Bugs and spiders in Michigan

What to watch for in Michigan

The northern black widow is the one Get-advice spider established in Michigan. A bite from an adult female can cause spreading pain and muscle cramps, so get medical advice if you think you were bitten, or call Poison Help (1-800-222-1222). Western black widow and brown widow records exist, but neither is known to live in the state, and such sightings are often hitchhikers or misidentified spiders.

The American dog tick is the most recorded tick here and the blacklegged tick is a clear second. The blacklegged tick can spread Lyme disease and other infections, so remove it promptly and watch for rash or fever. The lone star tick is listed as established but is recorded much less often. Brown dog ticks stay mostly with dogs, often indoors.

Through the year

Spring

Overwintered boxelder bugs and Asian lady beetles head for windows on warm days, and spotted lanternfly nymphs hatch from late April.

Summer

European paper wasps work around the outside of the house, dark fishing spiders appear, and spotted lanternfly adults show up in July.

Fall

Western conifer seed bugs move in during September and October, brown marmorated stink bugs follow in late September, and Asian lady beetles arrive in October and November.

Winter

Greenhouse millipedes are mostly inactive, so the usual indoor finds are house centipedes, Indianmeal moths and the odd stink bug on a warm day.