What are the Most Common Types of Termites in Michigan

Termites are a major pest issue for homeowners across Michigan. These wood-destroying insects can cause serious damage to homes and businesses if left unchecked. There are a few different types of termites that are known to be present in Michigan, with some being more common than others.

The Two Main Types of Termites Found in Michigan

The two most common termite species found across Michigan are:

1. Eastern Subterranean Termites

This is the most widely distributed and destructive termite species in Michigan. Eastern subterranean termites create underground colonies and tunnel their way up into the wood structures of homes to feed.

Some key things to know about eastern subterranean termites in Michigan:

• Account for around 80% of Michigan’s termite infestations
• Not native to Michigan – believed to have spread from southern states
• Nest underground with colonies containing up to 2 million members
• Cause serious damage by burrowing into wood sources ((termite damage)) like floor joists, wall framing, support beams etc.
• Attracted to moisture and often enter homes through cracks in foundations

Signs of an eastern subterranean termite infestation can include seeing swarmers emerging in spring, tubes of “mud” on foundation walls, and hollowed or grooved wooden structures.

2. Drywood Termites

While far less common than the eastern subterranean variety, drywood termites are the other main species found in parts of Michigan.

Key facts about Michigan’s drywood termites:

• Colonize and live inside wooden material (don’t need soil contact)
• Smaller colonies than subterranean termites, containing a few hundred to a few thousand members
• Cause damage by excavating wood from the inside out – leaving just a thin wood veneer on the outside
• Mainly an issue in southern parts of the state and in older homes with wood roofing

Telltale signs of drywood termites can include tiny fecal pellets around infested wood and tiny holes scattered across wood surfaces. Swarmers may also be visible emerging from infested areas.

Michigan Termites Pictures

What Factors Impact Termite Infestations in Michigan?

There are a few key factors that influence the likelihood of termite issues arising in certain areas of Michigan:

Climate: The warmer southern regions of Michigan tend to have the highest probability of termite activity. But termites can be found statewide.

Proximity to Water: Termites thrive in damp conditions and areas of high soil moisture content. Homes near lakes, rivers or with water drainage issues are most vulnerable.

Age of Home & Construction Type: Older homes tend to be at greatest risk. Termites exploit cracks in brickwork and foundations. Homes with wood roofing and siding are also prime targets.

An Overview of Termite Activity in Michigan

Termite colonies need a steady food source to thrive. This drive for cellulose leads termites to tunnel into the wooden structures of Michigan homes for nourishment.

The peak times when termites are active in Michigan are:

• Spring: The season when swarms take flight to mate and establish new colonies. Seeing swarms between March and May can indicate a mature colony nearby.
• Summer: Warm weather accelerates termite metabolism and wood-eating activity. Infestations spread rapidly.
• Fall: Cooler temperatures trigger termites to prepare for winter by carrying food back to their underground colonies.

During winter, termite activity slows down but does not fully cease in Michigan. The insulation of soil helps to regulate underground temperatures for survival.

Signs of Termites and Termite Damage in Michigan Homes

Termites are notoriously sneaky pests. Their presence often remains hidden for years while they silently chew through wood. But there are a few signs that may indicate termite activity within a Michigan home:

• Tiny mud tubes snaking up interior walls, along floor joists or around pipes
• Hallow wooden frames, posts, beams or floors that sound drummy when tapped
• Sawdust-like frass piles near wood sources
• Cracked paint or wallpaper where mud tubes were removed
• Papery wings left behind from swarmers around windowsills or doors
• A musty smell from fungus that grows in termite nesting sites
• Ant trails visible entering or exiting voids and cracks in stone or cement where termites may have breached
• Signs of water leaks or moisture damage conducive to termite nesting

Left alone, termite damage can get progressively worse over seasons. Catching the signs early is key to preventing severe destruction that may weaken a home’s structural integrity.

How Serious of a Threat Are Termites in Michigan?

Termites pose a substantial danger to homes across Michigan each year. It is estimated that termites inflict more than $5 billion in property damage annually across the United States – including to homes in the wolverine state.

In Michigan, termites are deemed to be especially problematic in the southern half of the Lower Peninsula where conditions are warmer, wood homes are abundant and soil moisture is higher. However northern cities like Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, Lansing and Ann Arbor all face termite issues too.

Even reputedly less vulnerable northern cities like Marquette and Traverse City grapple with termite concerns – especially eastern subterranean termites. Michigan State University even has an informational map highlighting different termite activity probability zones across the state.

You can learn more about just how destructive termites are across Michigan by reading this in-depth Destructive Termites in Michigan spotlight.

How to Prevent Termites in Michigan Homes

While termites are persistent pests, there are some DIY steps Michigan homeowners can take to guard against infestations:

• Eliminate moisture buildup near foundations through proper drainage and downspout extensions
• Ensure foundation walls have no cracks for termite entry
• Install concrete foundation caps in crawl spaces
• Stack firewood and lumber away from homes on metal or concrete blocks
• Inspect wood structures like decks and fencing for signs of termite tunnels or damage
• Consider installing termite monitoring stations around the exterior of homes

However, the most thorough form of termite prevention is to have annual inspections and protective soil treatments performed by licensed Michigan pest control companies. Their preventative services help guard against destructive infestations taking hold.

Options for Controlling Existing Termite Infestations in Michigan

If termites are found actively infesting a Michigan home, there are three main treatment methods performed by pest control professionals to eliminate them:

1. Liquid Soil Treatment

• Involves saturating soil beneath and around the home’s foundation to form an insecticidal protective barrier. Kill termites tunneling from underground.
• Specialized rods inject termiticide solution through pre-drilled holes around the interior perimeter and spots prone to termite entry like plumbing penetrations.
• Takes advantage of active ingredients like fipronil, imidacloprid or permethrin – which transfer back to the colony upon contact.
• Can take weeks or months to fully eliminate colonies. Requires annual renewal.

2. Termite Baiting

• Bait stations containing wood and nontoxic bait are installed around the house – with additional monitoring as needed.
• Termites take bait back to nest to kill off other colony members.
• Safer for use in homes but can take longer to produce results than liquid treatment – colonies are reduced gradually over time.

3. Tenting & Fumigation

• A large tent is sealed over the entire home and fumigant gas is released inside to permeate throughout.
• Rapidly penetrate into hidden spaces to kill drywood termites and cracks eastern subterranean termites occupy.
• Residents must fully vacate for at least 24 hours and prepare home carefully first.
• Offers more complete elimination than other treatment types but highly disruptive.

Professional exterminators can assess the extent of any termite colony and damage within a home before customizing an appropriate treatment plan to eliminate the pests.

DIY vs Professional Termite Control in Michigan

While there are some DIY termite killing options available to Michigan residents, liquid soil treatment requires specialized equipment, strict adherence to state regulations and precision technique.

For this reasons, termite fumigation, baiting and conventional liquid soil treatments are best left to seasoned professionals in Michigan. Reputable pest control companies offer:

• Rigorous training to accurately identify termite species
• Knowledge of the most effective termiticides for Michigan species
• Ability to precisely treat soil access points where termites enter homes
• Expertise to perform complete and legal chemical applications – avoiding environmental contamination
• Full liability coverage and warranties for retreatments if termites return

Incorrect or incomplete DIY termite treatments can disperse colonies to other areas of a home or property – making eliminating them far more challenging and expensive.

There are no effective home remedies to get rid of termites. So while professional services may impose higher upfront costs – they save homeowners money over the long run through preventative care and reliably eliminating infestations.

What is the Cost of Termite Treatment in Michigan?

The cost of termite treatment in Michigan can vary depending on several factors, but homeowners can expect to pay an average of $10 to $20 per linear foot for professional treatment.

Termite inspection alone costs approximately $85 to $300 to assess the extent of infestation on a property. Once termites are confirmed, the actual treatment prices apply.

For a typical 1,250 to 2,000 square foot home, residents may pay around $44 per month or $205 to $360 annually for ongoing termite elimination services in areas like Detroit. Generally, the larger the infestation across a home, the pricier the treatment since more time, effort and chemical concentrates are required.

Other aspects that influence termite treatment costs in Michigan include:

• Method of treatment (tenting, liquid application, bait stations, etc)
• Location in Michigan
• Materials used in home construction
• Number of stories/basements needing treatment
• Extent of wood damage needing repair

With so many variables at play, it’s advisable for Michigan homeowners to consult with local pest control companies to obtain quotes tailored to their unique scenario. But they can overall expect to invest anywhere from hundreds to thousands of dollars for professional termite treatment. Catching infestations early helps lower costs.

Key Takeaways: Termites in Michigan

• Two main species: Eastern subterranean termites and (less common) drywood termites
• Found statewide but most active/destructive in southern Michigan due to warmer climate
• Tunnel into wood structures like floor joists, walls and support beams – causing major damage
• Signs include mud tubes, hollow wood, frass piles, swarmers and a musty odor
• Prevent through moisture control, sealing cracks and wood/soil separation
• Professional treatments like liquid applications, baiting and fumigation best options for eliminating existing infestations

Being aware of the warning signs, damage potential and control methods for Michigan’s two most notorious termite pests can help homeowners protect their valuable properties against formidable invaders.