Michigan gardens welcome many insects, but not all of them are welcome guests. I’ve seen pests quietly ruin entire growing seasons.
Catching problems early is key. These twelve harmful insects should be removed promptly from Michigan gardens.
1. Carpenter Ants
Wood structures throughout Michigan homes become targets for these destructive insects that tunnel through beams and walls. Unlike termites, carpenter ants don’t eat wood—they excavate it to build nests, leaving behind piles of sawdust-like material.
A single colony can contain thousands of workers steadily weakening your home’s framework. Watch for large black ants, especially near moisture-damaged wood or in your basement.
Professional removal stops the damage before structural repairs become necessary for Michigan residents.
2. Brown Recluse Spiders
Recognizable by the violin-shaped marking on their backs, these venomous spiders hide in dark corners and cluttered storage areas. Their bites can cause severe tissue damage and require immediate medical attention.
Though less common in Michigan than southern states, brown recluse populations have been documented here. Basements, attics, and garages provide perfect hiding spots for these nocturnal hunters.
If you spot one, contact pest control immediately rather than attempting removal yourself.
3. Bed Bugs
Tiny reddish-brown parasites that feed on human blood while you sleep have become increasingly common across Michigan cities and suburbs. They hide in mattress seams, furniture cracks, and even electrical outlets.
Itchy bite marks in rows or clusters often signal an infestation. These persistent pests multiply rapidly and spread easily through luggage, used furniture, and clothing.
Early detection and professional treatment prevent a minor problem from becoming a costly nightmare for Michigan families.
4. Termites
Silent destroyers work 24/7 eating through Michigan homes from the inside out, causing billions in damage nationwide each year. Subterranean termites build mud tubes along foundation walls to access wooden structures while staying hidden.
Discarded wings near windows, hollow-sounding wood, and small piles of pellets indicate active colonies. Spring swarms of winged termites signal established infestations needing urgent attention.
Annual inspections help Michigan homeowners catch these pests before major structural damage occurs.
5. Black Widow Spiders
Shiny black bodies marked with distinctive red hourglasses make these venomous spiders easy to identify in Michigan garages and sheds. Females pack neurotoxic venom that causes severe muscle pain, cramps, and breathing difficulties.
They build irregular webs in undisturbed areas like woodpiles, outdoor furniture, and basement corners. While bites are rarely fatal, children and elderly individuals face greater risks.
Remove these dangerous spiders immediately and seek medical care if bitten anywhere in Michigan.
6. Asian Lady Beetles
Don’t confuse these invasive insects with helpful native ladybugs—Asian lady beetles invade Michigan homes by the thousands each fall seeking warm overwintering spots. They congregate on sunny exterior walls before squeezing through tiny cracks.
Once inside, they release foul-smelling yellow fluid that stains walls and fabrics. Some people experience allergic reactions to their defensive secretions.
Seal entry points before autumn arrives and vacuum up invaders immediately to prevent large infestations throughout Michigan winters.
7. Mosquitoes
Beyond annoying bites, these blood-sucking insects transmit serious diseases like West Nile virus and Eastern equine encephalitis throughout Michigan. Standing water in gutters, birdbaths, and flower pots creates breeding grounds where populations explode.
Female mosquitoes need blood meals to produce eggs, making humans and pets prime targets during Michigan summers. Peak activity occurs at dawn and dusk in wooded or marshy areas.
Eliminate standing water and use repellents to protect your family from disease-carrying pests.
8. Ticks
Lyme disease and other serious illnesses spread through Michigan when these parasites attach to humans and pets during outdoor activities. Blacklegged deer ticks, the primary Lyme carriers, have expanded their range across the state in recent years.
They wait on tall grass and brush, latching onto passing hosts. Check yourself, children, and pets thoroughly after hiking or yard work.
Prompt removal within 24 hours significantly reduces disease transmission risk for Michigan residents exploring nature.
9. Wasps and Hornets
Aggressive defenders of their nests, these stinging insects pose serious threats to Michigan families, especially those with allergies. Unlike honeybees, wasps and hornets can sting repeatedly, injecting painful venom with each attack.
Paper wasps build umbrella-shaped nests under eaves, while bald-faced hornets construct large gray nests in trees. Yellow jackets nest underground or in wall voids.
Never attempt DIY removal of large nests—professional exterminators have proper equipment to eliminate colonies safely throughout Michigan.
10. Fleas
Pets bring these jumping parasites into Michigan homes where they multiply rapidly in carpets, furniture, and bedding. Adult fleas feed on blood while their larvae hide in carpet fibers and pet bedding.
Intense itching, red bite marks on ankles, and pets scratching constantly signal infestations. A single female produces hundreds of eggs that fall off pets and develop throughout your home.
Treat pets and living spaces simultaneously to break the reproduction cycle and eliminate these persistent pests from Michigan households completely.
11. Cockroaches
Carriers of bacteria, allergens, and disease pathogens, cockroaches contaminate food and surfaces throughout Michigan homes. German cockroaches prefer kitchens and bathrooms while larger American cockroaches enter from sewers and drains.
They reproduce quickly in warm, moist environments and spread salmonella and E. coli. Nocturnal habits mean spotting one during daylight indicates a severe infestation.
Professional treatment combined with sanitation eliminates these resilient pests that trigger asthma and allergies in Michigan children and adults.
12. Emerald Ash Borers
Metallic green beetles have devastated Michigan’s ash tree population since their arrival, killing tens of millions of trees statewide. Larvae tunnel beneath bark, disrupting nutrient flow and eventually killing the tree.
D-shaped exit holes, canopy thinning, and bark splitting indicate active infestations. Dead ash trees near homes become hazards during storms, threatening structures and power lines.
Contact arborists immediately if you suspect emerald ash borers in your Michigan yard trees to prevent property damage from falling branches.