Bed bug infestations are on the rise across the United States, and South Carolina is no exception. With its warm, humid climate and bustling travel hubs, the Palmetto State has become a hotspot for these persistent pests. Here are five South Carolina cities that are actively battling bed bug outbreaks in 2025:
1. Greenville
Greenville stands out as the most bed bug–afflicted city in South Carolina, ranking among the worst in the nation for reported cases.
According to Orkin’s annual report, Greenville was listed at No. 27 nationwide for bed bug treatments, reflecting a consistent and troubling presence of infestations.
Experts attribute the city’s high ranking to increased travel and the movement of secondhand goods, which help bed bugs spread rapidly.
2. Columbia
As the state capital and a major urban center, Columbia has seen its share of bed bug cases. Local pest control professionals report frequent calls from residents and apartment complexes, especially after travel or the return of college students.
The city’s dense population and transient communities make it a prime target for infestations that can quickly escalate if not addressed.
3. Lexington
Lexington, located near Columbia, faces unique challenges due to its climate and proximity to major travel routes. Bed bugs thrive in the area’s warmth and humidity, and infestations often go unnoticed until they become severe.
Local pest control companies emphasize the importance of early detection and comprehensive treatment to prevent widespread outbreaks.
4. Orangeburg
Orangeburg residents have been fighting persistent bed bug problems, with local pest services recounting cases where infestations lingered for months before professional intervention.
DIY treatments often fail, leading to repeated outbreaks and the need for more aggressive solutions like heat treatments to fully eradicate the pests.
5. Santee
Santee, a smaller town in Orangeburg County, has also experienced significant bed bug activity. Cases here highlight how bed bugs can evade common home remedies and spread throughout a house, requiring specialized treatment to resolve the problem and prevent reinfestation.
Why Are Bed Bugs Thriving in South Carolina?
South Carolina’s mild winters, frequent travel, and active secondhand goods market create ideal conditions for bed bugs to survive and spread year-round.
Cities with high tourism, college populations, and dense housing are particularly vulnerable. Experts recommend regular inspections, careful handling of secondhand items, and prompt professional intervention at the first sign of an infestation to keep these pests at bay.
Greenville, Columbia, Lexington, Orangeburg, and Santee are among the South Carolina cities most actively combating bed bug invasions in 2025. Vigilance, education, and professional pest control remain the best defenses against this stubborn insect onslaught.
Sources:
- https://columbia.binnews.com/content/2024-01-26-south-carolina-city-named-among-the-worst-cities-for-bed-bugs-in-the-us/
- https://www.iheart.com/content/2023-01-11-1-south-carolina-city-named-among-the-worst-us-cities-for-bed-bugs/
- https://www.jurypest.com/blog/post/why-columbia-sc-residents-must-be-vigilant-with-bed-bugs-this-fall
- https://www.bugmanpest.com/bed-bugs/