Some pests fit the description creepy crawly better than others, especially millipedes. These pests invade yards and homes looking for food, moisture, and a place to hide. In order to control a pest problem, you need to know what you’re facing. We’ve gathered information about millipedes to help you identify and eliminate an infestation.
What Do Millipedes Look Like?
Millipedes are dark in color, typically brown or black. They have a cylindrical-shaped body that ranges in size from 1/16ʺ–4 ½ʺ. Their body consists of segments and each segment usually contains two pairs of legs. You are likely to spot these arthropods at night because this is when they are most active.
Where Do Millipedes Live?
These pests prefer to be outside in damp areas. You’ll often find them hiding under dead leaves, mulch, or grass clippings. Flowerbeds and gardens are perfect spots for millipedes. These pests will occasionally enter homes. They migrate to basements and crawlspaces since these spots are usually cool and moist. They like to hide under furniture, boxes, or other items that provide shelter.
What Do Millipedes Eat?
Millipedes feed on decaying plant material, making them detritivores. Damp or decaying wood is particularly attractive to them. Decaying leaves and plant material can also become a food source for these arthropods. Because millipedes need moisture, they will get resourceful if their environment becomes too dry. Roots and leaves of living plants can be used as a source of water for these pests.
Why Are Millipedes in My Home?
Millipedes sneak indoors when conditions outside no longer suit their needs. This happens when temperatures are too high or too low and there’s not enough moisture. Heavy rainfall that disrupts their habitat can also cause them to head inside. They enter through cracks in walls or foundations, windows and doors, or crawlspace vents. In the fall, large groups of millipedes are known to migrate to new places including homes.
Are Millipedes Dangerous?
These pests are more of a nuisance than a threat. They don’t bite or sting and aren’t known to damage homes. Some species of millipedes excrete an unpleasant smelling liquid that can irritate skin. They also travel in groups, which can lead to large infestations. When these pests gather in gardens, they can damage plants. Even though they eat dead leaves and decaying wood, they can feed on plants and their roots.
How To Prevent Millipedes
Millipedes need moisture, food, and shelter to survive. Eliminating their access to these things can help to keep your home and yard free of these pests. Check out a few tips for keeping millipedes away.
- Seal Cracks: Check the interior and exterior of your home for cracks and gaps. Millipedes can easily slip through these holes.
- Repair Screens: Examine your window and door screens for holes and repair or replace any with tears. You’ll also want to make sure weather stripping is in good condition.
- Eliminate Moisture: Millipedes love moisture, so this step is important. Fix any leaky pipes or faucets. Use a dehumidifier or fans to help prevent moisture build-up.
- Remove Yard Debris: Keep your yard free of items that could act as shelter or food for millipedes including piles of leaves and grass clippings.
- Reduce Clutter: Millipedes have a habit of hiding under things, so eliminating clutter can help to prevent an infestation. Keep things organized and store items in plastic bins since millipedes and other pests like to hide under cardboard boxes.
How Do You Get Rid of Millipedes?
When millipedes invade your home and yard, there are a few things you can do to get rid of them.
- Vacuum: You can use a vacuum to remove these pests from your home. Make sure the bag is sealed before placing it in a trash bin with a tightly fitted lid.
- Indoor Spray: Using a plant-based insecticide spray can help to eliminate millipedes in your home. Our Home Bug Spray kills pests, while providing you with residual repellency protection. Spraying common entry points can help to prevent millipedes from entering your home.
- Create a Protective Barrier: Spraying the perimeter of your yard or garden with our Yard Bug Spray can create a protective barrier that deters millipedes from entering your yard. It will also help to kill millipedes when sprayed directly.
Millipedes may enjoy hanging out in your yard and home, but you don’t have to let them. Taking the time to pest-proof your home and yard can help you avoid an infestation. If pests are giving you a fit, we want to help! Check out our Maggie’s Farm Simply Effective™ Pest Control products for a more environmentally and family-friendly solution when used as directed.