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bug in yard #866852

Asked May 03, 2024, 8:09 AM EDT

We found these as we were weeding next to our house. We are worried they might be termites. Can you tell us what these insects are?

Washtenaw County Michigan

Expert Response

It's not a termite, because they lack those rear appendages on each of the insects you've found.

These are most likely Diplura, bristletails. This group is encountered infrequently, but they are decomposers that pose no risk to your home or garden.

David Lowenstein Replied May 03, 2024, 12:33 PM EDT

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This work is supported in part by New Technologies for Ag Extension grant no. 2020-41595-30123 from the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture. Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the view of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

bug in yard #866852

Expert Response

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