The Mosquitos in South Carolina Will Be Extreme This Summer

Summer weather in South Carolina is always marked by heat and humidity—it's a combination as old as time. But each summer is a bit different, and this season, there's another variable that will be impossible to ignore: mosquitoes. And yes—any South Carolinian is familiar with these buzzy insects, but conditions indicate that they could be even more intense this year. Here's everything you should know about how you can enjoy the great outdoors in the Palmetto State while minimizing your exposure to bites.

What Gets Extreme in South Carolina During Summer?

If you've braved a few South Carolina summers, then you know that the phrase "bowl of soup" isn't describing someone's lunch order; it's how the weather feels. The dense humidity has a way of amplifying the summer heat—so there's the temperature that the thermometer reads, and then there's the heat index, which takes humidity into account.

For reference, on a mid-July day in Mount Pleasant in 2011, the heat index was recorded at a sweltering 124°F, even though the actual temperature was just shy of 100°F. The reason for the high levels of humidity is proximity to the ocean and warm tropical breeze that can create that sticky-feeling atmosphere. And, as you've probably already guessed, high humidity goes hand-in-hand with high mosquito activity.

What Makes This Year Different?

While mosquitoes in South Carolina aren't exactly rare, this year is different. The perfect storm of a warm, wet spring paired with a shorter winter meant mosquitoes got a head start this year on breeding. Plus, showers in the summertime give mosquitoes lots of standing-water breeding grounds. In this weather, the insects can grow from an egg to an adult in as little as one week! Add to that the fact that there are at least 61 different species of mosquitoes in South Carolina, and you've got a clear picture of just how prevalent these bugs will be.

How to Prepare for It

When it comes to mosquitoes, a little preparation can go a long way. One of the best things residents can do is eliminate any potential breeding grounds, including flowerpot saucers, toys, or birdbaths, that can collect water. Travelers or other visitors can also protect themselves with EPA-approved repellents, many of which will contain ingredients like DEET or oil of lemon eucalyptus. You can also dress in light, breezy layers that will help protect your skin. Lastly, try to get near a fan if it's a particularly still and muggy evening. Even a slight breeze can help deter mosquitoes—fortunately, they can't fly in winds above 1-3 MPH.

Is South Carolina Still Worth Visiting in the Summer?

Of course, summers in South Carolina are absolutely worth experiencing, even with the intense humidity and high likelihood of mosquito bites. Residents and travelers alike have learned to embrace the humidity, opting for slower summertime activities like gathering on the porch under a ceiling fan, lounging in the shade with a good book, or enjoying a shaded trail. After all, slowing down really isn't such a bad thing. Lastly, not all regions are as mosquito-prone as others. Opting for a breezy beachfront or even the higher-altitude Upcountry is another way to avoid the swarms.

For more summer fun, take a look at our hidden beaches road trip through South Carolina.