Pests to know in Myrtle Beach
Termites in Myrtle Beach
- According to Clemson's statewide termite survey fact sheet, the two most commonly encountered termite species in South Carolina are found throughout the state.[7]
- Clemson Extension says drywood termites, which get moisture from humid air rather than soil, are most common along South Carolina's humid coast.[8]
Invasive species reported here
Clemson Extension calls the Asian tiger mosquito the most common daytime-biting mosquito in the Carolinas.[9]
Pests local experts flag
Horry County Mosquito Control says water generally has to stand 7 to 10 days to produce mosquitoes, and containers are the most common breeding sites around homes.[3]
Climate
Central Myrtle Beach (ZIP 29577) is in USDA plant hardiness zone 8b, where the average coldest winter night is 15 to 20°F.[11]
Public agencies that handle pests
- Horry County Mosquito Control operates under the county's Stormwater Department and is paid for through the stormwater management utility fee.[1]
- Horry County Mosquito Control aims to investigate every resident inquiry within 24 hours, starting with an inspection of the yard and nearby breeding sites.[1]
- Myrtle Beach beekeepers can register hives with the city at 843-918-2000, and city staff avoid spraying near registered hives.[5]
- South Carolina's Department of Public Health does not do mosquito control itself; programs are run at the local community level.[6]
Hiring a licensed company
Clemson's Department of Pesticide Regulation is South Carolina's lead agency regulating how pesticides are distributed, sold, and used.[10]
Through the year
- Spring to Fall
- Horry County's mosquito page says state health officials evaluate certain dead birds, including crows and blue jays, for West Nile virus from March 15 to November 30.[2]
- Spring to Fall
- The City of Myrtle Beach's mosquito spraying normally begins in late April and ends in October or at the first frost.[4]
Sources
- Horry County Government, “Chemical and Application Information.” www.horrycountysc.gov/departments/stormwater/major-initiatives/mosquito-control/chemical-and-application-information/ (accessed 2026-10-06)
- Horry County Government, “Mosquito-borne Diseases.” www.horrycountysc.gov/departments/stormwater/major-initiatives/mosquito-control/mosquito-borne-diseases/ (accessed 2026-10-06)
- Horry County Government, “Mosquito Control in Your Backyard.” www.horrycountysc.gov/departments/stormwater/major-initiatives/mosquito-control/mosquito-control-in-your-backyard/ (accessed 2026-10-06)
- City of Myrtle Beach, “City of Myrtle Beach sprays to control the mosquito population.” www.cityofmyrtlebeach.com/news_detail_T6_R544.php (accessed 2026-10-06)
- City of Myrtle Beach, “Myrtle Beach's mosquito spraying schedule adds Del Webb community.” www.cityofmyrtlebeach.com/news_detail_T6_R1843.php (accessed 2026-10-06)
- 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)
- Clemson Cooperative Extension, Home & Garden Information Center, “Termites of South Carolina.” hgic.clemson.edu/factsheet/termites-of-south-carolina/ (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 Regulatory Services, “Department of Pesticide Regulation.” www.clemson.edu/public/regulatory/pesticide-regulation/ (accessed 2026-10-06)
- USDA ARS and PRISM, via phzmapi.org, “Plant hardiness zone for ZIP 29577 (2023 USDA map data).” phzmapi.org/29577.json (accessed 2026-10-06)
- National Pesticide Information Center, “State Pesticide Regulatory Agencies.” npic.orst.edu/reg/state_agencies.html (accessed 2026-10-06)