Hi, my name is Luis Gonzalez, and welcome to another episode of the What’s Bugging You? podcast brought to you by Midway Pest Management. In today’s episode, we’re going to dive into why mice move in when temperatures drop. Let’s get started!

Fall in Kansas City is one of the best times of year with cool mornings, colorful leaves, and the start of cozy evenings at home. But while you’re settling in for the season, there’s a good chance some unwanted pests are trying to do the same thing. We’re talking about squirrels, those energetic little climbers that can turn your attic into their winter hideout that can lead to damage of attic and wall insulation and wiring.

When temperatures drop and trees lose their nuts and berries, squirrels start looking for a warm, protected space to nest. Your attic is the perfect spot: dry, quiet, and full of insulation that makes for ideal nesting material. Most homeowners don’t realize they have a squirrel problem until they start hearing strange noises such as scratching, scampering, or rolling sounds early in the morning or right at sunset. That’s usually when squirrels are most active.

Once inside, they can do more than just make noise. Squirrels are notorious chewers. They gnaw on wood beams, wires, and insulation to keep their teeth short, which can lead to expensive repairs and even fire hazards. They also bring in nesting debris and leave behind urine and droppings that can contaminate insulation and cause unpleasant odors.

How do they get in? Common entry points include open eaves, dropped fascia boards, roof gaps, attic vents, and even small openings left by other animals. If you see squirrels frequently running along your roofline or notice chewed edges near vents, there’s a good chance they’ve found a way inside.

The key to solving a squirrel problem is to act fast — before they settle in and start nesting. Some homeowners try to handle it themselves with traps or repellents, but without sealing every possible entry point, new squirrels often return within days.

At Midway Pest Management, we handle squirrel problems the right way. Our approach combines humane removal, professional-grade exclusion repairs, and cleanup if needed. We make sure the squirrels are safely removed, and then we seal off their entry points to keep them from coming back.

If you’ve been hearing scratching or thumping in your attic, don’t ignore it — those sounds won’t go away on their own. Squirrels are quick to move in once the weather cools off, and every day they stay, they cause more damage.

If you don’t already have a trusted pest control company protecting your home, contact Midway Pest Management at 913.820-9737. We’d be happy to inspect your attic, find where the squirrels are getting in, and get your home sealed up before winter sets in.