The Problem
Why Fall Invader Control Needs to Happen Now
Fall invader control is one of the most time-sensitive services we offer — and one of the most overlooked by homeowners throughout the Chicago suburbs. As days get shorter and temperatures drop in late September and October, several insects start looking for warm places to spend the winter. Without fall invader control, they find their way into your walls and attic — and emerge inside your home in spring. Three species drive the majority of fall invader control calls in our area:
- Brown marmorated stink bugs — a fairly new invasive pest in Illinois; they gather on sunny exterior walls in fall and push through gaps around windows and doors; crushing them releases a strong, unpleasant smell
- Multicolored Asian lady beetles — they look like ladybugs but show up in far larger numbers; in fall, they pack onto sun-facing walls before squeezing into wall voids and attic spaces; they can bite and give off a yellow fluid when handled
- Box elder bugs — black and red insects that feed on box elder, maple, and ash trees all summer, then mass on buildings in fall; while they don’t bite, they can stain light fabrics and surfaces
All three share the same fall invader pattern. They move into wall voids in autumn, stay dormant through winter, and then come back out inside the home when spring arrives. Because of this, fall invader control must happen before they get in — not after.
Our Fall Invader Control Solution
Quick Kill’s fall invader control treatment focuses on stopping entry before it happens. First, our specialist power sprays the exterior with a low-risk repellent, paying close attention to the warm, sun-facing south and west sides of the structure. Then, we treat around all windows, doors, and eaves — the spots where fall invaders tend to gather and push through. Every fall invader control treatment comes with a 30-day warranty.
Best time for fall invader control: September through mid-October. At this point, insects are still gathering on the outside of your home and have not yet pushed in. Treating now cuts down dramatically on how many fall invaders make it inside for the winter.
Annual Fall Invader Control Programs
Stink bugs, lady beetles, and box elder bugs come back every fall — which means a one-time treatment only solves this year’s problem. For true long-term protection, our maintenance programs include a timed fall invader control treatment each year, along with full year-round pest management. Here is what each program includes:
What Our Annual Maintenance Program Includes
- Timed fall invader control treatment during the peak window (September–October)
- Full exterior power spray of all sun-facing walls, windows, doors, and eaves
- Spring interior treatment for any fall invaders that overwintered and are coming back out
- Summer and spring treatments addressing other pest pressure throughout the year
- Unlimited service calls between scheduled visits at no extra charge
- Automatic fall scheduling so you never miss the key treatment window
- Priority scheduling for all program members
Clients on our annual program never have to remember to call us in September. We reach out to set up their fall invader control treatment before the season starts — so the work gets done at exactly the right time, every year.
Quick Kill Exterminating provides professional fall invader control throughout our Chicago North Shore and Northwest Suburbs service area, including Arlington Heights, Barrington, Buffalo Grove, Deerfield, Evanston, Glenview, Highland Park, Lake Forest, Northbrook, Palatine, Schaumburg, Wilmette, Winnetka, and dozens of surrounding communities.
Frequently Asked Questions About Fall Invader Control
Why are there so many stink bugs or ladybugs on the side of my house?
Stink bugs and Asian lady beetles are drawn to the warmth coming off sun-facing exterior walls in autumn. They use those warm surfaces as a staging area before finding a way into the structure. A large group on your exterior wall is a clear sign that fall invader control is needed right away — because within days, as temps keep dropping, they will start pushing inside.
Once they are inside the walls, is it too late for fall invader control?
Once fall invaders are inside wall voids, the options become more limited. That is exactly why prevention is so important. If you have stink bugs or lady beetles coming out inside in spring, we can treat the interior. However, the most effective — and most affordable — fall invader control always happens in autumn while they are still on the outside of your home.
Are stink bugs or box elder bugs dangerous?
Neither stink bugs nor box elder bugs bite or sting, and neither carries disease. The problem is their numbers. Stink bugs also release a strong smell when disturbed or crushed. Box elder bugs can leave stains on light fabrics and walls. Asian lady beetles can deliver a mild bite and give off a smelly fluid. While none of them are dangerous, good fall invader control keeps them from becoming a serious nuisance all winter long.
Will vacuuming them up inside help?
Vacuuming is a useful short-term fix for fall invaders that have already come inside. However, it does not reach the ones still in the wall voids, and it does not stop more from entering. The most lasting solution is professional exterior fall invader control combined with sealing up the entry points they use.
Does Quick Kill’s maintenance program cover fall invader control automatically?
Yes. Our maintenance programs include a timed fall invader control treatment each year as part of the plan. In addition, program members get quarterly visits throughout the year and automatic scheduling reminders — so the fall treatment never gets missed.
Don’t Let Fall Invaders Move In for Winter
September and October are the time to act. Call us today for fall invader control throughout the Chicago suburbs.
Get a Free Quote (847) 724-1511
