When the weather gets colder in the Hilton Head area in winter, some types of rodents start to look for a place that offers warmth and shelter. In some cases, this can mean that you end up sharing your home with common SC rodents, such as mice or rats. Find out more about these pests, so you can understand just how important it is to hire a Hilton Head rodent exterminator if you have an infestation.
Mice in SC
House mice are the most common type of mice found in SC homes. These mice can squeeze through small gaps and openings around your home, such as near windows and doors. They’re a grayish color with lighter coloring on their belly. These rodents typically have large ears and pointed muzzles.
Rats in SC
Roof rats and Norway rats are the most common types of rats in SC. Roof rats tend to be found in the upper parts of your home, such as roofs and attics, while Norway rats usually stay closer to the ground. Norway rats are larger than roof rats and tend to have smaller ears and brown or gray fur. Roof rats typically have darker fur.
Other Winter Rodents in SC
Squirrels are another type of rodent that stays active in winter in SC. These rodents can also make their way into homes while searching for seasonal shelter. Squirrels can easily climb or jump onto roofs and make their way inside attics to build nests.
Problems with Rodents in SC in Winter
Mice and rats can cause a number of problems for SC homeowners in winter. These rodents can chew on wiring, leading to fire hazards. They can also gnaw on wood and other materials, which can end up causing structural damage to homes. This kind of damage is just one of the reasons that SC homeowners need a Hilton Head rodent exterminator for a mouse or rat problem.
These rodents can also carry disease and put residents at risk of getting sick. Mice and rats spread viruses and other pathogens that can cause respiratory problems and other potentially serious health issues. Exposure to their droppings or urine is how these germs typically spread, although they can also be transmitted to people or pets through bites and scratches.
Rodents also put food supplies at risk. These pests can claw or chew their way through packaging and contaminated food, forcing homeowners to replace these items in their pantry.
Signs of a Rodent Problem
If you suspect that you have rodents inside your SC home, there are certain ways to tell. You can look for signs of these pests, such as pellet-like droppings that they leave around. You might also see marks from where they gnaw on wood and other materials. These rodents also leave rub marks on surfaces as they move around homes. Other signs to notice include an unpleasant odor from their urine and nesting materials, such as shredded up paper.
If you notice any signs of rodents in your home this winter, you’ll need help from a Hilton Head rodent exterminator to get rid of them. This helps prevent them from causing problems, such as health issues or damage to your home.
Preventing Winter Rodent Problems
You can stop rodents from getting into your home in winter by closing up any possible entry points, such as sealing up gaps around window frames. Keeping your home free of crumbs as much as possible, storing food in tightly sealed containers, and fixing any leaks you have can also discourage mice and rats from entering your home and staying there for food and water.
If you need a Hilton Head rodent exterminator this winter, contact Island Pest Control. We have a team of highly skilled technicians available to do a 58-point inspection on your property and locate these pests.
