Top Rodent Hiding Spots in South Carolina Homes

​Fall is here, and with cooler temperatures comes an unwelcome problem for homeowners: rodents searching for a warm, cozy place to spend the winter. Late fall and early winter are the peak season for rodent activity, and your South Carolina home could be at risk.

Harris Pest Control has spent over 50 years protecting homeowners in the Pee Dee and Grand Strand areas from rodent infestations. We’ve seen it all, and we know exactly where these pesky intruders like to hide. To help you stay ahead, we’ve put together a guide to the most common rodent hiding spots and what you can do to protect your home.

​Why Rodents Are a Serious Threat

You might think, “It’s just a mouse or two—how bad could it be?” The truth is, rodents can cause serious damage and health risks:

• Property Damage: Rodents chew on wires, pipes, insulation, and wood, which can lead to electrical problems, water leaks, mold, and structural damage.
• Health Hazards: Their droppings, urine, and parasites contaminate food, surfaces, and the air, spreading disease to your family and pets.

Bottom line: keeping mice and rats out of your home isn’t just about comfort; it’s about safety.

Top Five Rodent Hiding Spots in South Carolina Homes

1. Attics

Rodents love attics because they’re quiet, secluded, and safe. They nest in insulation, boxes, and other belongings.

2. Garages

Garages are easy entry points and often cluttered, providing rodents with plenty of hiding and nesting spots. Storing pet food, birdseed, or other snacks can make your garage even more inviting.

3. Crawl Spaces & Basements

A small opening is all rodents need to access these areas. Once inside, they have a hidden space to breed and eventually move into your living areas.

4. Closets & Storage Areas

Rodents are cautious and prefer areas with low human activity. Closets and storage areas provide darkness, quiet, and plenty of small nooks where they can hide and build nests. These spaces often contain boxes, seasonal decorations, and unused items, perfect materials for rodent nests.

5. Pantries & Kitchens

Pantries and kitchens are prime feeding spots. Rodents are attracted to accessible food sources, such as open packages, crumbs, and pet food. They also like to nest behind and under appliances such as refrigerators, stoves, and dishwashers, where it’s warm, dark, and rarely disturbed.

Signs of a Rodent Infestation

How can you tell if rodents have infested your home? Keep an eye out for these warning signs:

• Scratching, squeaking, or scampering sounds in walls, ceilings, or floors.
• Droppings in areas they frequent.
• Greasy rub marks on walls or baseboards.
• Jagged holes in food packaging.
• Nests made from insulation, fabric, or other soft materials.

What to Do if You Discover Mice or Rats in Your Home

If you notice any signs of rodents or suspect they’re hiding in your home, contact Harris Pest Control immediately. Rodents reproduce rapidly, and early action can prevent serious damage and health risks.

Our rodent control services include:

• An initial inspection to identify the species, locate entry points, and find hiding spots.
• A customized treatment plan tailored to your home.
• Long-term protection through our home pest control plan, which safeguards against rodents and other house-infesting pests in South Carolsts.

Don’t wait until a few rodents turn into a full-blown infestation. Call Harris Pest Control today to protect your home, family, and peace of mind.