Raccoons Entering Attics – Damage to Soffits, Eaves & Vents

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 winter approaches, raccoons become one of the most destructive wildlife threats to Kansas City homes. These intelligent animals are strong enough to tear apart soffits, push through eaves, and rip open attic ventilation screens to gain access. A determined raccoon can widen a small gap into a full entry hole within minutes, using its powerful front paws and sharp claws.

Once inside, raccoons seek warm insulation to create nesting areas. Their weight alone can collapse weakened drywall or ceiling panels, leading to the frightening situation where a raccoon falls directly into a living room or bedroom. Their activity also causes significant insulation damage. They pack down insulation, contaminate it with urine and feces, and create tunnels and latrine sites. Heavy raccoon droppings are known to harbor roundworms and pose health risks if disturbed.

Raccoons often travel through soffits, wall voids, garages, and attic trusses, creating loud thumping and dragging sounds that homeowners often hear at night. They are nocturnal, highly territorial, and extremely protective if they have young. In winter, female raccoons prepare for early spring birthing seasons, making homes especially attractive.

Interesting fact: Raccoons have one of the most dexterous sets of paws in the animal kingdom. They can unlatch containers, open vents, and manipulate materials similarly to a small primate.

Damage to ventilation systems, roof edges, and insulation can lead to costly repairs and energy inefficiencies. Ignoring early signs often results in larger entry points and prolonged infestation.

If you notice loud noises, torn soffits, damaged vents, or droppings in your attic, professional wildlife removal is essential.

For raccoon removal or attic restoration in the Kansas City metro, contact Midway Pest Management at 913-820-9737. For help identifying wildlife, send a clear photo to info@midwaypestmanagement.com.

Spiders Indoors During Winter – Common Areas & Brown Recluse Risks

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.

When winter settles into the Kansas City region, homeowners commonly begin seeing more spiders indoors. Unlike many insects that die off or migrate, spiders seek stable temperatures and remain active year-round. During colder months, they gravitate toward undisturbed spaces such as basements, utility rooms, storage closets, crawlspaces, mechanical rooms, and behind furniture or appliances.

Most spiders that enter homes are harmless and even beneficial, as they reduce other insect populations. However, two species in our area require particular caution: the brown recluse and the black widow. The brown recluse is especially notorious in Kansas and Missouri homes. It prefers dark, quiet areas such as cardboard boxes, clothing piles, behind wall voids, attic corners, and inside closets. Their violin-shaped marking makes them recognizable, but they are often mistaken for other harmless spiders.

During winter, spiders move closer to living spaces as they follow heat and seek shelter. Brown recluses can hide in shoes, folded blankets, storage bins, and behind baseboards. While they are not aggressive, accidental contact—such as putting on clothing they’ve crawled into—may result in a bite. Recluse bites can lead to necrotic skin damage, requiring medical attention in some cases.

Interesting fact: Brown recluses can survive six months without food and often live for several years inside homes. Their webs are irregular and loosely built, typically in hidden, ground-level locations rather than high corners like common house spiders.

Signs of indoor spider activity include webs near heating vents, behind storage items, inside window tracks, or around basement joists. Managing indoor humidity, reducing clutter, sealing cracks, and performing regular cleaning helps reduce spider harborage areas.

If you are finding spiders frequently indoors or suspect brown recluse activity, professional inspection and targeted treatments can greatly reduce risks.

For spider control in the Kansas City metro, call Midway Pest Management at 913-820-9737. If you need help identifying a spider, send a clear image to info@midwaypestmanagement.com.

Mice & Rat Infestations in Attic Insulation – Winter Risks & Warning Signs

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 temperatures drop, mice and rats look for reliable heat sources and insulation becomes an ideal environment. Kansas City homes, especially those with older construction, often experience an influx of rodent activity from late fall through winter. Rodents can enter through gaps as small as a quarter inch, including foundation cracks, pipe penetrations, gaps under siding, and openings in soffits or roof returns. Once inside the attic, they burrow into insulation to build nests and reproduce rapidly.

One of the biggest risks associated with mice and rats in attic insulation is contamination. Rodent droppings, urine, nesting material, and pheromone trails can spread harmful pathogens such as Hantavirus, Salmonella, and Leptospira. Insulation saturated with urine can also create strong odors that drift into living spaces, reduce energy efficiency, and attract additional rodents.

Homeowners often hear scratching, chewing, or scampering noises in ceilings or wall cavities, especially at night when rodents are most active. Other common indicators include shredded insulation, small holes in stored items, oily rub marks along beams, gnawed wiring, and droppings near attic entry points. A persistent musky odor is also a strong sign of nesting activity.

Interesting fact: A single mouse can produce up to 100 droppings per day, and rats can memorize routes through attics and walls, allowing them to avoid traps once established. Their incisors never stop growing, which is why they constantly chew—sometimes damaging HVAC lines, wiring, plumbing insulation, and even vapor barriers.

If you notice unusual noises, droppings, or insulation damage, professional rodent inspection is critical. Leaving an infestation untreated leads to attic contamination, growing populations, and costly repairs.

For rodent control, attic inspections, or insulation restoration in the Kansas City metro, contact Midway Pest Management at 913-820-9737. For pest or wildlife identification, send a clear photo to info@midwaypestmanagement.com.

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.

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 talk about wildlife during cold temperatures. Let’s get started!

As Kansas City heads into the colder months, most wildlife starts looking for one thing: warmth. Food sources become scarce, nights get longer, and animals that once roamed freely through yards and parks begin searching for safe, dry places to ride out the winter. Unfortunately, that often means your home, attic, or crawl space looks pretty inviting.

Common winter visitors in our area include raccoons, opossums, and skunks. While they each behave differently, they share one goal — shelter. Raccoons are especially clever and strong, capable of tearing shingles, pushing through soffits, or entering through chimneys. Opossums are opportunistic, often sneaking under decks, porches, or sheds. Skunks dig or burrow beneath foundations and steps, leaving behind a very distinct odor you won’t forget.

Once inside, these animals can create a surprising amount of damage. Raccoons are notorious for tearing insulation, chewing wires, and leaving behind large amounts of waste that can contaminate attics. Opossums and skunks may damage ductwork or tear into vapor barriers under homes. And beyond property damage, there’s also the concern of parasites, fleas, and the potential spread of diseases like leptospirosis or roundworm.

You might first notice signs like scratching or thumping at night, strange smells, or muddy paw prints near entry points. Garbage cans knocked over or garden areas dug up are also strong clues. The key is to act quickly before animals become comfortable and begin nesting or raising young inside your property.

It can be tempting to try DIY methods, but wildlife removal can be risky and, in some cases, illegal without the proper permits. Handling or trapping the wrong species can lead to fines, bites, or exposure to disease. That’s why working with a professional wildlife control team is the safest and most effective solution.

At Midway Pest Management, we specialize in humane wildlife removal and exclusion. Our process starts with a thorough inspection to identify entry points and activity, followed by safe removal and long-term sealing to prevent re-entry. We can also clean and disinfect affected areas to restore your attic or crawl space to a safe condition.

If you’re hearing noises in your attic, noticing activity under your deck, or smelling something unpleasant around your property, don’t wait for the problem to grow. Wildlife issues rarely go away on their own — they usually get worse as the weather gets colder.

If you don’t already have a pest management company you trust, Midway Pest Management would be happy to help. Call us today for a free estimate at 913-820-9737. We’ll find where the animals are getting in, remove them humanely, and protect your home before winter sets in for good. Call us today — let’s keep wildlife outdoors, where it belongs.

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 talk about pests making themselves at home during cold temperatures. Let’s get started!

As fall turns into winter across Kansas City, most people assume bugs disappear until spring. But here’s the surprising truth — many insects don’t actually die off; they just move indoors for the winter. These are called overwintering pests, and once they find a warm place to hide, they’ll stay tucked away in your home until the weather warms up again.

Some of the most common overwintering insects in our area include boxelder bugs, stink bugs, Asian lady beetles, and spiders. You might notice them gathering on sunny sides of your home in late fall. They’re looking for cracks, vents, or loose siding that lead into your walls, attic, or window frames. Once inside, they slip into quiet spaces and stay hidden until spring, when they suddenly reappear on warmer days.

While these pests aren’t dangerous, they can definitely be annoying. Stink bugs give off an unpleasant odor when crushed. Boxelder bugs and lady beetles can stain curtains, walls, or window sills. Spiders often take advantage of the same entry points to find a steady food supply indoors.

The best time to stop overwintering pests is before they come inside. Once they’re in, there’s not much to do except manage the few that make their way out into your living space. The good news? Preventing them is simple with a few proactive steps. Start by checking your home’s exterior for gaps around windows, vents, and siding. Replace worn weatherstripping and repair torn screens. Vacuum up any bugs you find indoors instead of crushing them — especially stink bugs and lady beetles.

For long-term protection, professional pest control makes a big difference. Exterior treatments during late fall create a barrier that stops pests from settling in. This kind of preventive approach is especially effective when combined with seasonal maintenance, because overwintering pests are most active in October and November — right now!

At Midway Pest Management, our quarterly pest control services are designed for Kansas City’s seasonal pest patterns. We know exactly when and where to target overwintering insects before they invade your home. Plus, regular service keeps other pests like ants, spiders, and rodents from taking advantage of the same entry points.

If you’re seeing strange bugs in your windows or noticing clusters of insects on the sunny sides of your home, it’s a sign they’ve already found their way in. Don’t wait until they start appearing all winter long — take care of the issue now.

If you don’t already have a pest management company protecting your home, Midway Pest Management would be happy to help you can contact us at 913-820-9737. We’ll inspect your property, treat entry points, and give you peace of mind all season long. Stay cozy this winter — not buggy!

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.

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!

As the leaves start to fall and Kansas City nights get colder, you’re not the only one heading indoors for warmth. Mice and rats are too and they’re looking for a cozy place to ride out the winter. When temperatures drop below 50 degrees, rodents start searching for shelter, food, and nesting material. Unfortunately, our homes offer all three in abundance.

It doesn’t take much for a mouse to move in. They can squeeze through an opening the size of a dime, which means small cracks around your foundation, gaps under garage doors, or openings around pipes are basically “welcome signs.” Once they find their way inside, they waste no time building nests behind walls, in insulation, or under appliances.

Rodents aren’t just a nuisance; they can cause serious problems. They chew on electrical wires, damage insulation, and stored items, leading to costly repairs and even fire risks. They also contaminate surfaces with droppings and urine, which can carry bacteria and allergens that affect your family’s health. You might first notice subtle signs like scratching sounds at night, small droppings in the pantry, or a faint musky odor. Catching the problem early makes a huge difference, but rodents breed quickly. A single pair can turn into dozens within a few short months.

So what can you do?

Start by inspecting the outside of your home. Look for small gaps around the foundation, garage door corners, or where utility lines enter. Seal those openings using steel wool and caulk. Inside, store food in airtight containers and keep clutter down, especially in storage areas and basements.

Even with great prevention habits, mice are persistent. Once they’re inside, DIY methods often only catch a few and leave the rest behind. That’s where a professional inspection and exclusion service come in.

At Midway Pest Management, our rodent control program focuses on solving the problem and not just treating the symptoms. We combine detailed inspections, professional sealing work, and long-term monitoring to keep your home rodent-free through the entire winter.

If you don’t already have a pest management company protecting your home, we’d be happy to help. Don’t wait until you hear scratching in the walls call Midway Pest Management today at 913-820-9737 and keep your home rodent-free all season long.