Pests to know in Charleston
Termites in Charleston
- Clemson research shows Formosan subterranean termites are in many areas of Charleston County. They are also found in parts of nearby Dorchester and Berkeley counties.[4]
- Drywood termites live inside wood without contact with soil and get moisture from humid air. That makes them most common in humid coastal areas of South Carolina.[5]
Invasive species reported here
- The imported Formosan subterranean termite was first introduced to South Carolina in Charleston in the mid-1950s.[4]
- The Asian tiger mosquito, brought to the U.S. from Asia in used tires, is the most common daytime-biting mosquito in the Carolinas. It breeds in containers like gutters, flower pots and tires.[6]
Pests local experts flag
- At least 61 mosquito species live in South Carolina. Diseases they can carry there include West Nile, Eastern equine encephalitis and dog/cat heartworm.[1]
- South Carolinians often run into six tick species: blacklegged, lone star, American dog, brown dog, Gulf Coast and the invasive Asian longhorned tick. Bites can happen year-round.[3]
Climate
Central Charleston (ZIP 29401) is in USDA plant hardiness zone 9a, where the average coldest winter night is 20 to 25°F.[9]
Public agencies that handle pests
- The SC Department of Public Health does not do mosquito control. In South Carolina, mosquito control programs are run by local communities.[1]
- SC DPH works with the CDC to monitor mosquitoes for diseases that can spread to people. It also advises local governments on how to respond to mosquito-borne disease.[1]
Local rules and responsibilities
City of Charleston Livability code enforcement inspects properties for cleanliness, proper garbage and rubbish disposal, and signs of vermin infestation.[8]
Hiring a licensed company
Clemson University's Department of Pesticide Regulation is South Carolina's lead agency for regulating pesticide use. It certifies and licenses pesticide applicators and businesses.[7]
Free local help
Clemson Extension's Home & Garden Information Center answers pest questions from South Carolina residents by email at hgic@clemson.edu or by phone at 1-888-656-9988.[5]
Through the year
- Spring to Fall
- To help track West Nile virus, SC DPH accepts dead blue jays, crows, house sparrows and house finches for testing from March 15 through November 30 each year.[2]
Sources
- South Carolina Department of Public Health, “Mosquitoes in South Carolina.” dph.sc.gov/diseases-conditions/infectious-diseases/insects-and-vector-borne-diseases/mosquitoes-south-carolina (accessed 2026-10-06)
- South Carolina Department of Public Health, “West Nile Virus.” dph.sc.gov/diseases-conditions/infectious-diseases/insects-and-vector-borne-diseases/west-nile-virus (accessed 2026-10-06)
- South Carolina Department of Public Health, “Ticks Can Spread Diseases.” dph.sc.gov/diseases-conditions/infectious-diseases/insects-and-vector-borne-diseases/ticks-can-spread-diseases (accessed 2026-10-06)
- Clemson Cooperative Extension Home & Garden Information Center, “Formosan Subterranean Termites.” hgic.clemson.edu/factsheet/formosan-subterranean-termites/ (accessed 2026-10-06)
- Clemson Cooperative Extension Home & Garden Information Center, “Drywood Termites.” hgic.clemson.edu/factsheet/drywood-termites/ (accessed 2026-10-06)
- Clemson Cooperative Extension Home & Garden Information Center, “Asian Tiger Mosquito.” hgic.clemson.edu/factsheet/asian-tiger-mosquito/ (accessed 2026-10-06)
- Clemson University Department of Pesticide Regulation, “Pesticide Regulation.” www.clemson.edu/public/regulatory/pesticide-regulation/ (accessed 2026-10-06)
- City of Charleston, “Livability.” www.charleston-sc.gov/275/Livability (accessed 2026-10-06)
- USDA ARS and PRISM, via phzmapi.org, “Plant hardiness zone for ZIP 29401 (2023 USDA map data).” phzmapi.org/29401.json (accessed 2026-10-06)
- National Pesticide Information Center, “State Pesticide Regulatory Agencies.” npic.orst.edu/reg/state_agencies.html (accessed 2026-10-06)