Bugs and spiders in South Carolina

What to watch for in South Carolina

All three widows live in South Carolina. Brown widow and southern black widow are recorded about equally, and the northern black widow is recorded far less. Brown widow bites are usually much milder than black widow bites, but it is a true widow, so get medical advice after a bite that worries you. Poison Help (1-800-222-1222) is a good call for any bite you are concerned about. The brown recluse has a few records but is not known to live in the state.

The lone star, American dog, blacklegged and brown dog ticks are all established, and all can carry disease. Lone star tick bites are also linked to alpha-gal syndrome, a red-meat allergy. Red imported fire ants are established, and eastern yellowjackets are common, most noticed in late summer and fall. The yellow fever mosquito and house mosquito are established too.

Through the year

Spring

Eastern carpenter bees hover near nests in April through June, pill bugs come indoors after rain, and lone star tick adults are most active about April through June.

Summer

American cockroaches, greenhouse millipedes after heavy rain and growing yellowjacket nests are the usual summer sights, and mosquito season runs roughly June through October.

Fall

Yellow garden spiders and spotted orbweavers reach their peak, boxelder bugs move in from late August, and Asian lady beetles and stink bugs follow in October.

Winter

Brown widows can be found year-round in warm areas, house centipedes are noticed more, and brown marmorated stink bugs wake on warm winter days.