Everything to Know About Bed Bugs in Michigan

aerial view of michigan with bed bug image over it

A state known for the Great Lakes and coney dogs, Michigan is full of great food and natural wonders. But even the nicest states have pests, and bed bugs have been creeping into beds all over the Mitten State. Whether you’re a resident or a visitor, here is everything you need to know about bed bugs in Michigan.

Are There Bed Bugs in Michigan?

Yes. Although bed bugs are found in all 50 states, they have been spotted more frequently in Michigan recently.

In the past several years, multiple Michigan cities have made it on the annual “Worst Cities for Bed Bugs” lists by Orkin and Terminix. These cities include:

  • Battle Creek 
  • Bay City
  • Detroit
  • Flint
  • Grand Rapids 
  • Kalamazoo
  • Lansing
  • Saginaw

Bed Bug Assistance Programs in Michigan

a single bed bug on a blanket fiber
Photo Credit: dblight / Canva Pro / License

Though no charities or exterminators in Michigan offer financial compensation to low-income households with bed bugs, free resources are still available.

To educate the public on the best practices for bed bug prevention and control, the Michigan Department of Community Health developed a bed bug manual. This resource covers everything Michigan residents need to know about bed bugs, including:

  • Health concerns
  • Laws and regulations
  • Treatment guidelines
  • Preventative guidelines
  • Site-specific guidelines
  • State of Michigan bed bug materials and resources
  • Materials and resources from other agencies

Michigan Laws On Bed Bugs

bed bug on a white wall
Photo Credit: Yxyv / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0

Michigan laws authorize the government to protect the public against conditions that are harmful to human health, including protection against bed bugs. Here are the key takeaways:

Housing:

  • Tenants are responsible for maintaining their unit and complying with inspections.
  • Landlords must promptly respond to a tenant reporting a bed bug infestation and are required to fix the problem within 30 days.
  • Officials are authorized to inspect and take action against the owner or occupant of a property where conditions are a “public nuisance” or harmful to public health.

Pesticides:

  • Pesticides must be registered with the Michigan Department of Agriculture (MDA).
  • Pesticides must be sold with fully labeled directions.
  • Pesticides must be packaged in unbroken containers.
  • Pest control companies that use pesticides must have a business license with the MDA and follow other requirements when storing and transporting pesticides.
  • Schools, childcare facilities, and other public buildings must be notified when pesticides will be applied.

Michigan Bugs That Look Like Bed Bugs

Michigan is home to a few bugs that look like bed bugs

Bat Bugs

bed bug and bat bug side by side comparison
Photo Credits:
Bed Bug: AFPMB / Flickr / Public Domain
Bat Bug: NY State IPM Program at Cornell University / FlickrCC BY 2.0

The eastern bat bug is a species found in Michigan. It feeds off bats and can be found where bat colonies make their home or in the attics and walls of buildings. It has a broad head and oval body, similar to bed bugs. The bat bug may bite people if it can’t find its preferred host.

Booklice

comparison of booklice and bedbug
Photo Credits:
Bed Bug: AFPMB / Flickr / Public Domain
Booklice: Tomasz Klejdysz / Canva Pro / License

These are a type of louse that munches on fungi and mold and aren’t likely to be in your bed unless it’s moldy. They live in large groups and can be a nuisance, but they aren’t dangerous to humans.

Booklice can be identified by:

  • A white or light brown, round body
  • Two neck sections attaching the head to the abdomen
  • Long, wispy antennae
  • A brown spot on the end of the abdomen 

Carpet Beetles

comparison of bed bug and carpet beetle
Photo Credits:
Bed Bug: AFPMB / Flickr / Public Domain
Carpet Beetle: Udo Schmidt / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.0

As the name implies, this type of beetle is known to infest carpets. Carpet beetle larvae are tan and covered in bristles. These larvae have a taste for clothing, rugs, blankets, and pillows. So it’s no surprise that you might find these critters on your bed and mistake them for bed bugs thanks to their similar coloring and size.

Ticks

comparison of bed bug and tick
Photo Credits:
Bed Bug: AFPMB / Flickr / Public Domain
Tick: NIAID / Flickr / CC BY 2.0

Similar to bed bugs, all types of ticks are bloodsuckers with oval-shaped bodies the size of an apple seed. However, they are arachnids with eight legs instead of six. They make their homes in tall grass where they can hitch a ride on an unwitting passerby. 

How to Get Rid of Bed Bugs in Michigan

Bed bugs have two big weaknesses: cold and heat. Michigan is very snowy, and you can use this to your advantage if bed bugs plague you. But the best way to discourage bed bugs from hiding and reproducing in your home is to clean regularly. 

Here are some common tips and tricks for getting rid of bed bugs:

  • Use extreme heat or cold: Put bed bug-infested items in a sealed bag, and place the bag in a freezer that stays at 0 degrees for at least three days.
  • Use a high-powered vacuum on your mattress, furniture, and carpet. Put extra work into cleaning the seams.
  • Scrub your mattress and furniture with a stiff bristle brush to remove and damage any eggs. 
  • Steam clean your mattress, carpet, and furniture at a minimum of 130 degrees (but hotter is ideal) with low airflow to avoid dispersing the bugs or their eggs. Let the steamed items dry.
  • Heat treat your bedding, clothing, and furniture covers by washing them in hot water and drying them on high heat. You can alternatively use a portable thermal heater for items that can’t be dried.
  • Clothes that can’t be put in the dryer should be taken to a dry cleaner.
  • Place interceptor and glue traps underneath your beds, chairs, and couches.
  • Spread diatomaceous earth around your baseboards and behind electrical outlets. When bed bugs walk through the powder, it will dry out their exoskeletons.

With severe infestations that can’t be tamed with DIY heat and cold treatments, you need to hire a reliable bed bug exterminator in Michigan

FAQ About Bed Bugs in Michigan

Do I Need to Throw Out My Bed if I Have Bed Bugs?

No, most mattresses infested with bed bugs can be treated without being thrown away. However, if you decide that your mattress is too far gone, seal it in a plastic bag and spray paint “bed bugs” across both sides before throwing it out to avoid spreading the bugs around to other homes.

Which Michigan Hotels Have Bed Bugs?

It’s impossible to say because a bed bug infestation can be treated in about six weeks. So, a hotel can be rid of their problem just that quickly. Before booking a room, you should always check your hotel on a bed bug registry site. The most likely culprits are the hotels in areas of Michigan with a larger population and lots of tourists.

Can I Sue My Landlord for Bed Bugs in Michigan?

Landlords are required by law to provide safe living spaces. So, if you prove that your landlord was negligent, he is liable, and you can sue him. However, if it’s proven that you are responsible for the bed bugs entering the home, you will not have any grounds to sue your landlord.

Who To Call For Bed Bugs in Michigan

When bed bugs in the Great Lake State aren’t sent packing by a deep clean and DIY remedies, let Pest Gnome connect you with a local pest control pro today for bed bugs or other pest issues.

Pest Gnome participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. Pest Gnome may earn revenue from products promoted in this article.

Main Image Credits:
Background: Sean Pavone / Canva Pro / License
Bed Bug: Dmitry Bezrukov / Canva Pro / License

Lydian Pine

Lydian Pine is a creative writer and studio artist whose work first debuted in a short story anthology. She graduated from the University of North Texas in 2020 and enjoys video games, theatre, and swimming. Lately, she has started to study entomology as a hobby.