Palmetto bugs, rats & more headed for Myrtle Beach, SC area homes this winter. Here’s what to know

The holiday season can bring unwanted house guests — and not just the human kind. While the Palmetto State is known for relatively mild winters, South Carolina still gets its share of cool weather from the late fall to the early spring.

As the weather changes, the kinds of pests in Myrtle Beach-area homes can change too. Here’s what to watch out for around the Grand Strand this winter.

Critters

As temperatures continue to drop, rodents and other small mammals are more likely to seek refuge in homes, garages, attics and basements.

“Obviously, your mammals are going to be looking for places to get in, out of the weather,” said Todd Metz, owner of Critter Control in Myrtle Beach. “Rats, mice and especially field mice and things like that will start trying to move into where it’s warmer.”

In addition to mice and rats, Metz says squirrels and raccoons sometimes try to find warmth in homes.

Bugs

While critters in the house are a more common problem in the winter, the good news is that bugs like mosquitoes and wasps are less of a nuisance in the chilly winter months.

“Insects do drop off, especially your spiders and stuff like that on the outside, some of that stuff will drop off,” Metz said. “Stinging insects aren’t as prevalent, but you’re still going to have your occasional invaders, and interior insects will still be around.”

The Myrtle Beach area is home to two common kinds of cockroaches: the larger American cockroaches often called palmetto bugs by locals and the smaller German cockroaches, which are typically about half an inch in length.

Both can survive in South Carolina winters, but aren’t more common in houses or apartments during the cold months than other seasons. According to Metz, keeping your home clean is the most important factor in keeping roaches out.

“You don’t see an influx of them coming in, because they’re usually already in the house,” said Metz.

Other year-round insects Metz says enter Grand Strand homes in the winter include ants and spiders. Even though you may see less ants and spiders outside around your home, they can still be an issue inside.

“You’ll see a little bit of a decline on movement of ants outside, but if they’re inside and they have access to have a colony, they’re still going to be fine on the inside,” Metz said.

Protecting your home

If you’re concerned about pests in your home, their are steps you can take to keep your living area free of critters and creepy crawlies. Professional help from an exterminator is a good idea for both regular maintenance and if you’re experiencing an infestation.

“You definitely still need to treat [for pests] through the winter months,” Metz said.

In addition to chemical treatments to keep pests out, Metz recommends making sure your home is well sealed to keep tiny pests from creeping in through cracks, keeping your home clean to avoid creating food sources or habitats for pests, checking your electric sockets and keeping an eye out for animal activity around your house.

This story was originally published October 29, 2024 at 6:00 AM.