Detecting and Preventing Termintes: an Interview with Bob of The Bug Man Inc.

Tell us a little bit about your company and its foundation.

The Bug Man Inc. was started in 1985 in Adrian, Michigan. We opened a second office in Mason (near Lansing) in 1987. The Adrian office was sold in 1998 and we no longer have a presence in Lenawee County. The Mason office is owned by Bob Yoakam (President) and Don Whelpley (Vice President). We currently have two employees and a phone answerer.

Please explain the issue of termite infestation in homes.

Termites do infest homes in Michigan but that would be the exception not the rule. Although they can be expensive to get rid of.... most termite jobs run between $1000 and $2000.

What are the first signs of termite infestation?

The first signs of termites would be shelter tubes or sometimes called termite tubes. These usually start in a basement or crawl space since termites come from underneath the ground.

What are causes of termite infestation?

That is hard to know. There is no rhyme nor reason here in Michigan. They appear in different type soils and different levels of underground water systems. Although in Michigan they are usually in what I would call pocket areas - areas where the infestation levels are closer to perhaps as high as 50%. Example: The Groesbeck area of Lansing has a high infestation level. On the other hand at this point in time we have never seen them in Okemos.

What is the best way to contact you and your company?

You will certainly need a professional company to rid your house to these wood-destroying pests. We recommend you contact at least three professional companies talk them and evaluate your options for treatment. The Bug Man is in your yellowpages under Pest Control or on the internet at lansingbugman.com.