{"id":15384,"date":"2024-08-01T14:06:04","date_gmt":"2024-08-01T19:06:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/uwm.edu\/housing\/?page_id=15384"},"modified":"2026-08-24T13:05:58","modified_gmt":"2026-08-24T18:05:58","slug":"common-bugs","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/uwm.edu\/housing\/maintenance\/common-bugs\/","title":{"rendered":"Common Bugs"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Despite our best efforts, bugs sometimes enter the living areas of buildings.\u00a0 Insects often make an appearance around outside temperature changes. While most are harmless, some do harm.\u00a0Therefore, University Housing has created this bug identification cheat sheet.\u00a0This will help you identify which insect it is so that we can have Pest Control bring the proper chemicals.\u00a0For example, box elder bugs look like cockroaches but require a different treatment. It is the same between American cockroaches and German cockroaches.\u00a0When you see a crawly you would like us to address, try to take a clear picture of it (macro if your phone has that option) or use these pictures to give us more data for our response.\u00a0Then, place a workorder<\/a> and attach the picture to the work order. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you suspect that you have bed bugs, go to your service desk<\/a><\/strong> right away and inform them so it can be assessed immediately. Thanks for the assistance!\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

Bug Identification<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
\"Enlarged
Bed Bug<\/div>
Bed bugs are reddish-brown in color and are about the size of an apple seed when they reach adulthood. Their bodies are flat and oval-shaped. They are most commonly found in mattresses or bed frames. They cannot be resolved without professional exterminator intervention.<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\"enlarged
Midge – “Lake Fly”<\/div>
Midges, or commonly referred to as \u201cLake Flies\u201d, are flies that are often found near bodies of waters such as lakes and ponds. They have slender, elongated bodies. Their eyes are large, taking up most of their head. They can range in color from white\/yellow to dark brown or black. They are often attracted to lights. They start to appear in late spring, peak in summer, and then taper off as fall approaches.<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\"enlarged
Fruit Fl<\/strong>y<\/div>
Fruit flies are very small and attracted to rotten and fermented fruits and vegetables as well as wine, beer, vinegar, and fruit juice. The best way to deter fruit flies is to ensure no rotting food is present in your room. Take trash out frequently.<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\"Enlarged
Silverfish<\/strong><\/div>
Silverfish have teardrop bodies that taper at the end and are between 0.5 and 0.75 inches long. They are covered in silvery, metallic-look scales. Three long bristles extend at the end of their body. Silverfish are attracted to water accumulation and high levels of humidity. Be sure to clean up any spills thoroughly to avoid these bugs. Wipe up any services that get wet.<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\"enlarged
American Cockroach<\/strong><\/div>
American cockroaches are reddish-brown and have long, flat, wide bodies with six legs and two long antennae protruding from the head. They typically have a light brown\/yellow band at their \u201cneck\u201d. They are attracted to areas with food. Ensure to store all food properly and dispose of any rotten food.<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\"picture
German Cockroach<\/strong><\/div>
German cockroaches are brown to dark brown in color and have two parallel stripes on their thorax. They typically are attracted to food and moisture. They avoid light, so often come out during dark hours. They are most often found in kitchens and bathrooms. Ensure to store all food properly and clean up any spills thoroughly. Wipe down any services that get wet.<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\"Two
Box Elder Bug<\/div>
Box Elder Bugs are black\/dark brown with reddish or orange markings and are generally 0.5 inches long. The are oval and flat with six legs and two antennae. These bugs feed on leaves, flowers, and plant seeds. They do not bite and do not destroy structures.<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\"an
Stink Bug<\/div>
Stink bugs are marbled grayish-brown and about 0.75 inches long. They are oval shaped. They are generally most present in fall as they are looking for a warm area and are commonly found near doors, windows, and outside entry points. They do not bite or sting and are not harmful to people. They do have a pungent smell when crushed or feel threatened.<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

What to do<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

When you see a crawly you would like us to address, try to take a clear picture of it (macro if your phone has that option) or use these pictures to give us more data for our response.\u00a0Then, place a workorder<\/a> and attach the picture to the work order. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you suspect that you have bed bugs, go to your service desk<\/a><\/strong> right away and inform them so it can be assessed immediately. Thanks for the assistance! <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Service Desk Contacts<\/h3>\n
\nCambridge<\/strong>: 414-251-7891<\/a>\n\n\n\nKenilworth:\u00a0414-229-0512<\/strong><\/a>\n\n\n\nRiverView:\u00a0414-251-8328<\/strong><\/a>\n\n\n\nSandburg:\u00a0414-229-6123<\/strong><\/a>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n<\/div><\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Despite our best efforts, bugs sometimes enter the living areas of buildings.\u00a0 Insects often make an appearance around outside temperature changes. While most are harmless, some do harm.\u00a0Therefore, University Housing has created this bug identification cheat sheet.\u00a0This will help you …<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":40,"featured_media":0,"parent":15382,"menu_order":2,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":"","uwm_wg_additional_authors":[]},"class_list":["post-15384","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"uwm_unpublish_requested":false,"yoast_head":"\nHousing at UWM<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Identify and manage common bugs in UWM residence halls with helpful tips and maintenance resources for a comfortable living experience.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/uwm.edu\/housing\/maintenance\/common-bugs\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Common Bugs\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Identify and manage common bugs in UWM residence halls with helpful tips and maintenance resources for a comfortable living experience.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/uwm.edu\/housing\/maintenance\/common-bugs\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Housing at UWM\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2026-08-24T18:05:58+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/uwm.edu\/housing\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/677\/2026\/08\/bedbugs.png\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"800\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"500\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/png\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"5 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/uwm.edu\\\/housing\\\/maintenance\\\/common-bugs\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/uwm.edu\\\/housing\\\/maintenance\\\/common-bugs\\\/\",\"name\":\"Common Bugs - 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