Bed bugs are creating serious trouble in several cities across South Carolina. These tiny insects are known for hiding in furniture, beds, and walls, and feeding on human blood.
According to pest control data from 2024-2025, five cities in South Carolina are among those struggling the most with bed bug infestations. This growing issue is part of a larger trend being seen across the southeastern U.S.
If you live in or are planning to visit South Carolina, especially popular areas like Charleston, Myrtle Beach, or Greenville, it’s important to stay alert. Bed bugs spread fast and are hard to get rid of once they invade a space.
Top 5 South Carolina Cities Affected by Bed Bugs
1. Greenville
Greenville is ranked No. 27 in the United States for the number of bed bug cases. While this is slightly better than its ranking in past years, it still remains the worst-affected city in South Carolina. Local homes, hotels, and rental properties are most at risk. Pest experts continue to treat a high number of infestations here.
2. Charleston
Charleston also appears on national lists for bed bug problems. The mix of tourists, rental properties, and historic buildings makes Charleston vulnerable to spreading bed bugs. Both residential and commercial properties have reported increasing issues in recent years.
3. Myrtle Beach
Myrtle Beach is a busy tourist city with many hotels, motels, and resorts. This high volume of travelers means bed bugs can easily spread from one place to another. Vacationers often carry these bugs back home in luggage or clothing, making early detection essential.
4. Columbia
As the state capital and a city with a large student population and dense housing, Columbia faces its own challenges. Shared accommodations, public spaces, and budget hotels can become hotspots if not properly maintained. Though not ranked as high as Greenville, the risk remains significant.
5. Florence
Florence has seen a growing number of reports related to bed bug activity, especially in apartment complexes and public housing. This small city is experiencing rising concern, pushing local residents to take extra precautions with pest control.
Note: Though not in South Carolina, nearby cities like Charlotte, NC and Greensboro, NC also show rising bed bug activity. Since they’re close to the state border, these cities may influence the situation in nearby South Carolina towns through travel and movement.
Why Are Bed Bugs a Problem?
Bed bugs are hard to detect and even harder to eliminate. They spread through:
Travel (hotel rooms, buses, airports)
Used furniture or clothing
Crowded living conditions
Poor sanitation or clutter
Once they get into a mattress or sofa, they multiply quickly. People often only notice them when they start getting itchy bites or see blood stains or black dots on bed sheets.
What Can You Do to Stay Safe?
If you live in or visit South Carolina cities like Greenville, Charleston, or Myrtle Beach, you should follow these tips:
Inspect your bed: Check mattress seams, headboards, and corners for tiny bugs or black stains.
Be careful with second-hand furniture: Avoid bringing used items home unless they are professionally cleaned or treated.
Keep your home clean: Regular vacuuming and reducing clutter can help spot bed bugs early.
Use pest control: If you notice signs of infestation, call professionals quickly. DIY methods rarely work.
Do Health Authorities Help?
In South Carolina, health departments like the Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) usually do not help with bed bug problems in private homes or businesses. It is up to property owners or tenants to manage the infestation themselves by calling licensed pest control companies.
Bed bugs are a growing problem in several parts of South Carolina. Cities like Greenville, Charleston, Myrtle Beach, Columbia, and Florence are seeing more cases every year.
Travelers, renters, homeowners, and hotel guests all need to be extra careful. Regular checks, cleanliness, and professional help are the best ways to fight this insect invasion.
Bed bugs may be small, but if ignored, they can create big problems. Staying alert and acting early can save time, money, and discomfort.
[1] https://columbia.binnews.com/content/2024-01-26-south-carolina-city-named-among-the-worst-cities-for-bed-bugs-in-the-us/
[2] https://www.orkin.com/press-room/worst-cities-for-bed-bugs-annual-rankings
[3] https://www.terminix.com/blog/whats-buzzing/top-bed-bug-cities/
