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Why Winter Is When Homeowners Notice Wall Pests
Why Winter Is When Homeowners Notice Wall Pests
If you’ve ever heard scratching, rustling, or faint tapping sounds coming from your walls during
winter, you’re not alone. Homeowners across Wisconsin—especially in Milwaukee and
Menomonee Falls—often notice pest activity more clearly in winter than any other season.
That’s because cold weather pushes pests into wall voids, attics, and crawl spaces where
warmth and protection are readily available. With quieter homes and more time spent indoors,
the signs become harder to ignore.
Common Pests That Live Inside Walls
Several pests commonly use walls as shelter during Wisconsin winters:
● Mice and other rodents
● Carpenter ants
● Other ant species
● Overwintering insects
Each pest leaves different clues, but all benefit from the warmth and hidden nature of wall voids.
Signs You May Have Pests in Your Walls
1. Scratching or Scurrying Sounds
One of the most common signs is noise—often heard at night when homes are quiet. Sounds
may include:
● Light scratching
● Fast scurrying
● Intermittent tapping
Rodents are especially active after dark, making winter evenings the most noticeable time.
2. Rustling or Crinkling Noises
Rustling sounds may indicate pests nesting in insulation or moving materials to build nests.
Carpenter ants, in particular, may produce faint rustling inside walls.
3. Unusual Odors
Persistent musty or ammonia-like smells can signal:
● Rodent nesting areas
● Urine accumulation
● Decomposing pests
Odors often become stronger as infestations grow.
4. Visible Stains or Discoloration
Dark stains along walls or ceilings may result from:
● Rodent urine
● Nesting activity
● Moisture associated with infestations
These stains should never be ignored.
5. Droppings or Debris
Finding droppings near baseboards, in basements, or near wall openings often confirms wall
activity. Carpenter ants may leave behind small piles of sawdust-like material.
Why Winter Makes Wall Infestations Worse
Concentrated Activity
During winter, pests rarely leave the structure, causing activity to intensify within walls.
Limited Disturbance
Wall voids are rarely accessed during winter renovations, allowing pests to remain undisturbed
for months.
The Risk of Ignoring Wall Pests
Leaving wall infestations untreated can lead to:
● Structural damage
● Chewed wiring and insulation
● Fire hazards
● Health concerns
Early detection greatly reduces these risks.
Why DIY Solutions Rarely Work
Sealing visible holes or setting traps may provide temporary relief, but they rarely address:
● Hidden nesting sites
● Multiple entry points
● Future re-entry
Without proper inspection, infestations often return.
Professional Wall Inspections Matter
Professional inspections focus on:
● Identifying pest species
● Locating entry points
● Assessing structural vulnerabilities
Winter inspections are especially effective because pests are concentrated indoors.
How Nexus Pest Solutions Can Help
At Nexus Pest Solutions, we take a detailed, education-first approach to wall pest issues. Our
services include:
● Thorough interior and exterior inspections
● Identification of entry points
● Targeted control strategies
● Preventative recommendations
We proudly serve homeowners in Milwaukee, Menomonee Falls, and surrounding Wisconsin
communities.
Our Money-Back Guarantee
We believe you should feel confident in your pest control choice. That’s why Nexus Pest
Solutions offers a money-back guarantee. If you’re not satisfied, we’ll make it right.
Final Thoughts
Noises, smells, or stains inside walls are never normal—especially in winter. Addressing the
problem early helps protect your home and restore peace of mind.
If you suspect pests in your walls, Nexus Pest Solutions is here to help—professionally
and guaranteed.
The post Why Winter Is When Homeowners Notice Wall Pests appeared first on Nexus Pest Solutions.
View all episodes
By Will WhiteWhy Winter Is When Homeowners Notice Wall Pests
If you’ve ever heard scratching, rustling, or faint tapping sounds coming from your walls during
winter, you’re not alone. Homeowners across Wisconsin—especially in Milwaukee and
Menomonee Falls—often notice pest activity more clearly in winter than any other season.
That’s because cold weather pushes pests into wall voids, attics, and crawl spaces where
warmth and protection are readily available. With quieter homes and more time spent indoors,
the signs become harder to ignore.
Common Pests That Live Inside Walls
Several pests commonly use walls as shelter during Wisconsin winters:
● Mice and other rodents
● Carpenter ants
● Other ant species
● Overwintering insects
Each pest leaves different clues, but all benefit from the warmth and hidden nature of wall voids.
Signs You May Have Pests in Your Walls
1. Scratching or Scurrying Sounds
One of the most common signs is noise—often heard at night when homes are quiet. Sounds
may include:
● Light scratching
● Fast scurrying
● Intermittent tapping
Rodents are especially active after dark, making winter evenings the most noticeable time.
2. Rustling or Crinkling Noises
Rustling sounds may indicate pests nesting in insulation or moving materials to build nests.
Carpenter ants, in particular, may produce faint rustling inside walls.
3. Unusual Odors
Persistent musty or ammonia-like smells can signal:
● Rodent nesting areas
● Urine accumulation
● Decomposing pests
Odors often become stronger as infestations grow.
4. Visible Stains or Discoloration
Dark stains along walls or ceilings may result from:
● Rodent urine
● Nesting activity
● Moisture associated with infestations
These stains should never be ignored.
5. Droppings or Debris
Finding droppings near baseboards, in basements, or near wall openings often confirms wall
activity. Carpenter ants may leave behind small piles of sawdust-like material.
Why Winter Makes Wall Infestations Worse
Concentrated Activity
During winter, pests rarely leave the structure, causing activity to intensify within walls.
Limited Disturbance
Wall voids are rarely accessed during winter renovations, allowing pests to remain undisturbed
for months.
The Risk of Ignoring Wall Pests
Leaving wall infestations untreated can lead to:
● Structural damage
● Chewed wiring and insulation
● Fire hazards
● Health concerns
Early detection greatly reduces these risks.
Why DIY Solutions Rarely Work
Sealing visible holes or setting traps may provide temporary relief, but they rarely address:
● Hidden nesting sites
● Multiple entry points
● Future re-entry
Without proper inspection, infestations often return.
Professional Wall Inspections Matter
Professional inspections focus on:
● Identifying pest species
● Locating entry points
● Assessing structural vulnerabilities
Winter inspections are especially effective because pests are concentrated indoors.
How Nexus Pest Solutions Can Help
At Nexus Pest Solutions, we take a detailed, education-first approach to wall pest issues. Our
services include:
● Thorough interior and exterior inspections
● Identification of entry points
● Targeted control strategies
● Preventative recommendations
We proudly serve homeowners in Milwaukee, Menomonee Falls, and surrounding Wisconsin
communities.
Our Money-Back Guarantee
We believe you should feel confident in your pest control choice. That’s why Nexus Pest
Solutions offers a money-back guarantee. If you’re not satisfied, we’ll make it right.
Final Thoughts
Noises, smells, or stains inside walls are never normal—especially in winter. Addressing the
problem early helps protect your home and restore peace of mind.
If you suspect pests in your walls, Nexus Pest Solutions is here to help—professionally
and guaranteed.
The post Why Winter Is When Homeowners Notice Wall Pests appeared first on Nexus Pest Solutions.