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If you see slow-moving flies gathering at sunny windows in late fall or on a midwinter thaw, you are likely dealing with cluster flies. They look like bigger, darker houseflies and they love warm light. The surprise is they do not come from your trash. Their young develop in soil where they parasitize earthworms. That…

If you have seen a shield-shaped bug buzzing clumsily around a lamp, you have your answer. Yes, stink bugs fly. The brown marmorated stink bug is the most common nuisance species in Wisconsin, and it uses flight to find warm, sunlit walls in fall. From there it squeezes into tiny gaps to overwinter in wall…

If you are seeing orange beetles with black spots clustering on sunny walls in fall, you are not alone. Asian lady beetles are invasive in Wisconsin, and they often try to overwinter inside homes. They are helpful predators outdoors, but indoors they stain, smell, and annoy. Good news. With a little timing and sealing, you…

If you are seeing red-striped bugs clustering on sunny siding or sneaking inside when the weather turns cool, you likely have a boxelder bug infestation. These insects are mostly a nuisance, but they can show up in big numbers and make a mess on windows, curtains, and baseboards. A little warm sunshine on the south…

If you are hearing scratching above the ceiling or finding chew marks around vents, you might be wondering: are brown rats good climbers? The short answer is yes. Brown rats, also called Norway rats, can climb rough walls, pipes, wires, stacked wood, and vines. They are not as athletic as roof rats, but they have…

If you have ever come out in the morning to find splats on the hood, you are not alone. Birds are active around yards, shorelines, and farm edges in Wisconsin, and cars often sit right under favorite perches. The big question is simple. Yes. Bird poop can damage car paint. The longer it sits, the…

If you have seen bats swooping at dusk over a yard or farm field, you have watched natural pest control at work. Wisconsin bats are busy hunters that help keep mosquito and moth numbers down. Understanding their diet helps explain why they slip into barns, attics, and soffits, and how to guide them back outside…

Skunks are a common sight across Wisconsin, especially on mild nights. When winter hits, you might wonder if they disappear for months. The short answer is no. Skunks do not truly hibernate. They slow down and sleep more, but they still wake up and roam when the weather breaks. Know their winter habits now, and…

Asian lady beetles show up in big waves during sunny fall afternoons, then sneak indoors when temperatures drop. If you are finding orange beetles clustered on siding or gathering at windows, you are not alone. The right home insect control plan can keep them out and clear them fast. Stop the swarm before it starts….

An opossum is a small to medium sized animal that comes out at night. It has a long, bare tail and a pointed nose. They are expert scavengers and strong climbers. In Wisconsin, they stay active year round, although they move less during bitter cold. You may see them under sheds, on fences, or cleaning…