Are there any surveys that keep track of insect populations in the state of Michigan?
I do not know of a statewide survey of all insects. Michigan State University Extension is collecting data on the nuisance ladybird beetle calls they are receiving this year in the county MSUE offices. The MSU Extension CAT alert system also keeps track of pests that may potentially damage agriculture and/or the green industry. You can view CAT alerts at http://www.msue.msu.edu/ipm/aboutcat.htm. The Michigan Natural Features Inventory keeps track of threatened and endangered species. You can visit them at http://www.dnr.state.mi.us/wildlife/heritage/Mnfi Do Asian Lady Beetles harm clothing or structures? An orange liquid is expelled when Asian ladybugs are crushed. This fluid can stain some surfaces and fabrics. (Tom Ellis, MSU Entomologist) Lady beetles are not structure-damaging pests, unlike insects such as termites and carpenter ants. Lady beetles do not chew or bore holes in walls or eat carpet or furniture. They do not lay their eggs in homes. http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/pr/2000/0
