Millipedes

What are Millipedes?

Millipedes belong to the family Diplopoda and are not actually an insect, but rather an arthropod.  Millipedes are typically brown or black in color and tend to range from 1 to 2 inches in length, but some may grow larger.  Unlike centipedes, another arthropod they are often mistaken for, millipedes have two sets of legs for every segment of their body, and when they move, their legs appear to be moving in a wave-like motion.  They do not have a thousand legs, like their name suggests, but actually have somewhere between 60 and 400.  A millipede has much shorter legs than a centipede and a millipede cannot move very fast despite the number of legs they have.

Why do I have them?

Most millipedes feed on damp and decaying vegetation and leaf litter.  They spend most of their lives in the soil, but may also overwinter in leaf litter and debris found under trees.  Occasionally, millipedes will make their way from their moist living conditions into homes, but will typically die because of lack of moisture and food.  Millipedes are also attracted to light and may be found in large numbers around patios, driveways, decks and commercial buildings and in parking lots.

Are they dangerous?

Millipedes are not poisonous and do not bite or sting.  They can emit a horrible fluid in order to defend themselves. Some species of millipede can spray this fluid several inches. The fluid can cause skin irritation in some people and should be washed off right away. Additionally, it may take some extra scrubbing to get rid of the odor.

How do I get rid of Millipedes?

Millipedes can be difficult to get rid of, especially if they enter your home in large numbers.  American Pest is your best choice if you need to get rid of millipedes from your home or business.  Our extremely knowledgeable, extensively trained pest control professionals will thoroughly inspect your property and then customize a solution to rid your property of millipedes in the fastest and safest way possible.

Can I do it myself?

Eliminating millipedes with do-it-yourself methods is not something many property owners have much luck with.  Over-the-counter pesticides can be dangerous to people, pets and plants if improperly mixed or administered.  A professional from American Pest can not only locate the source of the infestation indoors, they can help locate likely feeding spots for millipedes outdoors as well.

How soon can you get there?

At American Pest we take great pride in our quick response times as well as our exceptional customer service.  With that in mind, we try to respond the same or very next day.

Is the treatment safe?

Every product utilized by American Pest has been tested extensively by the EPA and has been accepted as safe for pest control use. Once it has been EPA registered, we will apply the product following a strict set of guidelines, which means you can rest assured it will not cause any harm to humans or pets.

How can I prevent this in the future?

Preventing future infestations of millipedes is a very difficult task.   To make your property less attractive to millipedes you can air out or use a dehumidifier in damp areas of your home, seal all cracks and crevices that may allow entry and keep your yard free of any rotting wood, decaying grass and leaves.