Hendersonville tops the list: Terminix Service, Inc. names the 10 cities with the most rodent activity in the Carolinas and Georgia
October 15, 2026
New 2026 service data shows mountain towns and Lowcountry communities face the highest rodent pressure heading into fall
In recognition of Rodent Awareness Week 2026 (October 18–24), Terminix Service, Inc. (TSI), the largest pest control company in the Carolinas, released its ranking of the cities with the highest rodent activity in its service area. Using its 2026 rodent service call data, TSI identified the 10 markets across South Carolina, western North Carolina, and the Central Savannah River Area of Georgia with the most rodent calls per 100,000 residents. Supported by the National Pest Management Association (NPMA), Rodent Awareness Week highlights the risks rodents bring to homes and the health hazards they can pose to families.
“Every fall, our teams see the same pattern. Temperatures drop, and rats and mice start looking for a way inside,” said Kevin Hathorne, BCE, Technical Director at Terminix Service, Inc. “In the mountains around Hendersonville and Asheville, that shift happens fast. Along the coast in Charleston and Beaufort, the pressure never really lets up. Wherever you live in our region, the best time to act is before you see droppings or hear scratching in the walls. By then, rodents have usually already settled in.”
Methodology: TSI analyzed 2026 rodent service call data across its South Carolina, western North Carolina, and CSRA Georgia markets and removed duplicate customer calls. TSI included only cities with populations of 100,000 or more. Where TSI’s service footprint covers multiple nearby communities, data was combined into a single market figure. Rankings are based on rodent service calls per 100,000 residents, normalized using 2023 U.S. Census Bureau population estimates, and reflect activity within the TSI coverage area only.
Top 10 Cities for Rodent Activity in the Terminix Service Area
Rodent service calls per 100,000 residents:
1. Hendersonville, N.C.: 100
2. Asheville, N.C.: 88.4
3. Sumter, S.C.: 86.4
4. Charleston, S.C.: 86.2
5. Florence, S.C.: 56.1
6. Beaufort/Bluffton, S.C.: 48.2
7. Shelby/Cleveland County, N.C.: 40.5
8. Summerville, S.C.: 37.1
9. Augusta Metro, Ga.: 32.2
10. Rock Hill/York-Lancaster, S.C.: 28.3
Western North Carolina’s mountain communities lead the rankings, driven by elevation, older housing stock, and sharp seasonal temperature drops. Charleston logged 366 rodent calls in 2026, the highest total call volume of any city in TSI’s service area, while coastal and Lowcountry communities such as Beaufort, Bluffton, and Summerville face year-round rodent pressure. Across all 10 cities, fall is the most critical window for rodent control and prevention.
Signs of Rodent Infestation:
Hathorne recommends homeowners watch for these warning signs:
– Droppings: Look along baseboards, inside cabinets, and near food storage areas.
– Gnaw Marks: Rodents chew food packaging, wood trim, and visible wiring.
– Nests: Shredded paper, insulation, or fabric tucked into hidden corners.
– Noises: Scratching or scurrying sounds inside walls or ceilings at night.
– Rub Marks: Greasy marks along walls or baseboards where rodents travel repeatedly.
– Odors: Musky smells in enclosed or low-traffic spaces like attics and crawl spaces.
Preventative Tips:
To help homeowners keep rodents at bay, Terminix Service, Inc. recommends these tips:
– Seal gaps around pipes, vents, utility lines, and foundation cracks. Mice can squeeze through an opening the size of a dime.
– Store pantry staples, pet food, and birdseed in sealed, airtight containers.
– Keep garbage bins sealed with tight-fitting lids and bring them in promptly after collection.
– Store firewood at least 20 feet away from your home and clear debris piles and low vegetation from the foundation.
– Trim tree limbs back from the roofline, gutters, and exterior vents.
– Fix leaking pipes, clear clogged gutters, and keep crawl spaces properly vented and dry.
– Check garage door seals and weatherstripping around exterior doors and windows each season.
– Have your attic and crawl space inspected. Rodents often settle in these areas first.
If you suspect a rodent infestation in your home, contact a pest control professional. For more information about rodent prevention and infestation signs, visit Terminix Service, Inc. or call 1-800-TERMINIX.
About Terminix Service, Inc.
For over 75 years, our customers have trusted Terminix Service, Inc. for the best termite and pest control protection for their homes and businesses. With annual revenue of over $150 million, the family-owned and operated Terminix Service, Inc. is the tenth-largest pest control company in North America. Terminix Service, Inc. operates in South Carolina, western North Carolina, and the Central Savannah River Area of Georgia. Visit www.TrustTerminix.com or call 1-800-TERMINIX.
