These Are the 20 Biggest Risks of Living in South Carolina

There are plenty of good aspects to life in the Palmetto State, but it's not all beaches and mountains — there are some surprising risks of living in South Carolina, too. It's no surprise that living on the coast is going to come with some obvious risks, but you may wonder, especially if you're considering relocating, about what some of the cons of life in South Carolina are. From inclement weather to reptiles and insects, here are some things to know about living in the Palmetto State.

1. Fire ants are everywhere.

When it comes to pesky insects around South Carolina, fire ants may not be the first thing that people mention. Yet, they seem to invade everything! Their bite is painful, and some people are highly allergic. Growing up in South Carolina, you learn to watch out for these little tiny terrors, which can build their colonies in yards, parks, gardens, and sidewalks. Locals learn to navigate fire ants by watching where they step and making sure they don't put down a beach towel near an ant colony!

2. Mosquitos can make summer pretty miserable.

Mosquitoes aren't necessarily a South Carolina problem; you'll find them in just about every state during the summertime. But once temperatures rise, mosquitoes seem to be everywhere. Plus, coastal communities are the perfect breeding ground, which is another reason why South Carolina gets hit especially hard. Getting eaten alive by mosquitoes will really put a damper on your day, and the next few days after, come to think of it. Fortunately, there's a solution: citronella candles and eco-friendly bug spray.

3. Gnats and flies seem to find you no matter what!

We've all experienced gnats — those little bits of flying things that invade your personal space. They stick to you like glue and, yes, people have unintentionally eaten one or two in their lifetimes. Flies are just as bad. When the storms are rolling in, they are worse! They may not be among the most dangerous things in South Carolina, but they sure are among the most irritating.

4. Alligators are more common than travelers realize.

Now, this is one of the most dangerous things in South Carolina. Somehow, alligators get in the unlikeliest of places and take up residence there. You see them sunning themselves on the golf course and swimming in backyard pools. These creatures are a danger to be mindful of when visiting this beautiful state, as they are often seen in many of our parks, preserves, and other nature attractions. Of course, they are pretty fascinating to see. Just be sure to keep an eye out for them and always keep a very healthy distance!

5. Black bears may occasionally wander through town.

Black bears typically stick to the mountains, but they'll occasionally roam through towns. And these curious bears tend to get into the most trouble. In fact, a very large one was once picked up in the Sonic parking lot in Florence, SC. Before that, they were seen walking down Irby Street as if they owned the entire place. Oh, sure, they look cute and cuddly, but we wouldn't attempt to hug one. Locals know to secure their trash cans and avoid leaving pet food outside overnight.

6. Deer can be a serious driving hazard.

Ever tried to drive down a dark country road? The risk to life and limb can be great because of these four-legged creatures. Sure, they look majestic, but not so much when you're driving down the highway, and one darts out into your path. If you're a longtime South Carolina resident, you're probably used to scanning the roads carefully, especially at night.

7. Spiders are just a part of life in the South.

South Carolina is home to many kinds of spiders, but the two that we need to worry about the most are the brown recluse and the black widow. The good news? Spiders really want nothing to do with humans, so the biggest risk is being startled by one, given how big they can get!

8. The Palmetto Bug will give you quite a jump scare.

Speaking of getting spooked by a bug, the Palmetto bug will make you jump! These unnaturally fast critters may not kill you, but they will terrify you. I remember the first time I saw one, I couldn't believe how quickly it scattered across the floor. And I'll never understand why evolution decided to give these suckers wings! It's essentially a flying cockroach, but locals prefer the less terrifying name. The sound of one of these flying into the wall at night is nightmare fuel!

9. Snakes are fairly common.

Rattlesnakes, water moccasins, and coral snakes are among the most dangerous animals in South Carolina, but even the non-venomous varieties can trigger a panic attack. Encounters with snakes are most common in the woods, near lakes, hiking trails, and marshes. To play it safe, avoid wearing sandals in tall grasses and always watch where you step.

10. Driving can be stressful.

Driving in any state is risky, but South Carolina has a reputation for aggressive drivers. And because some cities have experienced such dramatic population growth, traffic and road rage have become all the more prevalent. If you're moving from a small rural town to a bigger city, the difference can be quite shocking.

11. Rogue golf balls are a real thing.

This may sound like a joke, but given the number of golf courses here in South Carolina, it's always possible that you, your house — specifically a window — or your car could be hit by a rogue golf ball. This is especially true in the Myrtle Beach and Hilton Head areas.

12. Coyotes have spread to most of the state.

Coyotes now make their home in almost every corner of South Carolina, especially in newer subdivisions close to the woods. Mostly appearing at night, they are known as thieves and sometimes worse — much, much worse. They are certainly a nuisance to farmers and pet owners.

13. Bobcats could be lurking nearby.

Bobcats are reclusive and typically harmless. But the babies can randomly come out of the woods and appear on your doorstep. And they may seem totally cute and cuddly...that is, until their mother appears, and then things can get quite dangerous very quickly.

14. Bees are quite active in the springtime.

Spring arrives, and everything blooms. This is when the bees come alive with activity, and they are not so discerning between you and a flower. We keep yelling, "I'm not a flower!" but it doesn't seem to help. Running does help...sometimes! But perhaps more pervasive than the bees is the pollen that coats everything.

15. Yellow flies and deer flies have painful bites.

If you have ever taken a hike in the woods or paddled through a marsh, you know firsthand just how painful and irritating a yellow fly or deer fly bite can be. And unlike mosquito bites, these bites not only itch but also hurt when they occur. Many locals wear lightweight layers to avoid overexposure.

16. Horseflies are even more painful!

Horsefly bites really hurt! Fortunately, you can usually feel them land on you unless you are distracted by something else. This will give you time to swat them away before they deliver a painful bite that can seem to linger for days.

17. Poison ivy, oak, and sumac thrive in South Carolina.

Talk about itching! We have an abundance of these plants here in South Carolina. We think it is the wonderful weather that we have here that they love so much. These plants are especially common in wooded areas, along fence lines, and near trails. Avoid touching these at all costs, and for further protection, wear long socks or pants if you're planning to spend some time in the woods.

18. Heat and humidity are a brutal combination.

Living in South Carolina means having access to beautiful beaches, but if you're not careful, you'll pay the price. This picture pretty much sums up what it feels like here when summer is kicking into full gear. One of the downsides of South Carolina is definitely the risk of a horrible sunburn or just melting into a puddle. But thankfully, this can be managed with proper usage of a great sunscreen!

19. College football rivalries are very, very real.

The risk of angering someone because of their team affiliation is high, and during football season, these loyalties can surface in the workplace, in neighborhoods, and even in friend groups. Fortunately, the rivalries are typically playful, but don't insult someone's team without expecting an intense response!

20. Hurricanes

Last but not least, there is a very real risk of hurricanes. Hurricanes are a risk for any coastal state, but it's especially risky to live in South Carolina. Preparing for and planning around hurricanes happens every year, as the Atlantic hurricane season officially runs from June to November. One of the best resources for tracking storms and being prepared is the official NOAA website. And while storms do pose a serious threat and should be taken as such, South Carolina locals are remarkably resilient and can band together in times of need.

What New Residents Should Know About South Carolina Weather

Ironically, South Carolina's warm, sunny weather is one of the biggest draws to the state, but during certain times of the year, it's also the biggest risk. Most residents can look forward to shorter, milder winters and long summers. Perhaps what surprises newcomers most is the intensity of the heat and humidity. By late spring, the air becomes noticeably thicker and heavier, especially along the coast. A summer day becomes all the more intense because of the humidity, which can feel a bit like stepping into a sauna. If you're outside, drink plenty of water and don't push yourself physically. And you might also consider investing in a dehumidifier to make your home cooler.

Helpful Hiking Tips for South Carolina Trails

Getting out and exploring South Carolina's trails is one of the best ways to experience the state, but it's also where you'll encounter many of the critters and wildlife mentioned above. One of the best ways to stay safe on the trail is to stay aware. Always watch where you're stepping, especially in the woods, where snakes and other insects can gather. To avoid ticks, always wear long pants and white socks, which help you spot ticks crawling up your legs. Once you've gotten back from your hike, a quick tick check can go a long way toward identifying any unwanted hitchhikers!

Now that we've covered some of the things people dislike about South Carolina, how about we flip the script and talk about why South Carolina is one of the best places to live (and retire)?