Bed bugs may be tiny, but they’re causing big headaches across South Carolina. From busy tourist towns to quiet communities, here are five places in the Palmetto State dealing with these unwanted guests.
1. Greenville
Greenville landed at No. 33 on pest control company Orkin’s 2026 list of the top 50 U.S. cities for bed bugs. That’s three spots lower than last year, a small improvement. Still, the Upstate city has appeared on Orkin’s list for several years in a row.
2. Myrtle Beach
Myrtle Beach is new to Orkin’s list this year, coming in at No. 50. With millions of visitors staying in hotels and vacation rentals, the beach city faces a special risk. Bed bugs can hitch a ride in luggage and personal items and travel from one room to the next.
3. Charleston
Pest control companies in Charleston say the city has seen a noticeable rise in bed bug cases over the past decade. They warn that once bed bugs get inside, they multiply fast. A single female can lay hundreds of eggs in her lifetime.
4. Columbia
In the state capital, local pest control companies offer same-day bed bug service to keep up with calls from homeowners. Experts warn that do-it-yourself sprays rarely work and that professional treatment is usually needed.
5. Jamestown
In Berkeley County, a bed bug infestation forced EMS crews to temporarily move out of a fire station in Jamestown. The bugs kept coming back even after several treatments. County officials said emergency services were not affected, as the ambulance and staff stayed in the Jamestown area while officials worked on a long-term fix.
How to Protect Yourself
Orkin entomologist Shannon Sked says bed bugs are a concern in communities everywhere, no matter how clean a home is. Here’s how to stay safe:
- Search hotel rooms for small dark stains, shed skins or a musty smell.
- Check mattress seams, baseboards and outlets at home.
- Inspect secondhand furniture before bringing it inside.
- Dry clothes from your luggage on high heat for 30 to 45 minutes after a trip.
If you spot signs of bed bugs, call a licensed pest control professional right away.
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