or in some instances out of your wall. They begin to show up at the first sign of warmer weather. Most of them will not survive to breed another day, but the ones that …