All About Millipedes
All the millipede information you need in one handy spot.
Millipede Facts & Information
Most of the millipedes that people come in contact with are a dark brown color, approximately an inch long and one sixteenth of an inch in diameter. Most have a hard outer skin and will curl into a spiral upon death. Millipedes are decomposers and are beneficial to have around your yard. But that doesn’t mean you want them in your house.
To keep millipedes from venturing into your home, repair leaky faucets, water pipes, and air conditioning units. Avoid overwatering your lawn and dethatch if needed since millipedes will also live in the thick, moist thatch layer of a poorly maintained lawn. Seal and caulk cracks and other openings in your foundation wall, and apply door sweeps to exterior doors.
To keep millipedes from venturing into your home, repair leaky faucets, water pipes, and air conditioning units. Avoid overwatering your lawn and dethatch if needed since millipedes will also live in the thick, moist thatch layer of a poorly maintained lawn. Seal and caulk cracks and other openings in your foundation wall, and apply door sweeps to exterior doors.
How Do I Get Rid of Millipedes
First start by removing their hiding places. Don’t pile mulch against the foundation, and remove leaves, grass clippings, woodpiles, and stones from around the outside of your home. You should also make sure your foundation, basement, and crawl spaces are dry by using dehumidifiers or sump pumps if needed. Keep gutters and downspouts clear of leaves and in good working order to help keep water (and the moisture they love) away from your foundation. Of course, a professional pest control company can take care of them for you. Many times, millipedes are included in year round service plans.
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Redeem OfferFAQS ABOUT MILLIPEDES
How many legs does a millipede have?
Despite their names, millipedes don’t have even close to 1,000 feet. Most species have fewer than 100 legs. Their legs are tucked under the body and so they are difficult to see. The number of body segments varies with the species (estimated in the range of 10,000 species), but the number of pairs of legs generally ranges between 40 and 400.
Are millipedes poisonous?
Millipedes are not poisonous, but many species have glands capable of producing irritating fluids that may cause allergic reactions in some individuals.
What do millipedes eat?
Millipedes are detritivores, meaning they eat decaying organic matter. They help to break down leaves and other organic material into nutrients that plants can use.
Why do millipedes smell?
Millipedes have glands on their sides that can produce a foul-smelling fluid when disturbed. The fluid may contain iodine, quinone, and hydrocyanic acid, and some say it smells like bitter almonds.
How do millipedes breathe?
Instead of breathing with lungs like mammals, millipedes breathe through tiny pore-like holes located down the length of their body, called spiracles. Because of this special breathing adaptation, if a millipede gets too wet, it could potentially drown.
Why Western FOR MILLIPEDE CONTROL?
We’re passionate about controlling millipedes because we live and work here – it’s our neighborhood, too. With our almost 100 years of experience keeping homes and businesses in Connecticut, Delaware, New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania safe from pests, Western has the experience you can trust.
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