A rat and mice invasion of SC homes is brewing. Here’s why and how to fight them

National Rodent Week — yes that is a thing — begins Oct. 19 and with the prediction of a warmer winter, it might be time to think about rodents and other pests sticking around.

The National Weather Service and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration say it’s likely to be warmer and drier than usual for most of the state. The Upstate may have normal precipitation, they say.

Old Farmer’s Almanac thinks colder but drier.

Usually rodents’ breeding slows and the cold weather drives them inside.

“With warmer winter temperatures across the Carolinas, rodents reproduce for longer periods — sometimes year-round. That means more pups per season, higher populations, and increased risks for homeowners,” Kevin Hathorne, technical director at Terminix, the largest pest control company in the Carolinas.

The seasonal die off of some rodents that naturally limited the population doesn’t happen.

Terminix and the National Pest Management Association says rodents bring all sorts of risks to people and homes.

Rodents are opportunistic and will gnaw through drywall, insulation and wiring. Sometimes they even gnaw through siding and nest in insulation. They also leave droppings and urine behind, which besides being disgusting can contaminate food.

Diseases and parasites such as Salmonella, hantavirus, fleas, and ticks are spread by rodents.

Besides house mice, the most common rodent pest nationwide, South Carolina is also home to:

• Deer Mice, which live in wood piles and fence posts and are carriers of hantavirus, which can be fatal to humans.
• Norway Rats, which take gnawing up a level to chew through plastic and PVC pipes and can spread the plague.
• Roof Rats, which are found in the coastal South and nest in trees and higher places.

Hathorne said telltale signs rodents have infested your house or property are, of course, droppings and urine Stains and gnaw marks. They built nests from shredded materials in dark, undisturbed areas like attics and closets and leave greasy rub marks along walls and where they access the property.

You can also hear them scurrying around in the attic or even walls.

Tips to repel rodents

Terminix recommends these tips to keep rodents away:

• Install door sweeps and repair damaged screens.
• Seal cracks and holes on the exterior of your home.
• Screen vents and openings, including chimneys.
• Keep food in airtight containers and dispose of garbage regularly.
• Maintain proper ventilation in attics, basements, and crawl spaces.
• Repair leaking pipes and clear clogged drains.
• Inspect food packaging for damage before bringing it into your home.
• Store firewood at least 20 feet away from your house.

This story was originally published October 17, 2025 at 6:00 AM.