Have you found a suspicious bug in your house and wondered what it is? Do not worry; we have got you covered! This article covers the most common house bugs or South Carolina!
Let’s be honest; nobody likes bugs (maybe some people). Whether you hate them or like them, the truth is that they can make a mess in our houses, especially ants, if they get their ‘hands’ on your kitchen pantry!
So, let’s see what type of bug has entered your house, so you can call Pest control or maybe try to get rid of it yourself!
Common House Bugs in South Carolina
1. Carpenter Ants
Carpenter ants are one of the most common insects that like to invade living spaces in South Carolina and other eastern parts of the US and Canada. These ants are pretty large, around 1 to 2 inches, although their size can vary.
They have black bodies and are called carpenter ants because they tend to ‘carve the wood’ or make tunnels, also known as galleries, which they use for nesting, living, and raising their young.
Unlike termites, the carpenter ants do not eat the wood; they just chew through it to make the passageways.
While living in their natural habitat (which is not your shed or basement), such as forests, the carpenter ants aid in the decomposition of decaying trees, meaning that they have a very important role in the ecosystem.
However, when they manage to find a way to your shed or furniture, they can easily inflict a lot of damage, especially if the infestation goes unnoticed for a longer period. Another
They generally like moist and moldy wood (resembling decaying trees) and will be attracted to anything made of wood that is wet. The carpenter ants also prefer to make themselves at home in structural lumber, such as wall voids, foam panels, and hollow doors.
2. Bed Bugs
Next to cockroaches, bed bugs are one of the most notorious invaders in South Carolina. Belonging to the genus Cimex, the bed bugs are small, flat, and oval insects that feed on the blood of animals and humans.
As implied by their name, their preferred residences include various bedding and furniture. Unlike our previous pest, bed bugs will not damage your furniture or bed; they will just inhabit it. Regardless, that does not mean their presence is wanted.
The problem with bed bugs is that they tend to bite us while sleeping and usually at night. Although, in most cases, their bites are not very problematic, they can cause allergic reactions and rash in certain people but cannot transmit disease.
The bites will usually clear out without treatment if you’re not allergic. The most important thing about bed bugs is understanding how they find their way to your furniture.
These tiny bugs are usually unintentionally brought to a house by someone or by infested furniture. They can easily attach to clothing and luggage and find their way to a non-infested area.
You can also ‘catch them’ by residing in a hotel, sharing laundry services, and traveling.
3. Fire Ants
There are various species of ants, some known as relatively docile, but others are on the opposite end of that spectrum. One of those species of ants is fire ants; they do not have that name because they are friendly!
Fire ants are small, around about 1/8″ to 1/4″ long, but do not underestimate these tiny reddish to blackish insects.
As you can guess, they are known as very aggressive, and they sting and bite; they will first bite you and then sting you, delivering their venom. In rare cases, the fire ant sting can cause a life-threatening situation. In other cases, you will have an itchy and painful blister.
Fire ants are attracted to food scraps and trash, and if you are often leaving those unattended, the chances are that you will have a fire ant army swarming them.
4. Acrobat Ants
Acrobat ants, also known under their scientific name as Crematogaster, are another common pest that likes to wreak havoc in our homes. Just like their previous cousins, these small tiny insects tend to behave aggressively and are very hardy.
They got their name due to the ability to move their tail ends above their head, seemingly appearing as if they were standing on their hands. Like their other cousins, carpenter ants, the acrobat ants like moisture and are attracted to decaying, damp wood.
You will know if they feel threatened because they will emit a very foul odor. The biggest problem with acrobat ants is that they like nesting in structural wood and, over time, will cause huge damage.
In addition, if you try to remove or touch them forcibly, they will try to bite you. The acrobat ants are very common in North Carolina as well.
5. German Cockroach
As mentioned, cockroaches are among the most hated insects in the world for several reasons. First, they reproduce very quickly, which is one of the reasons why it is so hard to get rid of them.
In fact, they can produce around six generations in just one year! Unlike other species of cockroaches, the German cockroach is a bit smaller, meaning they can easily fit through various cracks and crevices and enter your house.
Sometimes the German cockroach is referred to as a “waterbug” due to their propensity to inhabit moist areas, such as under the sink.
As you already know, cockroaches generally are a huge health hazard. They can easily make you sick because their saliva and droppings contain various bacteria, including E. Coli and salmonella.
As they move through your house, they will leave a trail of droppings and urine, emitting a nasty odor. Getting in contact with their droppings, saliva, and urine can trigger asthma, and if you already have the disease, it will exacerbate your condition.
6. Termites
The term ‘termites‘ refers to any type of cellulose-eating insect. Interestingly, termites are believed to be at least 120 million years old and are also known as “silent destroyers” because of their tendency to chew through wood silently.
Considering that the termites eat wood or cellulose fiber, they cause a lot of damage to our attics, basements, or even garages if they have structural lumber (which doesn’t).
In most cases, the damage is irreparable, so it is vital to recognize the signs of termite infestation at its earliest stages.
When termites make themselves at home in your closet, sofa, or wall, they usually look like damage caused by moisture and water, discolored or drooping drywall, hollowed and damaged floors, and wall paint bubbling and flaking.
7. Spiders
Again, nobody likes spiders and a lot of people are afraid of them. However, did you know that spiders are beneficial for our homes?
Spiders eat other insects like flies, mosquitoes, moths, and sometimes other spiders, which are usually a nuisance. Belonging to the order of arachnids, spiders come in various shapes and forms, and there are around 40,000 species of spiders.
Some common spiders you may encounter in South Carolina include the American house spider, black widow spider, brown recluse spider, and wolf spider.
Although spiders rarely bite, when it comes to black widow spiders (only females) and brown recluse spiders, their bite is venomous, and therefore, if you spot one, do not approach it or try to move it yourself. Here is a list of common spiders in South Carolina and how to identify them!
8. Bees and Wasps
Let’s jump to insects with wings! Bees, wasps, and hornets can also be tricky in South Carolina, especially if you are allergic to them.
Certain species of bees and wasps can be very aggressive, especially when defending a nest, and will try to sting you. Wasps and hornets usually build nests in attics and basements because those areas are rarely frequented, which allows them to build the nest in peace.
However, seeing a nest in your barn is not unusual- the most important factor is that the place is not disturbed. Yellow jackets are considered one of the most aggressive, and you can easily recognize them by their black and yellow striped body.
Also, Cicada killer wasps are very common (and also native) in South Carolina. The good thing is that they rarely sting, so you have to provoke them, but when they do, the sting is very painful and will cause soreness and itch.
Conclusion
So there you have it! We have covered the most common house bugs in South Carolina, including various species of ants, spiders, cockroaches, bees, termites, and bed bugs.
Last on the list are rodents which are stubborn pests although they are not insects! If you need help with a rat or ant infestation, call pest control as soon as possible to minimize the damage and free yourself of squatters!
How do you deal with these pests? Please share your opinion, and if you have any questions, do not hesitate to ask!