Understanding CL-100 Termite Inspections: What Home Buyers Need to Know
Purchasing a home is a significant investment and ensuring that your new property is free from termite damage is crucial. In South Carolina, a CL-100 Termite […]
The Importance of Professional Pest Inspection Before Buying a Home
Purchasing a home is one of the biggest investments most people will make in their lifetime. To ensure that your new residence is safe, secure and […]
Safe and Effective Rodent Control Methods
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 […]
The Hidden Risks of Overwintering Pests
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. […]
Signs of a Pest Infestation: Subtle Clues You Might Be Missing
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 Health Risks Associated with Common Household Pests
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 […]
Spotlight on Palmetto Bugs: Tips for Effective Control
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 Ultimate Guide to Mosquito Control: Enjoying a Bug-Free Summer
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 […]
The Impact of Humidity on Pest Activity: Managing Pest Problems in Myrtle Beach
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. […]
5 Ways to Help Prevent Mosquitoes this Summer
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, […]
Understanding Termite Risk Factors and Effective Elimination Strategies
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 […]
Banishing Bed Bugs: Identifying and Preventing Infestations
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 […]
Winter’s Uninvited Guests: Top Pests to Watch Out For
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 […]
The Role of Pest Control in Maintaining a Healthy Home
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 […]
Make Your Holiday Pest Free!
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 […]
Keeping Mice Out of Your Home This Winter
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 […]
South Carolina Fall Pests and Pest Prevention Measures
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 […]
Top Tips to Keep German Cockroaches Out of Your Home
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 […]
Palmetto Bugs and How to Prevent Them
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 […]
It’s Tick Season: Avoiding Tick Bites
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 […]
Preventing a Flea Infestation in Your Home
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 […]
What You Should Know About Fire Ants
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 […]
The Importance of Professional Mosquito Control Services
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 […]
Non-Native Invasive Insects to Watch for in SC
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 […]
What Pests Might be Living in Your Crawl Space this Winter
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 […]
Winterizing Your Home to Prevent Seasonal Pests
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 […]
Prevent Rodent Infestations This Winter
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 […]
Tips to Prevent Termites from Finding Their Way into Your Home
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 […]
Pest-Proof Your Home for Fall
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, […]
Preventing Bed Bug Infestation
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 […]
Facts About Fleas and How to Fight Them!
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 […]
The Dangers of Ticks (And How to Avoid Them)
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 […]
How Does Mosquito Control Service Work?
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 […]
Annoying Spring Pests and How to Avoid Them
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 […]
Mosquito Season: Are You a Tasty Mosquito Treat?
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 […]
Early Spring Pests and How to Avoid Them
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 […]
What is a CL-100 Inspection and What Does it Cover?
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 […]
What’s Hiding in Your Crawlspace?
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 […]
Top Winter Pests to Watch Out for in South Carolina
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. […]
Are Your Cleaning Habits Attracting Mice?
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 […]
Preventing Fall Pests
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 […]
What You Need to Know About Fire Ants
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. […]
Preventing Ant Infestations
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 […]
Termite Prevention Tips
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 […]
Preventing Tick Bites
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 […]
Avoiding Mosquito Bites
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 […]
Mosquitoes, Mosquitoes, Mosquitoes
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 […]
Prepare Now for Springtime Pests
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 […]
Pests that are Dangerous to Your Pets
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 […]
Is Pest Control Necessary During the Winter?
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, […]
Mouse in the House: Avoiding Rodent Infestations
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 […]
Top 5 Pests You Don’t Want in Your Home
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 […]
Tips to Protect Your Home From Fall Pests
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 […]
Southern Pests: Palmetto Bugs
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. […]
Preventing Tick Bites This Summer
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. […]
Summertime Pests
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 […]
Avoiding Mosquito Bites This Summer
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 […]
Bug Barometer: Spring and Summer 2020 Pest Forecast
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 […]
Springtime Pests to Watch For
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 […]
Why Have Bees Been Declared the Most Important Living Beings on Earth?
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 […]
Wintertime Pests
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 […]
Top Termite Control Questions
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 […]
Top 6 Pests Worse Than Bed Bugs
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 […]
What are Millipedes and How to Get Rid of Them
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 […]
Fall is Stink Bug Season!
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 […]
Bees, Wasps, or Hornets?
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 […]
What Bit Me at the Beach? It Might Be a Biting Midge
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 […]
Venomous Spiders of the Carolinas II: The Brown Recluse
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 […]
Venomous Spiders of the Carolinas: The Black Widow
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 […]
Why Am I So Attractive To Mosquitoes? Reasons Mosquitoes Might Bite You More Than Others
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 […]
Beneficial Bugs
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 […]
Are Botflies a Risk in South Carolina?
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, […]
Where Do Bugs Go When It Gets Cold?
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 […]
Common Household Bugs: Bet You Didn’t Know These Facts
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 […]
5 Ways to Combat Pests After Flooding
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 […]
Sensible Pest Control: Must Do’s for Fall Yard Clean-Up and Pest Management
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 […]
The 411 On Earwigs
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 […]
Ant Problems After Rainy Weather
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 […]
Flea and Tick Season: Protect Yourself and Your Pets
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 […]
Mosquito Season: Facts and Tips to Protect Yourself from Mosquito Bites
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 […]
It’s Just a Palmetto Bug Right? American vs. German Cockroaches
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 […]
Fire Ants! Recognizing and Protecting Against Fire Ants
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 […]
10 Staggering Termite Statistics
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 […]
Preventing Fruit Flies and Gnats in 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 […]
Hitchhiking Pests: Ways That Bugs Hitch A Ride Into Your Home
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, […]
Eeek! How Did That Mouse Get Into My House?
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 […]
Watch Out! Bugs That Make You Itch!
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, […]
Houseplant Pests: Common Pests and Preventing Them
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 […]
August 19th is National Honeybee Day!
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 […]
National Moth Week is July 25-31: A Look at Moths in our Area
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 […]
8 Tips for Preventing Yard Pests This Summer
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 […]
Bugs Ahead! Southeast Spring and Summer 2017 Pest Forecast
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 […]
Rodent Problem? Here are 10 Telltale Signs That You Might
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 […]
Termite Damage: The Signs and Cost
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 […]
Wasps & Bees
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 […]
Valentines Bug Trivia: Where Do We Get the Term “Love Bug” From?
“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 […]
Termites
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 […]
What Winterization Means to Bugs
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 […]
Spiders
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 […]
Silverfish & Firebrats
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 […]
Pill Bugs & Sow Bugs
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 […]
Mice and Rats
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 […]
Household Ants
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 […]
Flies
Flies are not usually a significant pest problem, but there are two that can be quite prolific and difficult to control. Phorid fly The Phorid fly […]
Fleas
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, […]
Fire Ants
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 […]
Earwigs
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 […]
Cockroaches
German roaches 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 […]
Clothes Moth/Carpet Beetle
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 […]
Centipedes & Millipedes
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 […]
Carpenter Bees
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. […]
Carpenter Ants
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 […]
Bed Bugs
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 […]
8 Tips for Keeping Bugs Outside in the Winter
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 […]
The Velvet Ant (aka Cow Killer): Have You Ever Seen One?
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 […]
Insects and Flooding: What to Expect After a Flood
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 […]
Ant Problem: Why Do Ants Like the Inside of My Home?
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 […]
Edible Bugs: A New Trend in Food?
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 […]
Pantry Pests – What’s Hiding in Your Pantry?
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 […]
Bed Bugs on the Grand Strand: 5 Tips To Avoid them
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 […]
Has Anyone Ever Told You About The birds and the Carpenter Bees?
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 […]
Somebody’s Been Eating My Carpet…. And There They Are!
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 […]
It’s Here! The Infamous Swarming Season…
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 […]