Blog

Millipedes are worm like looking creatures but are characterized by the many legs they have. It is that feature that has rightly earned the millipede a nick name as the ‘thousand legger’. Millipedes belong to the animal class of Arthropods and grow as long as 2.5 cm to 4cm.

This insect can appear as brown in color while other millipedes may have a jet black color on the top while their legs have a pinkish hue and their under belly is white.

Millipedes habitat

Millipedes prefer moist and cool environments with least disturbance. Some of their favorite habitats will often include, under rocks, rotting wood, foundations, compost heap, mulch, flower beds and in piles of leaves on the ground.

Millipedes will often be forced to look for shelter inside your home when the conditions outside become untenable. When it rains too much and the grounds outside are soaked. Millipedes have no option but to seek shelter in a house with more favorable conditions. During hot weather, this arthropod will seek cooler shelter and water. You house is often a perfect option as they can easily crawl under the door or get through an open window. Cracks and crevices on the floor and wall that lead into the house are often good ways for the millipede to gain access to your home.

Whenever you see a millipede in the home, it is often in the bathroom, laundry area or crawl spaces. Once a millipede finds access into your home, it will try and locate it’s comfort spots which is any damp or moist spaces as mentioned above.

An effective way to get rid of the millipede once it enters your home is to simply kill it by stomping on it with a shoe or vacuuming it.

Although the creature is not harmful in any way, some people just find it creepy and would not want to see it crawling around in the house.

Preventative measures against millipedes

Taking measures to prevent millipedes from infesting your yard and sealing all possible entry points is a good place to start.

1. Some areas of the home are more prone to cracks and can be an entry point for bugs. Sealing all cracks around the foundation, plumbing and wiring will ensure that creepy crawlies such as millipedes and other bugs do not gain entry to your home.
2. Leaky faucets, water pipes, and air conditioning units should be repaired as they can become an attraction for bugs such as millipedes
3. Sealing any expansion joints where patios, sunrooms, and sidewalks are next to your foundation is called for. That is because they discourage millipedes as well as other bugs from making their way into your house.
4. Maintain a clean and uncluttered yard by removing dead plant matter and piles of leaves as well as mulch.
5. Watering the lawn should not be overdone. It is also better to water in the morning as opposed to night so that the grass has time to sun dry before nightfall. Ensuring that your sprinklers are well adjusted such as to minimize pooling will also help in keeping your lawn dry and minimizing millipedes.

Conclusion

Such preventative measures as mentioned above, help in not making the environment suitable for a millipede infestation. However, should you feel that your home is getting overrun by millipedes, get in touch with a licensed pest controller for help in getting rid of them from your compound.