It’s Bug Move-In Season in Michigan: Here’s What’s Crawling In

I hate to be the one to tell you this, but while we're busy squeezing every last drop out of Michigan's summer, several thousand tiny freeloaders are already considering spending the winter in your place.

And unlike your relatives, these guests won't even pretend to offer to help with the dishes.

RELATED: Michigan City Named America’s Most Bed Bug-Infested

According to Michigan State University Extension, several insects routinely look for protected places to spend the winter, and our homes make pretty attractive accommodations. The usual suspects include boxelder bugs, multicolored Asian lady beetles, western conifer seed bugs, and cluster flies.

a bug sitting on top of a green leaf

Of course, brown marmorated stink bugs are another Michigan fall favorite. MSU says they enter buildings in search of winter shelter, not because they're nesting, reproducing, or plotting to take over your pantry, though it may feel that way emotionally.

How Do You Keep Michigan Bugs Outside?

orange and black ladybug on green leaf

The best defense is boring but effective: seal cracks and gaps around windows, doors, siding, and anywhere pipes or wires enter your house before cooler weather sends the creepy-crawlies on a mission to find shelter.

If they've already made it inside thanks to some cooler evenings, MSU recommends vacuuming them rather than crushing them. That's especially good advice when it comes to stink bugs, unless you're curious what regret smells like.

Close-up of a stink bug with orange markings

Most of these insects aren't going to damage your house. They're mainly annoying houseguests waiting out the long Michigan winter.

RELATED: MDARD Urging Six Michigan Counties to Destroy This Bug on Sight

So enjoy the remaining warm weather, because soon enough we'll be closing the windows, turning on the furnace, and discovering something with six legs has already claimed the guest room.