Michigan's 5 Most Common Winter Bugs: How to Keep Them Out

Ah, winter in Michigan. The snow, the cold, the cozy nights by the fire—and, of course, the unwanted guests scuttling around your feet. No, I'm not talking about your in-laws during the Holidays; I'm talking about the five most common winter bugs in Michigan.

While summertime brings the wrath of mosquitos, ants, and wasps, winter in Michigan has its own lineup of creepy crawlies that are ready to make your home their Christmas getaway.

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For expert advice, I turned to the Bug Man himself, Mason, Michigan's Bob Yoakman, and asked why our homes seem to be invaded every Fall by legions of insects. The Bug Man didn't disappoint. He explained that bugs, much like most Michiganders, aren't big fans of the cold. When temperatures drop, they get desperate and start looking for a warm place to spend the winter. And guess where the IDEAL spot is? Yep, your house.

Now, if you're like most folks from the Mitten State, you aim to keep these freeloaders out. But how do you do that without losing your mind and breaking the bank? According to the Bug Man, a good Fall bug defense begins in September.

Seal the Deal - Prevent Entry

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Bugs love to sneak in through the tiniest cracks, so start with caulking and sealing up any holes, especially where wires, pipes, and other utilities enter your home. These are like VIP entrances for bugs.

Don't forget about your windows, doors, and roof vents either—those areas are prime real estate for winter pests. It's also a good idea to install mech screens over attic vents.

If Bugs Move In, Get Ready for a Battle

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Once the bugs are inside, getting them out is trickier than removing a squatter in Michigan. Resist the urge to squish them—trust me, the mess and smell aren't worth it, in some cases. The best method? A trusty vacuum or a gentle catch-and-release. Just toss them outside and let Michigan's winter take care of the rest.

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Ready to meet the most common bugs currently looking for a way into your Michigan home? Keep scrolling for the complete list, and prepare to feel the ICK.

Michigan's 5 Most Common Winter Bugs: How to Keep Them Out

Michigan's Falls may be filled with color, but while we're looking up and admiring the trees, bugs are slipping in through tiny little crevices in your home that are essentially little welcome mats for the state's top 5 winter pests. When you're battling bugs, you go to someone who's in the trenches, so I asked Bob Yoakman, Mason, Michigan's Bug Man, for tips on how to keep Michigan's 5 Most Common Winter Bugs at bay.

Gallery Credit: Scott Clow

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Source: Michigan’s 5 Most Common Winter Bugs: How to Keep Them Out

Filed Under: bugs, Stink Bugs, Michigan bugs, pests, ladybugs

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