There are many unwanted pests in Plano, and millipedes are no exception. Between their unsightly appearance and tendency to invade in large numbers, millipedes are quite a nuisance. But are they dangerous to your property?
Identifying Millipedes
Out of all the Plano pests, millipedes may be the easiest to identify. They have long, hard bodies and many legs. Although they don't have a million legs as their name suggests, they do have too many legs to count with ease. In the U.S. alone, there are more than 1,000 species of millipedes. Millipedes can have several color variations. However, one of the most common color patterns is dark red. When threatened, they tend to curl up in a ball.
Is It Dangerous To Have Millipedes In Your Home?
Although Millipedes enjoy living outside, they occasionally wander into homes. They like moisture and will sometimes head inside in search of a moist place to live. If this happens, you don't need to worry about your health. Unlike many other Plano pests, millipedes are not hazardous to your health. They also don't do any property damage, so your home is safe as well.
The only risk comes from their ability to cause a rash. If you pick up a millipede, it could leave a stain on your hand and cause a small allergic reaction. Not everyone is allergic to millipedes, but many individuals are. Fortunately, the reaction is not serious and usually just causes minor discomfort.
Millipede Prevention 101
Even though millipedes won't do damage to you or your home, they are a nuisance. Therefore, it's important to know how to prevent them from inhabiting your property.
To keep them away, you need to understand their behavior. Generally, millipedes are nocturnal creatures. They come out at night and feed on dying plants or dead insects. Therefore, they often live in areas of a property that have high moisture and decayed vegetation. Mulch piles, grass clippings, and leaf piles are ideal environments for these pests.
Indoors, a millipede has a limited chance of survival. It will only survive if there's enough moisture and food. However, basements and bathrooms sometimes have enough of each for millipedes to thrive.
Methods Of Prevention
All of the following are ways to prevent millipedes from taking over your property:
Reduce Moisture
You can limit moisture in your home by using a dehumidifier and having proper ventilation. Outside your home, be sure to keep your lawn short and water your lawns early in the day. Doing so allows the grass to remain dry, which keeps millipedes at bay.
Keep Mulch Thin Around Your Home
When you have a thick layer of mulch surrounding your home, you give millipedes a place to hide. To make your home less appealing, only have a thin layer of mulch around your home. You should also keep vegetation low to prevent moisture build-up.
Limit Debris
If you have piles of debris on your property, millipedes will survive and reproduce. Prevent them from invading your space by removing leaves, grass clippings, and mulch piles. Store piles of firewood away from your home and keep it off the ground to prevent moisture build-up.
Contact A Professional
There's only so much you can do on your own for millipede prevention. This is because there's no way to eliminate moisture from your property. Try as you might, humidity happens. Our professionals will use various methods to keep millipedes away. You won't need to worry about these nuisance pests, and you can trust us to prevent infestations. Contact the professionals at All-Safe for more advice or assistance.