South-Carolina
Gnats swarm South Carolina each spring. Here’s how to keep the pest away
How to repel backyard bugs
Don’t let mosquitoes ruin your nights. Keep bugs away with these tips.
ProblemSolved, USA TODAY
In South Carolina, spring officially begins on March 20 and lasts through May. As temperatures rise during this period, it’s common to see gnats and other insects emerge, signaling the arrival of warmer weather.
Gnats can have a big impact on the enjoyment of springtime in the Palmetto State. These flying insects can disrupt outdoor activities by biting people, making them a nuisance for those who enjoy spending time outside.
A study by Skitopel found that gnats are most active during dawn and dusk, with large mating swarms often appearing around sunset. Their peak season typically occurs from late spring through early summer.
During the spring season, here is what you need to know about gnats.
Are there different types of gnats?
South Carolina residents may encounter biting gnats and eye gnats.
Palmetto Exterminators states biting gnats are around 1/16 inches in diameter, also known as no-see-ums, and cut through the skin to feed on blood, leaving behind itchy, red welts that can cause discomfort.
These tiny pests are often found near water bodies, making lakes and rivers hotspots for encounters. The mud around these moist areas is where females lay eggs and larvae develop.
On the other hand, eye gnats are around 1/8 inches in diameter and do not bite, but swarm faces looking for bodily fluids like mucus, sweat, and even tiny wounds, and they prefer sandy soil environments.
Eye gnat females lay their eggs and larvae in the soil in these areas, while animal manure can increase breeding activity.
They can lay up to 500 eggs in their short 7-10 day lifespan, and gnats only live 28 days to complete their life cycle.
At least one species of these insects can be found on every continent.
When do gnats usually come out?
Gnat activity generally increases as temperatures exceed 70°F and remains high throughout the summer months, making them a persistent presence during outdoor gatherings.
How to keep gnat populations low?
According to a study performed by Clemson University’s Home and Garden Information Center, due to the abundance of biting midges and eye gnats in certain areas, it’s challenging to control them area-wide.
A variety of broad-spectrum insecticides have been tested, but populations are rapidly replenished from breeding sites. To keep gnat populations under control, it is recommended to apply insecticide every day.
How to keep gnats away?
Clemson University’s home and garden information center found that screening porches or other outdoor areas with screening (20×20 mesh or smaller) can exclude biting midges. While in most cases, an 18×16 mesh screen is enough to keep eye gnats away.
Additionally, a ceiling fan installed under a covered porch or a box fan can help keep gnats away, as they are small enough to be blown off course by air movement.
Insect repellents containing DEET may be used to repel gnats temporarily, providing relief during outdoor activities.
Palmetto Exterminators recommends that if you want to keep gants away the DIY way, you can put out a bowl of apple cider vinegar mixed with water and a splash of dish soap.
The vinegar draws them in, and the dish soap cuts the surface tension so they sink when they land on the surface.
These strategies, combined with regular maintenance and cleaning of outdoor spaces, can significantly reduce gnat presence in environments.
Disease dangers from gnats
In some cases, infectious diseases can be transmitted by biting and eye gnats, according to a study performed by Clemson University’s Home and Garden Information Center.
Biting gnats have been linked to parasite infections and bluetongue, a significant disease affecting sheep and cattle, transmitted by various species of Culicoides midges.
Eye gnats can transfer disease-causing organisms such as bacteria, potentially causing pink eye, sepsis, mastitis in cattle, and vesicular stomatitis in horses, sheep, goats, and pigs.
Travis Jacque Rose is the trending news reporter for the Greenville News, part of the USA TODAY Network. Reach him at trose@gannett.com
HORRY COUNTY, S.C. (WPDE) — One person was injured in a two-vehicle crash involving a motorcycle in the Carolina Forest area, according to Horry County Fire Rescue (HCFR).
On Friday morning, just before 9:30 a.m., crews responded to the area of Highway 501 and Carolina Forest Boulevard.
One person was transported to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, HCFR said.
MORE: SC Forestry Commission lifts statewide burn ban
Officials ask drivers to avoid the area as Murtle Beach-bound Highway 501 traffic remains blocked.
The crash is under investigation by the South Carolina Highway Patrol (SCHP).
Powerball, Mega Millions jackpots: What to know in case you win
Here’s what to know in case you win the Powerball or Mega Millions jackpot.
Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
The South Carolina Education Lottery offers several draw games for those aiming to win big.
Here’s a look at April 30, 2026, results for each game:
Winning Pick 3 Plus FIREBALL numbers from April 30 drawing
Midday: 5-1-5, FB: 6
Evening: 0-2-3, FB: 9
Check Pick 3 Plus FIREBALL payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Pick 4 Plus FIREBALL numbers from April 30 drawing
Midday: 5-9-6-8, FB: 6
Evening: 5-3-4-0, FB: 9
Check Pick 4 Plus FIREBALL payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Cash Pop numbers from April 30 drawing
Midday: 11
Evening: 14
Check Cash Pop payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Palmetto Cash 5 numbers from April 30 drawing
01-07-23-27-33
Check Palmetto Cash 5 payouts and previous drawings here.
Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results
Are you a winner? Here’s how to claim your lottery prize
The South Carolina Education Lottery provides multiple ways to claim prizes, depending on the amount won:
For prizes up to $500, you can redeem your winnings directly at any authorized South Carolina Education Lottery retailer. Simply present your signed winning ticket at the retailer for an immediate payout.
Winnings $501 to $100,000, may be redeemed by mailing your signed winning ticket along with a completed claim form and a copy of a government-issued photo ID to the South Carolina Education Lottery Claims Center. For security, keep copies of your documents and use registered mail to ensure the safe arrival of your ticket.
SC Education Lottery
P.O. Box 11039
Columbia, SC 29211-1039
For large winnings above $100,000, claims must be made in person at the South Carolina Education Lottery Headquarters in Columbia. To claim, bring your signed winning ticket, a completed claim form, a government-issued photo ID, and your Social Security card for identity verification. Winners of large prizes may also set up an Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) for convenient direct deposit of winnings.
Columbia Claims Center
1303 Assembly Street
Columbia, SC 29201
Claim Deadline: All prizes must be claimed within 180 days of the draw date for draw games.
For more details and to access the claim form, visit the South Carolina Lottery claim page.
When are the South Carolina Lottery drawings held?
- Powerball: 10:59 p.m. ET on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
- Mega Millions: 11 p.m. ET on Tuesday and Friday.
- Pick 3: Daily at 12:59 p.m. (Midday) and 6:59 p.m. (Evening).
- Pick 4: Daily at 12:59 p.m. (Midday) and 6:59 p.m. (Evening).
- Cash Pop: Daily at 12:59 p.m. (Midday) and 6:59 p.m. (Evening).
- Palmetto Cash 5: 6:59 p.m. ET daily.
This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a South Carolina editor. You can send feedback using this form.
The Tide will look to bounce back this weekend following their first series loss of the year.
The Alabama Crimson Tide will host the South Carolina Gamecocks for their final three-game series of the regular season, beginning Thursday evening.
The Tide enter the matchup with an overall record of 44-6 (16-5 SEC), as Alabama suffered their first series loss of the season against Tennessee on the road this past weekend. Star pitcher Jocelyn Briski will look to keep things rolling against the Gamecocks following an excellent outing last Friday, as Alabama as a whole will need to bounce back in authoritative fashion this weekend.
Here are three bold predictions for Alabama’s three-game set vs. South Carolina.
Jocelyn Briski continues to dominate, records 7+ innings pitched
Briski has been widely regarded as one of the top pitchers in all of college softball this season. The star flamethrower surrendered just two hits across five innings against Tennessee last Friday, as Briski recorded an impressive six strikeouts in the 12-0 victory as well.
Briski will look to stay hot against the Gamecocks on Thursday evening, as the talented pitcher continues to dominate on a nightly basis in 2026.
Alexis Pupillo bounces back, records 2+ home runs
Pupillo struggled immensely against Tennessee in Knoxville last weekend. The talented utility player went 0-for-8 across the series, but Pupillo could quickly find herself bouncing back against South Carolina.
Pupillo currently holds a .404 batting average on the year, as the star hitter will look to shine once again against the Gamecocks.
Vic Moten thrives, records 8+ strikeouts
Moten has been nothing short of elite throughout her freshman campaign with the Tide this season. The star pitcher surrendered two earned runs on four hits over six innings against Tennessee on Sunday, as Moten was excellent in the circle despite Alabama struggling offensively.
Moten finds herself in prime position for yet another impressive performance this weekend against South Carolina, as the freshman continues to shine throughout her first season in Tuscaloosa.
Contact/Follow us @RollTideWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Alabama news, notes and opinion.
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