Signs Of Rodents: How To Identify Mice & Rats in Your South Carolina Home

What This Article Covers

If you’re looking for quick answers, here’s what we’ll walk through:

• Common signs of rodent activity inside homes
• How to tell the difference between mice, Norway rats, and roof rats
• Where rodents typically hide in Pee Dee and Grand Strand homes
• Why DIY rodent control often falls short
• What to do if you see signs of rodents
• How Harris Pest Control helps eliminate and prevent rodent infestations

Common Signs of Rodents in Your Home

Rodents are excellent at staying out of sight, but they almost always leave clues behind.

Rodent Droppings

Droppings are often the first and most apparent sign of rodent activity.

• House mice: Small, dark droppings about the size of a grain of rice
• Norway rats: Larger droppings (½–¾ inch long), often pointed at one end
• Roof rats: Similar to Norway rat droppings but slightly smaller; dark and moist when fresh

Droppings are commonly found along baseboards, behind appliances, inside cabinets, in pantries, garages, crawl spaces, and attics.

Gnaw Marks

Mice and rats must constantly chew to prevent their teeth from overgrowing.

• Mice: Small, clean chew marks on food packaging, trim, or wiring
• Norway rats: Larger gnaw marks on wood, insulation, plastic, pipes, and even concrete
• Roof rats: Similar damage, often found higher up in attics, rafters, or wall cavities

Chewed electrical wires are especially concerning, as they can increase the risk of house fires.

Tracks & Grease Marks

As rodents move along walls and tight spaces, they leave behind:

• Footprints and tail marks in dusty areas
• Smudge or grease marks along baseboards and walls

These are most noticeable in garages, storage rooms, crawl spaces, and attics.

Noises at Night

Rodents are nocturnal, so most of their activity occurs after dark.

• House mice: Light scratching, scurrying, or faint squeaking
• Norway rats: Louder scratching or gnawing sounds, often in crawl spaces or walls
• Roof rats: Scampering or scratching above ceilings or in attics

If you hear recurring noises at night, rodents are a strong possibility.

Nests & Burrows

Rodents build nests using soft materials like insulation, paper, fabric, and cardboard.

• House mice: Nests behind appliances, inside cabinets, walls, or attics
• Norway rats: Burrows near foundations, under sheds, or in crawl spaces; indoor nests usually at ground level
• Roof rats: Nests in attics, rafters, trees, or dense landscaping near the roof

Burrows around the foundation are a common warning sign of Norway rats.

Unpleasant Odors

Rodent urine and droppings can create a strong, musty odor—especially in enclosed areas. A sudden foul smell may also indicate a rodent has died inside a wall or attic, which can linger if not addressed.

Common Rodents in the Pee Dee & Grand Strand

House Mice

House mice enter homes through tiny cracks and gaps around doors, windows, foundations, and utility lines. They often nest in kitchens, pantries, attics, and behind appliances, staying close to food sources.

Norway Rats

Norway rats prefer lower levels of homes and are commonly found in crawl spaces, basements, and around foundations. They often burrow outdoors and can enter through damaged vents, crawl space doors, or plumbing openings.

Roof Rats

Roof rats are especially common in coastal and warmer parts of South Carolina. They are excellent climbers and often use trees, shrubs, and power lines to access roofs. These rats typically nest in attics and are known for chewing wires and insulation.

What to Do If You Notice Signs of Rodents

Many homeowners try traps or store-bought poison first, but DIY rodent control rarely solves the entire problem.

Here’s why:

• Rodents reproduce quickly, so removing one or two doesn’t stop the infestation
• Traps must be placed correctly and in sufficient numbers
• Poisoned rodents often die inside walls or attics, creating odor issues
• Rodenticides pose risks to children, pets, and wildlife
• DIY methods don’t address entry points or conditions attracting rodents

Effective rodent control requires both removal and prevention.

Professional Rodent Control from Harris Pest Control

If you’re seeing signs of mice or rats in your home, Harris Pest Control is the local company to call. Family-owned and operated since 1973, we understand the rodent pressures unique to Florence, Myrtle Beach, and other communities in the Pee Dee and Grand Strand areas.

Our rodent control services begin with a free inspection, where we:

• Identify the rodent species
• Locate entry points and nesting areas
• Evaluate conditions attracting rodents

Based on our findings, we create a customized treatment plan that may include:

• Trapping
• Baiting
• Exterior rodent stations
• Rodent exclusion and prevention recommendations

If you see rodents or signs of rodents during that time, we’ll return at no additional cost.

Ongoing Home Pest Control for Added Protection

For long-term peace of mind, Harris Pest Control offers quarterly home pest control services that help prevent rodents and other common household pests from becoming a problem.

Frequently Asked Questions About Rodents

Does seeing one mouse or rat mean I have an infestation?

Not always, but it’s a strong warning sign. Rodents are skilled at hiding, and seeing one mouse often means others are nearby.

When are rodents most active in South Carolina?

Rodents are active year-round, but problems often increase in fall and winter when cooler weather pushes them indoors.

Are rodents dangerous to my family?

Yes. Rodents can contaminate food, trigger allergies, damage wiring, and spread bacteria through droppings and urine.

Can I get rid of rodents myself?

DIY methods may offer temporary relief, but they rarely solve the underlying problem. Professional treatment is safer and more effective.

Why are roof rats common near the coast?

Roof rats prefer warm climates and areas with trees and easy access to roofs—conditions common throughout the Grand Strand.

How to Help Prevent Rodent Infestations

• Seal entry points: Close gaps around doors, windows, vents, pipes, and crawl spaces.
• Eliminate food sources: Store food in airtight containers and avoid leaving pet food out overnight.
• Reduce clutter: Remove cardboard, paper piles, and unused storage.
• Control moisture: Fix leaks, maintain gutters, and address damp crawl spaces.

Take Action Before Rodents Take Over

Rodents, such as house mice, Norway rats, and roof rats, are common in South Carolina, but serious infestations don’t have to be. Recognizing the signs and acting promptly can safeguard your home from damage and unnecessary stress.

If you suspect rodent activity or simply want to prevent pest problems, contact Harris Pest Control and let a trusted local expert help keep your home rodent-free.

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