Termites in Michigan: What You Need to Know

Termites are a problem in Michigan, and they can cause a lot of damage if they're not dealt with quickly. In this article, we'll discuss what you need to know about termites, including how to identify them, prevent them, and what to do if you find them in your home.

Termites, or white ants, are a group of eusocial insects that live in colonies. They are significant pests in many parts of the world, eating wood and other plant material.

Termites are also a significant pest in Michigan, eating wood and other plant material. In fact, Michigan has the highest concentration of termites in the United States. They do cause a lot of damage to homes and businesses. 

There are a few things that people can do to help prevent termites from damaging their property which we will cover later in this article but let’s address the way they got here in the first place. 

How Did Termites Get to Michigan?

The answer to how termites got to Michigan is a bit of a mystery, but it is believed that they may have hitched a ride on objects such as furniture or lumber. Once they arrived, they began to establish colonies and cause damage to homes and other structures.  

Although they are not native to Michigan, they have become a serious problem in the state. 

If you suspect that you have termites on your property, it is important to contact a pest control professional right away. They can help to get rid of the infestation and prevent further damage from occurring.

What Do Termites Eat?

Termites are mainly herbivores, but they will also eat other things such as wood, paper, and even plastic. They consume these materials in order to extract the nutrients that they need to survive. 

In addition to the damage that they can cause to homes and other structures, termites can also be a nuisance because of the damage  that they can do to crops and other plants. 

Facts to consider about the pesky termites and their chewing habits: 

1. Termites are actually very picky eaters and will only eat certain things.

2. They mostly eat wood, but they can also eat other materials like paper, cardboard, and plastic.

3. If there is no food available, they can go without eating for up to a year! 

4. Termites are important for the environment because they help recycle dead plants and trees.

What Damage Can Termites Do?

Termites can do a lot of damage to homes and other buildings. They can eat through wood, paper, and other materials, which can cause a lot of issues. They can also spread diseases, so it's important to get rid of them if you see them in your home. 

Types of Termite Damage

There are three main types of termite damage: 

• Structural damage
• Damage to belongings
• Damage to food

Structural Damage by Termites

Termites are small, soft-bodied creatures that can cause a lot of damage to the structural integrity of a building. If left untreated, they can eat away at the wood until the building collapses. Termites can also spread diseases, which can lead to the death of people and animals.

Structural damage is the most serious type of damage, as it can lead to the collapse of a building. 

Damage to Belongings by Termites

Termites can do a lot of damage to belongings. They eat away at wood, paper, and other cellulose-based materials. This can cause furniture, walls, and other structures to collapse. In addition, termites can contaminate food with their feces, which can make you sick. If you think you have a termite problem, it's important to call an exterminator right away. Ignoring the problem will only make it worse.

Damage to Food by Termites

Termites can do a lot of damage to food, as they are able to chew through it easily. This can cause problems, as it can contaminate the food that we are eating. Damage to food can include damage to stored food, as well as food that is being prepared. It is important to be aware of the potential issues that termites can cause, in order to protect food and buildings from them on time.

How to Prevent Termite Infestation in Your House in Michigan

If you live in Michigan, it's important to be aware of the risk of termite infestation and take steps to prevent it. 

First of all, learn how to recognize them - Termites are small, pale soft-bodied insects. They thrive in warm, moist environments, so homes in Michigan are at risk if they aren't properly insulated and protected from moisture.

There are several different types of termites, but the most common in Michigan is the eastern subterranean termite. These termites build their nests in the soil and then tunnel into wooden structures to feed on the wood. 

There are a few things you can do to prevent termite infestation in your home. First, make sure that your home is properly insulated and free of any moisture leaks. Second, keep wood piles and other potential food sources away from your home. 

Here’s a checklist on how to properly do this:

• Seal any cracks or openings in your home's foundation, walls, or roof.
• Repair any water leaks.
• Install metal or plastic sheeting beneath your home's foundation.
• Install a termite barrier around the outside of your home.
• Remove any wood that is touching your home's exterior.
• Store firewood and lumber away from your home.
• Regularly inspect your home for termite activity.

What Should You Do if You Find Termites in Your Home?

If you have termites in your home, it is important to take action quickly. Termites can cause a lot of damage to your home, so it is important to get rid of them as soon as possible. There are a few things you can do to get rid of termites:

1. Call a professional exterminator. This is the best way to get rid of termites. A professional will be able to properly identify the problem and get rid of the termites quickly and efficiently.

2. Try do-it-yourself methods. There are a few things you can do to try to get rid of termites yourself. However, these methods are not always effective and can sometimes make the problem worse.

3. Use termite baits. Termite baits are a great way to get rid of termites. You can purchase these baits at your local home improvement store or online.

4. Use insecticide sprays. Insecticide sprays can be effective at getting rid of termites. However, you need to be careful when using these sprays because they can be harmful to humans and pets if not used properly.

5. Seal up any cracks or crevices in your home. This will help prevent termites from getting into your home in the first place.

6. Get rid of wood that is infested with termites. If you have any wood in your home that is infested with termites, it is important to get rid of it. This will help prevent the spread of the infestation.

7. Finally, prevent termites from coming back. Once you get rid of the termites in your home, it is important to take steps to prevent them from coming back. 

Termites in Michigan are a serious pest that can cause damage to your home and property. However, some of them may have become immune to the pesticides due to their exposure level.  They have become resistant to most of the chemicals over time. As a result, homeowners need to be vigilant in watching for these pests and take steps to protect their homes and property beforehand.