Pest Control for Millipedes
The most important element of millipede pest control is eliminating MOISTURE that allows them to THRIVE!
EXTERIOR Pest Control Measures for Millipedes:
- Dethatch your lawn to reduce moisture in the lawn.
- Mow your lawn low, and very close at the edges to promote quick drying
- Eliminate any debris around your home including: wood piles, accumulations of leaves or mulch, etc.
- Only water your lawn in the mornings so that it has time to dry out during the day.
- EFFECTIVE Pest Control treatments are applied around the perimeter and flower beds, {and in basements if you have one.}
Millipede Identification
Millipedes have the nick name “thousand leggers”, but they really only have between 30 and 375 pairs of legs.
Millipedes occur all over the world, and there are 1000 species of Millipedes in the US alone! Some millipede species have abad smelling that comes from a fluid that runs along the sides of their body. These millipedes are toxic to small birds, and animals, and can cause blisters on humans.
- Adult Millipedes are usually 1/16- 4 1/2″ long.
- Their shape is cylindrical, and worm like.
- Color is usually dark brown reddish to black. Sometimes they have some orange inthem or have mottled patterns.
- Antennae are short with 7 segments.
- They have a cluster of small eyes on both sides of their heads.
- Body segments have 2 pairs of legs each. {1-3 body segments will have no legs at all.}
- Instar millipedes usually have only 7 body segments with 3 pairs of legs.
- Millipedes gain body segments and legs each time they molt!
Millipede Habits
Millipedes are nocturnal {active at night}, and SCAVENGERS! They feed on rotting organic materials. Usually millipedes prefer to eat plant materials, but they also feed on other dead bugs, worms, and snails!
Because Millipedes require moisture for their survival, they don’t usually infest inside homes. When they do find their way indoors, they die in a few days {unless you have a bad moisture problem!} Millipedes can bread all year round with the right conditions, and adult females ulay between 20 and 300 eggs which will hatch in several weeks! Eggs are laid in rotting organic materials or cavities in the soil.
Responsible Pest Control serving Mesa Phoenix Gilbert Chandler Scottsdale and Glendale AZ