Is There Termites in Michigan?
Termites are persistent wood-destroying insects. They do not carry diseases that are transmissible to humans. They do not attack people immediately, but they can cause significant damage to homes.
Unlike other pests, termites can go undetected for months. They are often buried under the soil, but they can also travel through the wood framing of a home. They do not bite, but they can invade your home through holes and fissures in the wooden structure.
Termite colonies are built from several different forms or castes. There are workers, soldiers, reproductives and nymphs. The average colony contains about 500,000 insects.
Termites are small, ranging in size from 1/4 to 1/2 inch. They are whitish or tan in color and are soft-bodied. They can be found all over the world.
Termite colonies are formed through the creation of hollowed-out tunnels. Termites use these tubes to access food sources. They then carry the cellulose back to the colony. These tubes are a key sign of an active infestation.
The Eastern Subterranean Termite is a very common wood-destroying insect in Michigan. It is found mainly in rural areas, but it can infest urban areas as well. During the winter, it attacks insulated homes. It can also infest a building’s subflooring.
A few signs of an active infestation include darkening of structural wood, holes, or gaps in the wood, or signs of mud tubes. These tubes are created by worker termites as they break up dead wood and feed the colony.