South Carolina faces significant challenges with bed bug infestations, particularly in urban and tourist-heavy areas. Five cities—Greenville, Myrtle Beach, Columbia, Charleston, and Greensboro—are actively combating these pests due to a combination of factors like warm climates, high tourism, and dense housing. Below is an overview of each city’s situation and efforts to address the problem:
1. Greenville
- Ranked 27th on Orkin’s 2024 list of worst U.S. cities for bed bugs, with infestations linked to its growing population and tourist influx.
- Local pest control companies emphasize preventive education, urging residents to inspect second-hand items and maintain cleanliness.
- Heat treatments are widely used, raising home temperatures to lethal levels (125°F+) to eliminate all bed bug life stages.
2. Myrtle Beach
- A tourist hotspot, hotels and resorts here face frequent infestations, including a recent lawsuit over bed bug bites at a local resort.
- Authorities focus on public awareness campaigns to help tourists and residents identify infestations early.
- Recommendations include inspecting hotel rooms upon arrival and keeping luggage off floors.
3. Columbia
- Multi-family housing and transient accommodations (hotels, motels) are primary hotspots, with limited state intervention.
- Pest control firms collaborate with landlords to implement chemical and heat treatments, though DHEC (Department of Health and Environmental Control) does not directly address cases.
- Residents are advised to vacuum regularly and reduce clutter to minimize hiding spots.
4. Charleston
- Historic buildings and high tourist traffic make the city vulnerable to infestations.
- Local experts recommend routine inspections and heat treatments for both residential and commercial properties.
- Travelers are urged to check mattresses and use protective luggage covers.
5. Greensboro
- Despite geographic naming conflicts (often confused with Greensboro, NC), this South Carolina city reports rising infestations in college dorms and rental properties.
- Community outreach programs educate residents on prevention, including vacuuming and treating second-hand furniture.
- Climbed 25 spots on Orkin’s 2023 list due to increased treatments.
Contributing Factors
- Climate: South Carolina’s mild winters allow bed bugs to thrive year-round.
- Tourism: High visitor turnover in cities like Myrtle Beach facilitates pest spread.
- Regulatory Gaps: Limited state oversight places responsibility on property owners.
Prevention and Treatment Strategies
- Heat Remediation: Effective for eliminating all life stages (eggs, nymphs, adults) in one treatment.
- Public Education: Campaigns focus on inspecting luggage, second-hand items, and hotel rooms.
- Chemical Treatments: Often paired with heat for comprehensive eradication.
South Carolina’s bed bug crisis requires collaboration between residents, pest control professionals, and local governments.
While cities like Greenville and Myrtle Beach face unique challenges due to tourism, proactive measures—such as heat treatments and public awareness—are critical to curbing infestations. Regular inspections and preventive practices remain the best defense against these resilient pests.
Sources:
- https://owossoindependent.com/insect-invasion-5-south-carolina-cities-combatting-bed-bug-onslaught/
- https://www.cpestman.com/bed-bug-control/
- https://columbiacertifiedpest.com/heat-treatment-bed-bugs/
- https://columbia.binnews.com/content/2024-01-26-south-carolina-city-named-among-the-worst-cities-for-bed-bugs-in-the-us/