Pest Information for South Carolina

Last Modified: July 30, 2025

Active Federal Quarantines

The following pests have Federal quarantines in certain areas of this State. Other Federal and State quarantines may apply. Learn about State-level quarantines.

Asian Longhorned Beetle

Attacks: hardwood trees, national forests

Balanced on an index finger the Asian longhorned beetle's face is dwarfed by its long black and white banded antenna. The distinct bluish color on the ALB's legs and feet—a sign of a newly emerged adult.
Citrus Greening and Asian Citrus Psyllid

Attacks: citrus trees

Citrus Greening
Imported Fire Ants

Attacks: buds and fruits of crop plants

Red imported fire ant crawling on young tree branch.

Watch Out For These Pests

This state has some crop, forest, or urban area(s) where the following pests or diseases could survive year-round.

 
Emerald Ash Borer

Attacks: ash trees

Close up of an adult emerald ash borer on bark of a tree; beetle is bright, metallic green, measures about one-half inch long and has a flattened back.
European Cherry Fruit Fly

Attacks: Sweet and tart cherries, and other environmental host such as honeysuckle and dogwood

European cherry fruit fly adult on a ripening cherry.
Flighted Spongy Moth Complex

Attacks: North American tree and shrub species

White female moth with light brown lines on its wings next to brown male moth with dark brown lines on its wings.
Giant African Snail

Attacks: plants, fruits and vegetables

Large brown snail, approximately 8 inches in length, that has a dark brown shell with lighter brown vertical stripes sitting on a gloved hand.
Mediterranean Fruit Fly

Attacks: fruits, vegetables and nuts

Adult Mediterranean fruit fly on fruit.
Mexican Fruit Fly

Attacks: fruits, particularly citrus and mango

Several pale orange-yellow mexflies with transparent wings on the surface of an orange.
Oriental Fruit Fly

Attacks: fruits and vegetables

Fruit fly with white spots on a dark-brown thorax and a tan abdomen with dark-brown to black markings.
Spongy Moth

Attacks: trees and shrubs

Dark-colored, hairy caterpillar with five pairs of blue dots followed by six pairs of red dots lining its back crawling on a partially eaten leaf.
Spotted Lanternfly

Attacks: fruit, ornamental and woody trees

Adult spotted lanternfly with wings spread caught in a spider web.
Sudden Oak Death

Attacks: trees

Green, curling rhododendron leaf with black-ish brown spots indicative of phytophthora ramorum infection

Report a Pest

Have you recently encountered the listed pests or any invasive species?

If so, contact the State Plant Health Director below:

South Carolina State Plant Health Director

Carl Lightfoot (Acting) 

Email: carl.w.lightfoot@usda.gov

Phone: 843-480-4334

Mailing Address:

4600 Goer Dr.

Suite 104

North Charleston, SC 29406

Print