
Termite Inspection
CL-100 inspections for real estate closings and annual termite protection against Formosan and Eastern subterranean termites.
Learn about Termite InspectionHistoric peninsula — Formosan termites in old-growth construction, palmetto bugs everywhere, tidal marsh mosquitoes
Charleston is one of the most pest-active cities in the eastern United States — the combination of age, dense live oak canopy, tidal marsh on three sides, historic row houses on raised foundations, and a warm humid climate makes every major pest category a concern here year-round. Formosan subterranean termites are especially prevalent on the peninsula, where they have been established for decades and have caused structural damage in historic homes that far exceeds the national average.
Housing age, groundwater and the roofline all feed into it. This is the picture specific to Charleston.
Charleston is mainly 1700s–present, significant pre-Civil War and Victorian housing stock on the peninsula. Renovation history is the wildcard on these — an enclosed porch or an added bathroom often hides the original exterior wall, and with it the gap nobody sealed when the work was done.
Being close to Cooper River, Ashley River and Charleston Harbor changes the whole picture. Standing water in gutters, boat covers and plant saucers becomes a mosquito nursery within a week of rain, so the first job on these properties is walking the grounds for breeding sites.
Published ranges rather than a phone quote, because guessing at scope is how people end up with surprise charges.
| Service | Estimated cost |
|---|---|
| Termite Inspection | an estimated $449–$1400 |
| General Pest Control | an estimated $99–$249 |
| Mosquito and Tick Control | an estimated $69–$139 |
Historic seawall at the tip of the peninsula — the surrounding White Point Garden and adjacent residential streets have some of the highest Formosan termite pressure in the city.
Primary commercial corridor — restaurants and retail face persistent German cockroach, rodent, and fly pressure. SC DHEC health inspections require service documentation.
Major hospital and medical school campus — healthcare facility IPM standards apply; bed bug and German cockroach protocols are most relevant.

CL-100 inspections for real estate closings and annual termite protection against Formosan and Eastern subterranean termites.
Learn about Termite Inspection
One plan that keeps palmetto bugs, ants, roaches, and common pests out of your home all year.
Learn about General Pest Control
Reclaim your yard with barrier treatments that knock down mosquitoes and lone star ticks.
Learn about Mosquito and Tick Control
Heat and chemical treatment to eliminate bed bugs from homes and high-turnover vacation rentals.
Learn about Bed Bug TreatmentCharleston sits at the heart of the Formosan subterranean termite infestation zone. The humid subtropical climate, abundant old-growth wood in historic structures, and the warm coastal winters allow Formosan colonies to grow to several million workers. The peninsula has been dealing with active Formosan infestations since at least the 1960s. Annual inspections and an active termite bond or bait system are essential for peninsula homes.
No — American cockroaches (palmetto bugs) live throughout the Lowcountry outdoor environment in mulch, storm drains, pluff mud, and palm trees. They come inside during rain, dry spells, and temperature changes. Everyone in Charleston gets them. German cockroaches — small, tan, clustered near appliances — are the species that indicates an actual indoor infestation.
For most homes on the peninsula, quarterly service plus an active termite monitoring program is the baseline. Mosquito service runs monthly from April through October. Bed bugs in the hospitality district and short-term rentals are a year-round concern. There is no real off-season in Charleston for pest control.
Yes — treatment methods must be compatible with historic construction. Liquid soil treatment may require drilling through tile or masonry; a bait system is often less invasive. Some historic preservation guidelines in Charleston restrict certain application methods. The licensed pros we connect you with are familiar with the constraints of historic peninsula construction.
Yes — a CL-100 wood infestation report is required at most mortgage closings in South Carolina. On the Charleston peninsula this is especially important given the Formosan termite pressure and the age of the housing stock. Cost is typically $75–175 and the report is valid for a limited time from the inspection date.
Same day is realistic if you call early. Charleston sits 5 miles from Mount Pleasant, which is comfortably inside the routing. Genuine emergencies jump the queue regardless of the schedule.
Call for a free inspection and a straight recommendation. Charleston and the surrounding Charleston County communities are covered, with same-day service for anything active.
Call (843) 896-1048