Squirrels Nesting in Attics During Winter Months

Hi everyone, this is Luis Gonzalez with Midway Pest Management, and welcome back to another episode of What’s Bugging You? Each episode we talk about the real pest and wildlife issues people in the Kansas City metro are dealing with, and what you can do to protect your home. Thanks for joining me today, let’s jump right in and see what’s bugging you.

As fall temperatures drop in the Kansas City metro, squirrels begin searching for warm, insulated areas to survive the winter. Unfortunately, attics provide the perfect combination of shelter, warmth, and materials for nesting. Once inside, both fox squirrels and gray squirrels can quickly make themselves at home. Their sharp incisors allow them to chew through fascia boards, rooflines, gable vents, and even small gaps created by seasonal wood expansion. What begins as a small opening the width of two fingers can turn into a major entry point in just a matter of days.

Squirrels are active year-round and remain especially busy in winter as they prepare for early-spring birthing seasons. A single female can have two litters per year, and when nesting inside attics, they will shred insulation to create soft dens. This disturbance often leads to uneven insulation levels, reduced energy efficiency, and contamination from urine and droppings. Their constant gnawing habits can also become a fire hazard; it is well-documented that rodents chewing electrical wiring have contributed to structural fires across the U.S. Squirrels are no exception—they chew wiring both to keep their teeth trimmed and to clear pathways through insulation.

Other common interior damages include urine-soaked drywall, strong odors, displaced insulation, and scratching sounds across ceilings and walls. Homeowners often report hearing activity during early morning or late afternoon, as squirrels follow natural circadian rhythms. You may notice small piles of insulation near attic access points, noises in soffits or eaves, or sudden drafts caused by chewed ventilation areas.

If you suspect squirrel activity, professional wildlife inspection is essential. Identifying entry points, securing structural areas, and safely removing the animals prevents long-term attic damage.

For expert squirrel removal or attic inspections in the Kansas City metro, call Midway Pest Management at 913-820-9737. If you want help identifying wildlife or insects, send a clear image to info@midwaypestmanagement.com.