Millipede Control
The millipede is the true definition of a “creepy crawler” and seeing one makes you want to call OMNIS for millipede control. Millipedes are often in horror movies or even nightmares, but this is not to say that they are all bad. They appear to be creepy, but they may not be as bad as one would think.
Now even though they are not as bad as everyone thinks, this does not mean they deserve to live in your home uninvited. Millipedes have their role in the ecosystem doubt, but that role is best performed outside in the environment.
Characteristics
Millipede derives from Latin, meaning “a thousand feet” however, most millipedes have less than a hundred legs on their whole body. A millipede has many segments that make up its body, with pairs of legs per segment. They typically range anywhere from less than an inch long to just under five inches.
They are invertebrates, meaning they lack a backbone, and they are not considered actual insects. To be classified as an insect, the critter must have three distinct body regions such as a head, thorax, and abdomen; they must also have three pairs of legs and two antennae. Millipedes have many more than just three legs, which is why they are Diplopoda, or “double foot.”
The millipede has a range of rustic colors that it can take on, from dark brownish/red to orange or even black. They have a body that looks like a worm, but it has two legs per segment.
Behavior
Millipedes are pretty docile for the most part; they do not bite, pinch, or sting. Most of the time, they can be confused with their lookalike, the centipede, but they are nowhere near as dangerous. It is essential to understand the difference between millipedes and centipedes because centipedes can bite.
Additionally, centipedes also have venom that they can use; though not lethal to humans, their venom can cause painful reactions. Millipedes can secrete a poisonous bodily fluid that can burn through other insects when in contact. As for the dangers this fluid presents to humans, it is not a threat, except maybe some irritation to the area.
Millipedes are expert burrowers due to the number of legs they have at once digging through the ground. They will be more active at night unless it has just rained because millipedes thrive in moist environments.
A typical millipede diet consists of decaying organic matter, earning them the title of “detritivores.” They will eat dying leaves, plants, feces, and even their feces.
It is not typical that a millipede would prefer living indoors unless there is a high moisture area. Otherwise, the millipede would only last a few days before dying.
Why They are a Problem
Millipedes may not pose a lethal danger to humans. However, they still are not company you want to keep around. Millipedes can release poison as a defense mechanism that may not kill humans but may cause a reaction. Some species of millipedes will even squirt their attackers, which increases the risk of their poison getting in your eyes.
Additionally, millipedes can quickly take over an area if left untreated since their typical egg count is around one hundred. Their incubation period is about three months, but they bury the eggs underground, so there is no way of telling for sure.
In the event there is millipede activity inside the home, this could indicate a potential issue. The only time a millipede should find themselves in a house on purpose is if there is a heavy moisture source drawing them in. They could crawl in through crawl space vents and under unsealed doors or windows. If there is a lot of millipede activity, this might be signs of a more significant water issue.
Finally, another reason to keep millipedes away from your home is simply because of the other bugs they might attract. Millipedes are still part of the ecosystem and have predators such as ground beetles, ants, and spiders.
Pest Threat Level
2/10
How to Control Millipedes
Controlling millipedes is not an easy task since they are predominately underground. Some measures you can take to help prevent them from targeting your yard may include regular maintenance and ensuring there is no standing water.
In addition to maintenance and water management, removing dead plants or other decaying organic matter is vital. Ensuring all grass clippings, animal feces, and even garbage are not lying around will lessen a millipede’s incentive.
Since millipedes are so challenging to control, it may be best to consider hiring a trustworthy pest control professional to handle the problem. OMNIS Pest Control has mastered the control techniques required to stop millipedes from infesting a yard. The combined years of experience and tier-one training have allowed the OMNIS crew to not only quickly remove millipedes but keep them away.
Professional Removal
Millipede control is not a task you want to tackle on your own, so consider OMNIS Pest Control at your service. Contact OMNIS today and speak with one of our expert representatives to see how OMNIS will protect your home and yard from a millipede infestation.
Not only can you learn more details on the millipede treatment plan, but we will give you a free estimate after the consultation to help you decide to let OMNIS protect your home and yard. Do not let a millipede infestation occur in your yard because it is only an uphill battle to get rid of them. Stop them from ever happening with OMNIS Pest Control.
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