Pests to know in Detroit
Termites in Detroit
Termite work in Michigan falls under MDARD's Category 7B, Wood Destroying Pest Management, which also covers powder post beetles, carpenter ants and wood-destroying fungi.[10]
Invasive species reported here
- North America's emerald ash borer story began in Detroit: entomologists examined declining ash trees there on June 25, 2002, leading to the pest's identification.[6]
- Since its 2002 discovery in Michigan, emerald ash borer has killed tens of millions of the state's ash trees, in forests and neighborhoods alike.[7]
- Spotted lanternfly, which favors tree-of-heaven, has been detected in Michigan and can hitchhike long distances on vehicles, equipment and firewood.[8]
Pests local experts flag
Michigan's health department stresses that bed bugs are not a sign of a dirty home, and that bug bombs and many all-natural sprays don't kill them.[5]
Climate
Central Detroit (ZIP 48226) is in USDA plant hardiness zone 6b, where the average coldest winter night is -5 to 0°F.[12]
Public agencies that handle pests
- The Detroit Health Department takes environmental health concerns and complaints at (313) 876-4715.[1]
- Detroit residents who find a dead bird or animal they suspect had West Nile virus are directed to report it to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.[2]
- Wayne County, along with Macomb and Oakland counties, has historically seen the most West Nile virus activity in Michigan.[3]
- Michigan's health department identifies ticks at no charge for Michigan residents, and offers Lyme testing at no cost when ordered by a healthcare provider.[4]
Hiring a licensed company
In Michigan, applicator certification alone doesn't allow a for-hire pest business; firms also need an MDARD pesticide application business license.[9]
Free local help
MSU researchers note emerald ash borer likely reached Michigan in wood packing material with Detroit cargo, and credit MSU Extension and Master Gardeners with educating residents.[11]
Through the year
- Summer
- West Nile virus outbreaks have occurred in Michigan every summer since 2002, making summer the key mosquito-protection season in Detroit.[3]
Sources
- City of Detroit Health Department, “Environmental Health and Safety.” detroitmi.gov/node/8656 (accessed 2026-10-06)
- City of Detroit Health Department, “West Nile Virus Detected in a Deceased Bird Found in Detroit.” detroitmi.gov/news/west-nile-virus-detected-deceased-bird-found-detroit (accessed 2026-10-06)
- Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, “West Nile Virus.” www.michigan.gov/emergingdiseases/home/west-nile (accessed 2026-10-06)
- Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, “Lyme Disease.” www.michigan.gov/emergingdiseases/home/lyme-disease (accessed 2026-10-06)
- Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, “Bed Bugs.” www.michigan.gov/emergingdiseases/home/bed-bugs (accessed 2026-10-06)
- USDA Forest Service, “Emerald ash borer research publication.” research.fs.usda.gov/treesearch/13648 (accessed 2026-10-06)
- Michigan Invasive Species Program, “Emerald Ash Borer.” www.michigan.gov/invasives/id-report/insects/emerald-ash-borer (accessed 2026-10-06)
- Michigan Invasive Species Program, “Spotted Lanternfly.” www.michigan.gov/invasives/id-report/insects/spotted-lanternfly (accessed 2026-10-06)
- Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, “Pesticide Application Businesses.” www.michigan.gov/mdard/licensing/pesticide/pesticide-application-business (accessed 2026-10-06)
- Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, “Commercial Pesticide Application Certification Categories.” www.michigan.gov/mdard/-/media/Project/Websites/mdard/documents/pesticide-plant-pest/pesticide/commercial_pesticide_application_certification_categories.pdf (accessed 2026-10-06)
- Michigan State University, “Attack of the emerald ash borer: MSU scientists to the rescue.” spartan.msu.edu/spartan-story-hub/news/2007/04/feature-attack-of-the-emerald-ash-border-msu-scientists-to-the-rescue (accessed 2026-10-06)
- USDA ARS and PRISM, via phzmapi.org, “Plant hardiness zone for ZIP 48226 (2023 USDA map data).” phzmapi.org/48226.json (accessed 2026-10-06)
- National Pesticide Information Center, “State Pesticide Regulatory Agencies.” npic.orst.edu/reg/state_agencies.html (accessed 2026-10-06)