Termite Activity in South Carolina
Termites are active across the state, from Greenville to Spartanburg and from Hilton Head to Charleston to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.
What Types of Termites Are in South Carolina?
Both subterranean and drywood termite cause damage to homes in South Carolina.
Are Formosan Termites in South Carolina?
Formosan termites are very active in coastal South Carolina. In fact, the first discovery formosan termites was in the continental U.S. in Charleston, South Carolina., in 1957.
Formosan termite:
Occurrence of infestations have mostly been in southern counties along the coast. Formosan termites have been identified in Charleston, Beaufort, Dorchester, Berkeley, Orangeburg County and York counties.
Pest control experts should report Formosan termite infestations to local extension agents or Clemson University in Clemson, South Carolina, as assistance for researchers to determine the spread of this species’ across the state.
When Do Termites Swarm in South Carolina?
In general, termites swarm on a warm day after a rainfall. Swarms can also occur in heated buildings during the winter. The swarming habits of the most common species in South Carolina are described below.
- The eastern subterranean termite swarms typically during the day from February to May.
- The formosan termite occasionally swarms at night during the late spring.
- The dark southeastern subterranean termite usually swarms between March and June during the day.
- The tropical rough-headed drywood termite swarms at night, from late spring through mid-summer.
- The southeastern drywood termite swarms at night, usually in the spring.
More Information about Termites in South Carolina
According to Termite Infestation Probability Zones (TIP Zones), South Carolina is located in TIP Zone #1 (very heavy), which regards the potential for termite damage as being important. Areas with higher possibilities for termite activity demands for great termite control measures to meet International Residential Code building standards for new homes than areas with less frequent activity.
States like South Carolina with very active and widespread termites activities , require effective termite prevention and control program. If you own a home in South Carolina, contact your termite control expert about suitable methods to help protect your home from termite infestations and damage.
