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Scariest Pests in Michigan

Michigan is actually home to some of the scariest pests you may imagine. Our state is host to venomous spiders, but aggressive predator and something called an Assassin bug. These are all pests of different species that live in different environments and desire different things. The only commonality they share is that they all scare!

These five Michigan-infesting baddies aren’t necessarily the most common, dangerous, or even destructive pests we share a home state with. Not this post. No, these are simply the critters we’d least like to find underneath a couch cushion or, worse, in our beds. “We ain’t afraid of no critters,” of course, but even us professionals would think twice about approaching the top five scariest pests in our great state of Michigan:

1. Masked Hunter Assassin Bug

We said we weren’t kidding around about true “scariest” contenders here; get a load of that name. 

.The Reduvius personatus belongs to the family of assassin bugs (yeah, there’s a whole family). They are small, glossy dark brown or black insects with wide abdomens and distinctive “beaks.” Along with their name and appearance, assassin bugs are the scariest because of how they feed.

Masked hunters prey on smaller insects such as bed bugs. Their beaklike mouthparts are actually hollow and sharp, like a needle. They stab their beaks into prey, which they use to inject a digestive enzyme into the victim’s body. This enzyme literally liquefies their victim’s insides, which the bug then drinks it up through its beak like a straw! That’s probably one of the most savage things we’ve heard. However, before you pack your bags and move, it’s important to note that these bugs can’t drink your insides. However, they will bite you if they feel threatened (it’s about as painful as a wasp sting), but it isn’t dangerous. 

2. Woodlouse Spider

This spider has many nicknames: woodlouse, sowbug killer, 

pillbug hunter, literally the scariest thing I’ve ever seen. Females are about ½ to ¾ inches long, while males are generally much smaller. Their many names refer to the fact that woodlouse spiders are predatory. They are nocturnal hunters that enjoy feeding on pillbugs and sowbugs.

Woodlouse spiders are easy to spot. Their coloration is quite distinctive: adults have a purple-brown body and bright orange legs. These legs are arranged mostly in front of the spider’s body, enabling them to run very swiftly. They also have large, threatening fangs that point forward. The spider uses these fangs like scissors to grab prey. It’s pretty unpleasant. Luckily, humans are rarely bitten by the woodlouse spider. Even if one did bite you, it would not be medically significant (i.e., dangerous). Unfortunately, the same can’t be said for the next creature on the list…

3. Brown Recluse Spider

Yes, the infamous brown recluse spider appears to have taken residence in our state. They are also referred to as “violin” or “fiddleback” spiders because of the distinct violin-shaped marking on their backs. They measure about 1.3 centimeters (about the size of a quarter) and appear grey-brown, brown, or tan. Unlike most spider species, brown recluses only have six eyes as opposed to the normal eight.

Unlike the Woodlouse spider and many others, the Brown recluse isn’t just scary. They also happen to be one of Michigan’s most dangerous pests. Brown recluse spiders administer a potent hemotoxic venom when they bite. This venom causes rashes, chills, fever, nausea, and vomiting; however, the worst symptoms include necrosis, which is the death of cells. Fortunately, brown recluse spiders are aptly named and are reclusive. They are not aggressive and prefer to avoid humans. Brown recluse spider bites are infrequent, even if the spiders live amongst people. However, brown recluse spiders aren’t the only venomous spider in Michigan.

4. Northern Black Widow Spider

You’re probably familiar with the Black widow. They’re arguably the most infamous spider on the planet, much less in the US. One particular species, the Northern black widow (Latrodectus variolus), happens to call Michigan its home. These spiders are paperclip in size and mostly black in color, except for an hourglass-shaped red marking on their abdomens.

Black widows are said to be the most venomous spider in North America. The venom they can inject via bites is considered 15 times more potent than a rattlesnake’s. Black widow venom is a “latrotoxin,” which means it attacks the nervous system. Their bites can trigger nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, fevers, and even more severe symptoms. Luckily, black widows bite humans very rarely, and even when they do bite, they don’t inject much venom. Black widow bites are rare, but if a black widow bites you, you should take it very seriously.

5. Blacklegged Tick

The Ixodes scapularis, aka the “black-legged” or “deer” tick, is one of three tick species commonly found in our state. Black-legged ticks are most common in western Michigan, but you really can find them in any grassy area. These ticks are small and brown with distinctive black legs. Like all ticks, Blacklegged ticks hunt by perching on foliage and clinging to prey as it passes by. This tick species primarily feed on humans in the summertime.

Blacklegged ticks are the main transmitters of Lyme disease in the Northern United States. Blacklegged ticks pick up the disease-causing Borrelia burgdorferi bacteria when feeding on deer. They then transmit the bacteria into that human’s bloodstream after latching to them. Lyme disease causes headaches, fevers, fatigue, and an expanding rash called Erythema migrans. To avoid tick bites, apply repellent when walking outside and stay out of long grassy areas. Be sure to thoroughly inspect your body and remove any ticks that attach themselves to you right away.

From the frightening/dangerous to the just plain scary, Michigan has its fair share of monster pests to contend with. Luckily, you’ve also got your own personal pest-slaying force: Hogarth’s Pest Control.

If you’re losing sleep about the creepy-crawlies in your basement or attic, give us a call today. We’ll bust those pests before you can say, “Happy Halloween!”

Spider Bites

Spiders are one of the easily recognizable and beneficial creatures; despite this, many people have an inherent fear of them their bites and will not tolerate their presence. The vast majority of spiders living in Michigan are not even dangerous, let alone poisonous. As a matter-of-fact, it is rare to even come in contact with Michigan’s more hazardous species. In short, don’t panic over poisonous spiders in Michigan.

Spider Bites

Most people associate spiders with the potential of venomous bites, but the danger of those bites is profoundly blown out of proportion. The majority of spiders are not at all dangerous to humans, only a small percentage. All spiders, even those that are venomous, are non-aggressive and will not (typically) bite unless they feel threatened or provoked; even then, only the more sizeable species have the capability of piercing human skin with their tiny fangs.

According to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, there are only two species of venomous spiders living in Michigan: the Northern black widow and brown recluse.

Northern Black Widow

The northern black widow is native to Michigan and can be found throughout the state, especially in the lower peninsula. The black widow is relatively small, only growing to about a 1/2 inch long (1.5 inches if you include the legs). They are entirely black except for a distinct bright red, hourglass marking on the abdomen of the female (it is important to point out that the hourglass is incomplete in the middle). Males lack this trademark, but many have red or yellow bands on their abdomen or back.

Black widows are commonly lurking near or in woodpiles; many encounters with this spider occur as people are carrying firewood into the home. These spiders may also live in boxes, outdoor toilets, meter boxes, under eaves, and other various undisturbed places. Taking extra precautions when working in areas where black widows may live is beneficial; always be sure to wear gloves and pay attention.

Black widows rarely bite, as they are timid and prefer to flee an encounter. If a black widow bites you, however, you will need to seek medical attention immediately. Their bites are quite painful. They can cause acute latrodectism, a condition in which the spider’s venom spreads quickly throughout the body, causing constant, intense muscle contractions in all of the major muscle groups followed by painful and severe cramping. These muscle contractions (a condition called tetany) may include anxiety, dizziness, headache, tearing of the eyes, joint pain, and tremors.

Though death from a black widow bite is rare, and though symptoms will usually dissipate within three days, medical treatment can considerably lessen the unpleasantness of the symptoms by the use of antivenoms and muscle relaxers. Asn with many ailments, the elderly, extremely young, or very ill victims are at a higher risk for more severe complications.

Brown Recluse

Brown recluse spiders are about 0.5 in long with a dark violin-shaped mark on the combined head and midsection. They live in the south-central United States and can only survive in arid, undisturbed areas, such as rock or woodpiles.

Brown recluse bites don’t always hurt immediately. You may not know that you are suffering from their venom until other symptoms become present. Symptoms of a brown recluse bite include:

  • Reddened skin that may precede a blister that forms at the site.
  • Mild to intense itching and pain for 2 to 8 hours following the bite.
  • An open sore with necrosis (a breakdown of tissue) that develops a week or more following the bite. This may take months to heal.

The brown recluse is not one of the indigenous species to Michigan and cannot survive in temperatures colder than 40°F, so they are infrequent in the state. It is believed that those that are found have come in on trucks originating in the southern United States.

Despite this, there are rare, isolated populations of these spiders living in the state. Still, the vast majority of Michiganders will never come within a half-mile of a brown recluse spider.

Dangers of Spiders and Their Bites

Most people concerned about the presence of spiders in the home worry about the potential of bites. Except for the aforementioned brown recluse and the black widow, none of the other species’ in Michigan pose as a threat to human health. This is not to say that these other spiders will not bite because they definitely can; even the bites of the non-venomous spiders can be painful. Spiders will most likely bite if they are handled, but most spider bites do not occur in this manner.

A more conventional yet still rare manner of a bite occurs when people are asleep. A spider will be lurking about beneath the covers, seeking the darkness and warm. A sleeping person can unknowingly move and startle the spider, which will then results in a bite before scampering away. The unsuspecting victim will then up with a painful or reddened bite, sometimes mistaking the spider bite for bed bugs.

It is imperative to note that it’s challenging for a medical professional to diagnose the perpetrator based solely on the appearance of a bite, though.

Many “spider” bites are bites from other insects that go unnoticed until a reddened, itchy, or painful spot occurs. These are likely reactions from the bites of mosquitos, gnats, and flies.

Spider Control

Spider eggs are also a threat, in the sense that a spider that lay eggs in the home will only create more spiders. These sacs look like furry, white balls, usually a little smaller than a marble. Destroying/removing spider eggs is essential in controlling spider a population.

When it comes to spiders, identification is key. We always ask our customers to try and save a specimen for our professionals to identify and treat accordingly.

Despite knowing the rarity of an encounter with a dangerous spider, it does not stop the vast majority of the public from letting out a shriek when spotted. Knowing what to look for is the most important step in avoiding an encounter with a potentially poisonous biter. The more you know!

 

Itsy Bitsy Spiders

In the pest control industry, we are no stranger to dealing with very real fears. Many of the critters we deal with have some kind of a phobia attached to them— whether it be general fear, anxiety induced by the diseases they carry, etc. We know that we are often dealing with sensitive nuisances. This is why it brings us so much pride to come to the aid of our customers. We truly have seen it all, and are pretty much desensitized to most. However, there are some creepy crawlies that will cause even the most seasoned PCO to jump— namely, spiders.

Spiders are among the top concerns for homeowners. It is important to know that not all spiders are “bad”. Many are extremely helpful to the ecosystem. Moreover, the presence of spiders ensures that the insect population is being controlled naturally. Despite the positives, many have an instinctive fear of spiders and will not tolerate their presence in the home. This is where we come in. There are a few main issues that we hear about concerning spiders: the fear of bites, the visual unpleasantry of their presence and webs, and the potential for structure staining and damage from their droppings.

Spiders are generally an unpleasant sight in outdoor seating areas, as well as on the exterior of structures. Spiders and their webs cause an unsightly problem for both owners and guests. Their droppings leave stains and with time they can do damage by causing build up, especially with vinyl siding. Have you ever returned your cottage or cabin only to walk through webbing to reach the door? Are you sweeping webbing off your screens? Do you have to wash the spider mess off your windows more than once a year? These problems are very common in wooded and heavily-scrubbed areas as well as waterfront properties. In our great state it seems that many seasonal homes are located in these areas. 

While there are many different types of spiders in Michigan, most of them are simply web builders and house invaders. There are only two spiders in Michigan that we consider dangerous: the Brown Recluse the Northern Black Widow. Fortunately, these are not very prevalent and we rarely find them in or around homes. 

The Brown Recluse

The Brown Recluse rarely bites unless pressed against the skin. It is common to its name in the fact that it hides in dark areas, gloves, undisturbed clothing and bed sheets, and it is non-confrontational. We identify the Brown Recluse by the violin shaped marking and can range in color from cream to brown to dark brownish gray. If bitten by this spider it is imperative you seek medical attention immediately as it can turn into severe skin lesions.

The Northern Black Widow

The Northern Black Widow is shiny black in color and can be identified by a red hourglass marking on the underside of the abdomen, which is incomplete or split in the middle. It can also have white stripes on the abdomen. This spider is timid and chooses to flee when disturbed, therefore rarely bites. If bitten pain is felt almost immediately and increases for 1 to 3 hours. There has only been a 1% mortality rate from a Black Widow bite.

We have many species of spider that help to control mosquito, wasp, hornet, and even other spider populations. However, their legginess and seemingly erratic movement patterns make them all equally unwelcome house guests for most. Your every day home invaders include the common house spider, wolf spider, daddy long-legs, orb weaver and the jumping spider. Most are quick to dodge anything you throw at them and their disappearance can cause uneasiness for even the toughest person.

If you are noticing spiders in your home, especially in the spring months, it is important to call a licensed pest control professional. Spiders will lay between 2 and 1000 eggs, depending on the species, so a small problem can become much larger in a short amount of time! Identification is key with these pests, and we always ask our customers to try and save a specimen for the professional to identify and treat accordingly.

Hogarth’s Pest Control specializes in the removal and prevention of spiders in and around homes. If you are experiencing an unpleasant spider issue, do not hesitate to give us a call today!