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Fall Invaders in Milwaukee: How to Keep Stink Bugs, Boxelder Bugs, and Lady Beetles Out of Your Home
Why these pests swarm in October and how Milwaukee homeowners can stop them from moving indoors.
Autumn in Milwaukee: Beautiful Leaves, Unwanted Guests
October in Southeastern Wisconsin means crisp mornings, football weekends, and leaves turning brilliant shades of gold and red. But it also means something less picturesque: homes across Milwaukee and the surrounding suburbs become magnets for fall “invasion pests.”
If you’ve noticed swarms of bugs clinging to your siding or dozens suddenly appearing inside near windows, you’re not alone. Stink bugs, boxelder bugs, and Asian lady beetles are notorious for moving indoors as the weather cools. While they don’t cause the same structural damage as termites or carpenter ants, these pests are more than just a nuisance — they can stain walls, emit foul odors, or even trigger allergy-like symptoms.
The good news? With the right combination of prevention and professional exclusion, you can enjoy the beauty of fall without sharing your home with hundreds of uninvited guests.
Meet Milwaukee’s Top Fall Invaders
Boxelder Bugs
Easily recognized by their black bodies with striking red or orange markings.
They gather in huge numbers on the sunny sides of homes in October.
While they don’t bite, they can leave reddish stains on curtains, furniture, and walls when
crushed.
Brown Marmorated Stink Bugs
Shield-shaped insects that release an unpleasant odor when disturbed.
They feed on crops and gardens during summer, then search for warm spaces to
overwinter.
Indoors, they buzz loudly and are extremely difficult to get rid of without proper treatment.
Asian Lady Beetles
Often mistaken for harmless ladybugs, these beetles vary in color from orange to red
and may have spots or none at all.
Unlike native ladybugs, they can bite and release a yellow fluid that stains walls and
furniture.
In large numbers, they can trigger allergic reactions, especially in sensitive individuals.
Why October Is Their Peak Season
These pests don’t appear by accident — they’re following their natural instincts. As temperatures drop and days grow shorter, boxelder bugs, stink bugs, and lady beetles seek sheltered spots to survive the winter.
In nature, they’d hide under tree bark, in leaf litter, or within rock crevices. But in Milwaukee’s urban and suburban neighborhoods, homes offer an even better alternative: attics, wall voids, basements, and garages.
By late September into October, infestations spike as insects cluster on exterior walls, searching for cracks and crevices to sneak through.
DIY Prevention Tips for Homeowners
While you can’t stop these pests from existing in your neighborhood, you can make your home a much less inviting target. Here are steps every Milwaukee homeowner should take in October:
Seal Entry Points: Caulk gaps around windows, doors, siding, and utility lines. Even
tiny cracks can provide an entryway.
Repair Screens: Patch or replace torn window and door screens.
Install Weatherstripping & Door Sweeps: These keep pests (and cold air) outside.
Vacuum, Don’t Crush: Use a vacuum to remove pests indoors instead of crushing
them, which can release stains and odors.
Minimize Outdoor Lighting: Reduce exterior lighting at night — bright lights attract
these pests.
These steps can significantly cut down on infestations, but once pests are inside the walls, DIY measures usually aren’t enough.
Professional Exclusion: The Most Effective Long-Term Solution
At Nexus Pest Solutions, we specialize in exclusion — preventing pests from getting inside in the first place. Our trained technicians identify hidden entry points, apply professional-grade sealants, and use targeted treatments around your home’s exterior to stop fall invaders in their tracks.
The result? Peace of mind that your home will stay pest-free not only this fall, but also in the years to come. And unlike some competitors, we back our service with a money-back guarantee.
With service programs available on a monthly, bi-monthly, or quarterly basis, you can choose the protection plan that fits your needs and budget.
Why Local Expertise Matters
National companies may treat pests with a one-size-fits-all approach, but Milwaukee’s seasonal cycles demand local expertise. At Nexus Pest Solutions:
We know when pests are most active in Wisconsin and tailor treatments accordingly.
We guarantee consistency so you don’t deal with the same infestation every year.
We show up professional and prepared: Our uniformed, ID-carrying technicians listen,
explain, and resolve your concerns — every time.
Don’t Share Your Home with Fall Invaders
The bugs covering your siding today can easily become the pests hiding in your walls tomorrow. Don’t wait until they’re buzzing around your living room — stop them before they settle in for winter.
👉 Call Nexus Pest Solutions today for a free custom quote and keep fall invaders out of your Milwaukee home.
