Stonefly

Stoneflies are slender insects, typically 1/2 to 1 inch long, with two pairs of membranous wings that fold flat over their back at rest. They have long antennae and two cerci (tail filaments) at the end of their abdomen. Nymphs (immature stoneflies) are aquatic and have feathery gills.

Stoneflies are primarily found near clean, flowing water sources, so infestations inside Myrtle Beach homes are rare. You might occasionally find adult stoneflies near outdoor lights at night, especially those close to creeks or rivers. Large numbers of nymphs in a stream or river near your property could indicate a suitable breeding habitat.

Since stoneflies rarely infest homes, treatment is usually unnecessary. If you find them near your Myrtle Beach property, reducing outdoor lighting can help. For large populations near waterways, contact a licensed SC Department of Pesticide Regulation professional like MBPC for environmentally conscious advice.

Since stoneflies are attracted to lights, reduce or eliminate outdoor lighting near streams and rivers. Ensure proper drainage around your home to prevent standing water, which can attract other pests. Maintain a healthy riparian buffer zone along creeks and rivers on your property to support the local ecosystem in coastal SC.

Stoneflies are aquatic insects that require clean, flowing water to survive. In the Myrtle Beach area, they are found in streams, rivers, and creeks. The nymphs live under rocks and feed on algae and decaying organic matter, playing a vital role in the aquatic ecosystem.

Peak activity: Spring-Summer