Pests to know in Lansing
Termites in Lansing
HUD's FHA termite exception list waives new-construction termite treatment in 46 mostly northern Michigan counties. Ingham County is not among them, so treatment is required there.[6]
Invasive species reported here
- Ingham County lies inside Michigan's box tree moth quarantine, which bars moving boxwood plants, plant parts and nursery stock out of the quarantined counties.[7]
- Starting January 1, 2027, Michigan will not allow untreated firewood to be brought into the state; heat-treated firewood certified by MDARD, another state or USDA is exempt.[8]
Pests local experts flag
- If a bat turns up inside a home, Ingham County's rabies fact sheet says not to throw it away but to call the county health department or Ingham County animal control for advice.[3]
- The Ingham County Health Department's Healthy Homes page collects bed bug guides, including a bed bug manual and advice on choosing a pest management company.[5]
Climate
Central Lansing (ZIP 48933) is in USDA plant hardiness zone 6a, where the average coldest winter night is -10 to -5°F.[10]
Public agencies that handle pests
- Ingham County Health Department says Lyme disease transmission is unlikely if an attached tick is removed within 24 to 36 hours, though ticks should still be removed promptly.[1]
- Ingham County residents who find a tick can submit the tick itself or a photo of it to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services for identification.[1]
- Ingham County Health Department describes Eastern Equine Encephalitis as a rare but severe mosquito-borne brain infection and urges bite prevention, especially during outdoor evening activities.[2]
- Ingham County's West Nile virus fact sheet says many mosquitoes are most active at dusk and dawn, and recommends replacing birdbath and pet-dish water weekly to remove breeding sites.[4]
Hiring a licensed company
Michigan pesticide applicator credentials issued by MDARD last three years and expire on December 31 of the third year; commercial applicators must pass a core exam plus at least one category exam.[9]
Free local help
MDARD gives its core pesticide applicator exams following a core review run by Michigan State University's Pesticide Safety Education Program.[9]
Through the year
- Summer
- Ingham County's health department notes that Michigan summers bring ticks that can carry Lyme disease, and advises light-colored pants, closed-toe shoes and EPA-approved repellent outdoors.[1]
Sources
- Ingham County Health Department, “Lyme Disease.” hd.ingham.org/health/communicable_disease/lyme_disease.php (accessed 2026-10-06)
- Ingham County Health Department, “Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE).” hd.ingham.org/health/communicable_disease/eastern_equine_encephalitis.php (accessed 2026-10-06)
- Ingham County Health Department, “Fact Sheet: Rabies.” web.archive.org/web/20250605064815/docs.ingham.org/Rabies.pdf (accessed 2026-10-06)
- Ingham County Health Department, “Fact Sheet: West Nile Virus.” web.archive.org/web/20250605064732/docs.ingham.org/Department/Health%20Department/communicable%20diseases/fact%20sheets/West%20Nile.pdf (accessed 2026-10-06)
- Ingham County Health Department, “Healthy Homes.” hd.ingham.org/health/environmental_health/healthy_homes.php (accessed 2026-10-06)
- U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, “Termite Treatment Exception Areas.” www.hud.gov/sites/dfiles/SFH/documents/SFH_POLI_TERMITE.pdf (accessed 2026-10-06)
- Michigan Invasive Species Program (MDARD), “Box Tree Moth.” www.michigan.gov/invasives/id-report/insects/box-tree-moth (accessed 2026-10-06)
- Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, “MDARD, MISP take next step in preventing invasive pests from entering Michigan.” www.michigan.gov/invasives/news/2026/09/17/firewood-quarantine (accessed 2026-10-06)
- Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, “Pesticide Applicator Certification.” www.michigan.gov/mdard/licensing/pesticide/pesticide-applicator-certification (accessed 2026-10-06)
- USDA ARS and PRISM, via phzmapi.org, “Plant hardiness zone for ZIP 48933 (2023 USDA map data).” phzmapi.org/48933.json (accessed 2026-10-06)
- National Pesticide Information Center, “State Pesticide Regulatory Agencies.” npic.orst.edu/reg/state_agencies.html (accessed 2026-10-06)