Michigan doesn’t usually conjure up images of dangerous animals like those of coastal states. Instead, Michigan is known for its freshwater lakes and the absence of sharks. But as rare as they may be, there are certain species here in Michigan that are dangerous and downright deadly if they come into contact with humans. Being able to spot these dangerous pests is key to not being bit by them.
The Brown Recluse
Traditionally believed to only reside in its native southern and central U.S. habitat, the brown recluse has been occasionally spotted in Michigan homes. From 2011 to 2017, there have been reports of six cases of brown recluse spiders. The most recent being in nearby Davison, in Genesee County where it was found in an unheated garage. Throwing the idea that they cannot survive Michigan winters out the window.
Brown recluse spiders can be identified by the violin-shaped marking on their abdomen. They are shy creatures, hence their name, and are rarely seen by humans. They hide during the day and only venture out at night in search of food. They aren’t particularly aggressive, but they will attack if threatened. The bite of a brown recluse is one of the most dangerous in the world. Venom has the unique ability to kill skin cells in the affected area, which is not only extremely painful but can also lead to infection and, in rare cases, death.
The Black Widow
The black widow spider is probably the most well-known venomous spider in the world. Just the image of its infamous red hourglass marking is enough to evoke fear in most people. The black widow is not as aggressive as tall tales make them out to be. They are shy, like the brown recluse, and only feed at night. As long as you don’t bother it, it won’t bother you. But sometimes humans and black widows cross paths, such as when they make their nests in our homes. A black widow bite should be taken very seriously as it’s one of the most potent in the world. The venom of these spiders attacks the nervous system and can cause:
- Stiff muscles
- Nausea or vomiting
- Difficulty breathing
- Severe abdominal pain or cramping
- Excessive sweating
- Rash and itching
- Swollen eyelids
Deer Ticks
The blacklegged tick or “deer tick” as it’s commonly referred to in Michigan are small brown ticks with black legs. They wait in tall grass for animals such as deer and pets, but they prefer the taste of human blood. They prefer the taste of human blood. Deer ticks are the number one carriers of Lyme disease in the northern United States. They pick up the disease from feeding on deer. When they jump onto a human host, they can transmit the disease into our bloodstream. Lyme disease is no joke. It can cause headaches, fevers, fatigue, and a rash called erythema migrans. Be watchful of pets and children as they play outdoors this summer. There have been warnings that this summer could be a particularly bad tick season .
Call The Professionals at Custom Personalized
At Custom Personalized , we don’t just make beautiful lawns with our lawn care program , we protect them too. With our flea and tick program , we can make sure nasty deer ticks don’t threaten your family this summer.
Looking to keep unwanted pests out of your home? Our Mosquito Control Program includes perimeter pest control
When you sign up, you will get:
- Five flea and tick treatments
- Free Season-long Service Calls as needed
- New Customers receive 1/2 OFF Last Treatment
Call (800) 570-3313 today and ask about our or leave a message on our site. Follow our blog for more helpful lawn care tips.
