As the Lowcountry air grows cooler and the leaves begin to fall, many homeowners feel relief — fewer mosquitoes, less gnats, and a break from the summer swarm. But fall and winter pests in the Lowcountry are just getting started. As temperatures drop, pests like spiders, stink bugs, and silverfish begin creeping indoors in search of warmth and shelter. Here’s what you can expect this season, and how to keep these unwelcome guests out.
Why Pests Come Inside When It Gets Cold
When temperatures drop, insects and other pests look for three things: warmth, food, and shelter. Our homes provide those invitations — cracks, crevices, cluttered nooks, and dark corners all become prime real estate. In the Lowcountry, our mild winters and humidity make homes especially inviting, turning them into cozy hideaways for unwelcome guests.
Common Fall & Winter Pests in the Lowcountry
Here are some of the pests you’re most likely to spot once the weather cools, especially here in coastal South Carolina.
Spiders
Spiders are one of the most frequent “overnighters” in cooler months. Many species thrive inside because of the steady supply of prey, namely other insects that also made their way indoors. While most house spiders aren’t harmful, their webs in corners, attics, and basements are a common nuisance.
Pro tip: Seal the bottoms of doors with weather-stripping, as this can be an easy entry point for spiders. Remove webs as you find them to discourage them from settling in.
Stink Bugs
Stink bugs, including the brown marmorated stink bug, are notorious seasonal invaders. In the Lowcountry, they often gather on sunny walls, around windows, and near doors before slipping inside through small gaps. Though they don’t pose a health risk, their secretions can stain fabrics, and when crushed, they release a foul odor.
Pro tip: Check and seal small cracks around windows, doors, and siding. Keeping vegetation trimmed away from your home also helps prevent stink bugs from making a direct path indoors.
Silverfish
Silverfish love humid, damp, and undisturbed spaces — think attics, linen closets, and basements. These silvery, fast-moving insects feed on paper, glue, fabric, and more, making them a threat to stored books, documents, and treasured keepsakes. Moisture attracts them, so areas with leaks, high humidity, or poor ventilation are particularly vulnerable.
Pro tip: Reduce moisture in storage areas with dehumidifiers or ventilation. Keep belongings in sealed containers, and clear clutter to minimize hiding spots.
Rodents
While not insects, rodents, like mice and rats, are major players in winter pest problems. When it gets cold, they seek out the warmest places possible, often burrowing into attics, wall cavities, and under floorboards.
Pro tip: Inspect your home for even the smallest holes, gaps, or cracks, and seal them. A professional inspection can help ensure no entry points are missed.
Cockroaches & Ants
Despite the cooler weather, cockroaches may sneak in seeking warmth and hidden food sources. Ants, too, can remain a problem year-round in Lowcountry homes, especially around kitchens and wall voids.
Pro tip: Fix any leaky pipes or areas of standing water, store food in airtight containers, and take out the trash regularly. Reducing moisture and food access makes your home far less inviting to roaches.
Sometimes, even the best prevention isn’t enough, especially when infestations are well-established or recurring. That’s where professional pest control help comes in.
The Lowcountry’s Proven Solution for Seasonal Pests
At Old South Exterminators, we understand the unique pest pressures of the Lowcountry. We’ve helped countless homeowners protect their houses from seasonal invaders like spiders, stink bugs, silverfish, and more. Whether you're spotting pests now or prepping for the cooler season ahead, our experienced team can perform a thorough inspection, create a tailored treatment plan, and help you seal up your home for the long term.
Don’t wait for the invaders to settle in — reach out to Old South Exterminators today and let our experts create a tailored seasonal pest control plan for your home.