Few things disrupt the comfort of your Minnesota home like having squirrels in your walls in winter. As temperatures drop and snow covers the scenic Chain of Lakes, we often see an increase in calls from concerned homeowners who hear scratching or scurrying in their walls and attics. 

It’s not uncommon for families to feel both frustrated and anxious—not just from the noise but also from the unsettling sensation of unwanted wildlife in their homes. We understand these worries, and that’s why we believe professional squirrel removal services are essential for your emotional comfort and the long-term safety of your property.

Why Do Squirrels Invade Attics and Walls in the Winter?

When snow arrives in places like Maple Grove and across our region, food becomes scarce, and temperatures plummet. Squirrels look for warmth and safety, making your attic or wall cavities ideal winter shelters. During these months, squirrels seek places that are free from predators, close to food caches, and dry, warm, and protected from harsh winds. 

1. Since squirrels don’t hibernate, they remain active all winter, searching for supplies and returning to their nests after sunrise and before sunset. 
2. This creates a perfect storm for winter squirrel problems in attics. 
3. The quieter winter months can also make their movements harder to detect, with many homeowners not realizing there is an infestation until significant damage is done.

These invaders are agile climbers, using nearby trees, gutters, and even power lines to access roofs. Once there, small gaps in soffits, vents, or shingles present easy entry points. The problem intensifies further as squirrels can squeeze through gaps as small as two inches, chew through wood, vinyl, and even aluminum. Consequently, many Minnesota homes with weathered materials are more vulnerable to these determined creatures. Understanding these behaviors can help you spot the problem early—but acting fast is critical.

Signs You Have Squirrels in Your Attic or Walls

Recognizing signs of a squirrel presence before the damage worsens is crucial. Homeowners often report :

• persistent scampering or scratching sounds, especially at dawn or dusk, 
• faint squeaking, vocalizations, or rustling in the walls and ceilings
• noticeable drafts or cold spots from damaged insulation
• shredded insulation, wood, or chewed wires seen during a quick attic inspection
• and increased energy bills due to heat loss through entry holes and compromised insulation

In some cases, you might even notice nesting materials, such as leaves, sticks, or bits of cloth, poking out from small gaps along your roofline. These signs are often more visible when the house is quiet in winter. Catching them early can spare you extensive repairs and stress.

The Real Cost of Squirrel Infestations: More Than Money

Squirrels in the walls during winter can lead to hidden, costly, and dangerous problems. Major issues involve:

• chewed electrical wires, which significantly increase fire risk
• structural weakening from gnawed beams, rafters, and wall studs
• holes and breaches in exterior walls, letting cold air and moisture in

These problems can compound quickly. For example, as insulation is damaged, your heating system must work overtime to maintain comfort—resulting in higher utility bills. Rotting wood and damp insulation may also introduce mold spores. What starts as a winter squirrel problem can become a costly, multi-faceted home repair challenge if left unsolved.

However, we also recognize there’s a psychological side to this issue. Home is supposed to feel safe and welcoming. Discovering squirrels inside your walls can be unsettling, and the anxiety about ongoing damage or wildlife encounters can affect your peace of mind. Feelings of helplessness or constant worry are common, but addressing the issue with professional support restores a sense of control and calm.

Why Professional Squirrel Removal Services Are Essential

Trying to deal with a squirrel invasion on your own is rarely effective—and can be dangerous. Squirrels are territorial, protective of their young, and quick to scurry deeper into inaccessible spaces. As removal experts, we provide a humane, thorough, and long-lasting solution for Minnesota families.

Our process stands out because we start with a comprehensive home inspection, identifying every entry and exit point—even those hidden from view. Technicians are trained in the latest humane wildlife removal techniques and can handle young squirrels with special care. After removal, we professionally clean contaminated attic and wall spaces, eliminating health hazards and odors.

Professional squirrel removal services offer these advantages: 

1. Peace of mind knowing your issue was handled humanely
2. Reduced risk of injury to yourself or the animals
3. Prevention of additional damage or return infestations, and long-term protection for your property investment

Families who trust us often report a real sense of relief, with one Minnesota client noting that the silence after a removal was the “first good night’s sleep all season.” Restoring that comfort and psychological security is as important as protecting your walls and wiring.

Real-World Winter Squirrel Attic Problems: A Minnesota Scenario

Let’s look at a typical winter situation in Minnesota neighborhoods near the Chain of Lakes. In late November, we received a call from a homeowner in Maple Grove who noticeD faint scratching within the wall behind a bedroom. Their utility bill has oddly increased, and the bedroom feels draftier than before.

Upon inspection, we discover squirrels accessed the attic via a gap beside a roof vent, then chewed their way into the wall cavity. Nesting materials and chewed insulation confirm a den site. Two young squirrels are present, hidden behind layers of soiled insulation. Wiring in the area shows signs of gnawing, raising fire safety concerns.

Our experienced team follows these steps:

1. Locate all current residents and gently hand-remove the young squirrels, placing them in a heated, safe box outside the entry point.  
2. Install a one-way door that allows the mother to exit but not return.  
3. Thoroughly clean out contaminated insulation and sanitize the area.  
4. Professionally seal all entries using heavy-gauge steel mesh, weatherproof sealant, and deodorize the site to mask scents.  
5. Conduct a full inspection of the home’s roof, soffits, and vents for other potential vulnerabilities.

This proactive, compassionate approach resolves the immediate issue while protecting the home from future invaders.

Managing Emotional Stress and Regaining Control

Squirrels in the walls during winter can feel overwhelming, often bringing anxiety and a loss of confidence in your home’s safety. We see these feelings consistently—and addressing them is part of our mission. Here’s how you can manage that stress while trusting us to solve the problem: 

1. Remember that squirrel invasions are common, especially during cold months.
2. Don’t blame yourself, as homes of all ages and types can become targets.
3. Focus on quick, professional action rather than temporary fixes.

By partnering with seasoned professionals, families across Minnesota regain both control and comfort. Our team explains each part of the removal process, checks in after the job is done, and ensures you feel at ease every step of the way.

Preventing Future Infestations and Protecting Your Property

The goal isn’t just to remove squirrels but to prevent future problems for years to come. After ensuring all wildlife is out, we focus on securing potential entry points such as vents, soffits, fascia, and other roof joints. Deodorizing all treated areas eliminates scents that attract new wildlife.

Our professional squirrel removal services reflect over thirty years of experience in wildlife exclusion and home protection. By trusting experts who understand both the structural and emotional impacts of winter squirrel problems, you’ll safeguard your home, enjoy the quiet of a protected space, and reclaim peace of mind—even through the harshest Minnesota winters.

Restore Comfort and Safety in Your Home This Winter

When squirrels invade your walls or attic during a Minnesota winter, the problems quickly extend beyond simple nuisance—threatening your home’s structure, safety, and your family’s peace of mind. From chewed wires and soiled insulation to persistent noise and potential fire hazards, these agile intruders can turn a cozy season into a stressful ordeal. Swift, professional intervention is crucial not only for thorough removal but also for long-term protection against costly damage and recurring infestations.

Don’t let unwanted wildlife compromise your sanctuary. Trust Skedaddle’s compassionate expertise and proven techniques to remove squirrels humanely, seal every entry point, and restore your home’s tranquility. Reclaim your space and put an end to squirrel worries—contact Skedaddle today, and experience the comfort that comes from knowing your home is expertly protected, now and in winters to come.