Common Pest: Millipedes

Millipedes are often confused with centipedes – both are long, have an extraordinary number of legs, and are a little creepy. However, millipedes have two legs per body segment, whereas centipedes have just one, and millipedes move slower than centipedes. Some species of millipedes excrete poisonous liquid or gas as a defense mechanism, although their primary means of defense is curling up into a ball. Typically millipede excretions are only mildly irritating to humans. Most millipedes are herbivorous, and like to live in areas with lots of vegetation, such as gardens. They like dark, damp areas, such as spaces under leaves or stones or in cement cracks, and depending on the species, can be active at night or during the day. Some can climb trees or burrow in soil.

Identifying a millipede infestation can be done by examining your plants and yard area. If there are areas with lots of mulch, grass clippings, or leaves, millipedes may be living there. Examine the leaves of your plants for unusual damage, and check seedlings to see if their outer coating is intact. If not, millipedes may be to blame. Though millipedes won’t harm humans beyond giving them a small rash, they can be devastating to gardens and may move into a building’s basement or stairwells.

Preventing millipede infestations can be done by cleaning up any areas that could provide darkness and dampness for millipedes to live in, like piles of wet leaves for example. Properly storing mulch and disposing of leaf piles will often reduce the risk of millipedes. Watering your lawn in the morning so that the afternoon sun leaves it dry by evening is also helpful. To prevent millipedes from entering a building, it is essential to make sure that doorways, windows, pipes, and siding are all sealed well with caulk. Re-caulk any problem areas if necessary. You can also purchase sprays that can be applied around the house to repel millipedes. Continue to keep an eye out for potential millipede nests in leaves and cracks. If you already have a millipede infestation, the best course of action is to contact a millipede extermination company right away, like the experts here at Bugs by Brian. Our pest control experts will be able to tell you exactly what your particular infestation calls for, and can assist you in inspecting and treating your problem. It is important to get rid of millipedes as early as possible before they destroy your garden and enter your home.

Residents or business owners who suspect a millipede infestation should retain the services of the professional exterminators at Bugs by Brian. Professional millipede extermination service begins with a thorough examination of the household or business. Once the infestation is controlled, our expert exterminators can help homeowners and business owners make an effective plan to prevent the millipede problem from recurring.