Why Mice and Rats Will Start Coming Indoors This Fall

As the days gradually get shorter and the reality of cooler South Carolina evenings begins to sink in, now is the perfect time to start thinking ahead. You might notice some uninvited guests in your home in a few weeks. And no, we are not talking about relatives or friends dropping by unexpectedly. We are talking about mice and rats. Small but persistent critters, rodents are already making plans, and it won’t be long before they head indoors for warmth and secure places to ride out the colder months. Fall is prime time for rodents to start seeking shelter, and being prepared now can save you from headaches later.

Why Rodents Move Indoors in the Fall

Rodents are clever, sometimes frustratingly so. As temperatures begin to drop, they are on the lookout for warmth and food. Your home is basically a five-star resort in their eyes. It is dry, warm, and full of provisions. Even if your home looks rodent-proof, older houses, which are common in the Pee Dee and Grand Strand areas, have plenty of nooks, cracks, and gaps that mice and rats can squeeze through. Remember, if they can fit their head through it, their body will follow.

Rodents also move indoors because their natural outdoor food sources are becoming less abundant. Insects, seeds, and garden vegetables become harder to find as the weather cools. On the other hand, homes are full of food and water and provide superior shelter from predators, making them ideal temporary homes until spring.

Common Rodent Entry Points to Watch

There are several places where mice and rats like to sneak into homes. Being aware of these areas and taking action early can make a big difference. Some of the most common entry points include:

Gaps Around Windows and Doors
Even small cracks between a door frame and the wall can invite rodents. Check your doors for warped weather stripping and gaps at the bottom.

Vents and Crawl Spaces
Rodents are excellent climbers and can squeeze through surprisingly small openings. Make sure attic vents and crawl space entries are properly screened or secured.

Foundation Cracks and Siding Gaps
Often overlooked, these areas can provide easy access for rodents looking for a way inside. Examine the perimeter of your home for cracks and seal them with appropriate materials.

Attics and Rooflines
Roof rats, in particular, are excellent climbers and will make their way up to attics if they find access points along rooflines or eaves.

Even if your home appears to be secure, rodents are persistent. A careful inspection now can prevent bigger problems later. Steel wool, caulk, and other materials are excellent for blocking small gaps and preventing rodents from entering.

Early Rodent Prevention Tips

The easiest way to handle rodents is to stop them before they move in. As Benjamin Franklin wisely said, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,” and that is particularly true when it comes to mice and rats. Making a few simple changes now can save you time, stress, and a lot of frustration later.

Here are some practical tips for keeping rodents out of your home this fall:

Seal It Up
Walk around your home and check doors, windows, vents, and foundation cracks. Seal even small openings. Steel wool combined with caulk works particularly well because rodents cannot chew through it.

Tidy the Yard
Rodents hide in brush piles, leaf piles, and dense shrubs. Keeping your yard clean, trimming back bushes, and removing debris will make your property less inviting.

Store Food Securely
Keep all pantry items in airtight containers and take out the trash regularly. Store pet food and bird seed in sealed containers as well.

Reduce Moisture
Fix leaky faucets, pipes, and air conditioning units, and make sure gutters and downspouts direct water away from your foundation. Pay special attention to damp crawl spaces, which can often become damp and humid. 

Signs of Rodent Activity

Even with preventive measures, knowing the early signs of rodent activity is essential so you can take action quickly. Some common signs include:

Droppings
Small, dark, pellet-shaped droppings near food sources, along baseboards, in corners, or around nesting areas.

Gnaw Marks
Mice and rats constantly chew to keep their teeth sharp. Look for gnawed edges on furniture, food packaging, or wiring.

Rub Marks
Rodents leave greasy, dark streaks along walls, baseboards, or entry points where they travel regularly. These marks come from their fur rubbing against surfaces.

Nests
Rodents build nests from shredded paper, insulation, or fabric in hidden corners, attics, or behind walls.

Scratching Sounds
You may hear scratching or scurrying sounds in walls, ceilings, or crawl spaces at night.

Spotting these signs early allows you to respond before the infestation grows.

Why Professional Pest Control Makes a Difference

Some homeowners feel like they can handle a mouse here or there on their own, but the truth is, a couple of traps won’t fix the real problem. Mice and rats don’t just appear out of nowhere; they have hiding spots, entry points, and habits that must be addressed. That’s where Harris Pest Control comes in. We know exactly where rodents like to sneak in around Pee Dee and Grand Strand homes, and we tackle the problem at its source so you don’t have to keep playing catch-up.

Our comprehensive home pest control services address mice, rats, and other house-infesting pests and provide consistent protection, season after season. Our locally owned and family-operated pest control company has the experience, tools, and knowledge to identify entry points, eliminate current activity, and implement long-term prevention strategies.

Contact Harris Pest Control Today!

Preventing a rodent problem is much easier than dealing with an active infestation. Taking the time now to inspect your home, seal entry points, tidy your property, and sign up for ongoing pest control services will help you stay one step ahead of mice and rats. You can enjoy the upcoming fall season with peace of mind, knowing your home is ready for cooler weather and rodents won’t have the opportunity to slip inside.

Don’t wait until they are moving in permanently. Proudly serving Florence, Myrtle Beach, and communities throughout the Pee Dee and Grand Strand areas since 1973, you can count on our team to protect your home and family from rodents! 

Contact Harris Pest Control today to stay one step ahead of mice and rats this fall.