I'm sure what you saw are Palmetto Bugs. Cute, aren't they? They are harmless and, unlike cockroaches, they do not suggest unsanitary conditions (although I'm told that's an unfair tag to even put on cockroaches). Palmetto Bugs are just part of the island's tapestry.
THANK YOU...GOOD POINT!!!!
Once or twice a year, this thread comes up on TUG.
BTW, they're not unique to Hilton Head, but are prevalent throughout the southeast. Very annoying visually or emotionally, but they are certainly NOT "running around everywhere", as implied. If so, I wouldn't be there. We spent three weeks at HH this June (and every June) and I never saw one. During a week's stay, you may see three, ONLY IF you're looking. It's a certifiable "non-issue". It goes along with pine straw, forests, and dense undergrowth-type foliage.
Sort of like those swarming bugs (huge flies?) in New Hampshire I experienced one summer......had to quit playing golf at the Mt. Washington golf course because they were so bad. It even curtailed our overall vacation. I never said a word, tho. Just hit it at a bad time, so....no sweat.
Also, like the "love bugs " in Florida....but that doesn't keep people from visiting Florida, does it? Not for me, anyway. (And they even make protective shields for vehicles there....amazing, but seldom mentioned.) And they, as of yet, don 't issue machine guns for palmetto bugs at HH.
EVERY destination on the face of the planet has some indigenous "bug", except for Hawaii, where there are snakes. And the fact that BUGS cause hysteria by "visitors" makes me laugh. If somebody isn't aware of these things by now, stay home! That goes for bugs anywhere, anytime. Maybe Expedia could have some "bug report" alongside all their flights, or updates on billboards along the interstates for these people.
To listen to these people, you'd think the palmetto bug was the South Carolina state bird, for goodness' sake.
I get more emotional about visitors hanging towels from the balcony railings than bugs, something that I never even think about.