Curious about stick insects

So I'm normally over in Tarantulas but I want to find out about the stick bugs that have invaded our gym. The gym is a warehouse with a wooded area in the back. I figure that is where they are coming from.

We have been here about five years and this is the first time I've seen any stick bugs. In fact this is more than I have seen in all of my life. What's going on? I believe they are mating. I see several large ones and usually one much smaller one I assume is male.

I keep putting them back outside because the Roomba has been vacuuming them up or running them over. Tough way to go. They are kinda cool for a bug with only 6 legs

I think that may be a female Anisomorpha buprestoides

The range and the browner colors make me think it's A. ferruginea, buprestoides' less well-known cousin. Glad you haven't gotten sprayed yet; they must be thankful that you're taking them to safety.