When you think of a millipede, the first thing that comes to mind is usually the crazy amount of legs they have. You’d probably assume they have a thousand legs, right? Well, the truth is that millipedes don’t have as many legs as you would think. Something else you may not know is that while millipedes are certainly considered nuisance pests, they’re not considered insects.
What Are Millipedes?
Millipedes are a type of arthropod. They are garden scavengers, meaning they feed on decaying plant matter and leaves. They’re extremely drawn to humid areas with high levels of moisture, meaning your Plano property is looking pretty enticing to these pests right about now.
You may be wondering how to figure out if there are any millipedes on your property. Well, because there are approximately 10,000 known species of millipedes in the U.S. alone, it’s not always easy to accurately identify them. Let’s review some of the basic identifiers and general characteristics of millipedes so that you can better detect them on your property.
Millipedes are most noted for their numerous legs. While they don't have 1,000, the 80-400 they do have are notable. These legs grow with two pairs per body segment (called diplosomites). The millipede's body is covered with a tough-shelled exoskeleton and can grow from a half-inch to fifteen inches in length. These bodies curl up into little balls when disturbed and otherwise look like the long, cylindrical body of a worm. Millipedes move slowly with legs making a wave-like motion and can be brown, black, or red.
Risks Of A Millipede Infestation
When you see a millipede, the number of legs is pretty strange looking. It makes it look like they’re scary, dangerous pests that can cause serious harm. Millipedes are nuisance pests, that much is true, but they look much worse than they are. Millipedes do not bite, and they do not sting.
While millipedes don’t cause any real harm to humans, their pets, or their property, they’re still irksome and we don’t want them hanging around our home. Not only are they annoying, but when they feel threatened, they can emit a putrid odor that can negatively impact our skin and eyes. This fluid can also be toxic to small pets and animals.
Preventing Millipedes
Needless to say, it’s important to protect your property from these pests. If you want to prevent millipedes from invading your space, there are some proactive measures you can take. Here are some helpful tips for preventing millipede activity around your property:
- Seal cracks and crevices in your foundation.
- Block off all possible entry points.
- Correct drainage and moisture problems.
- Put a dehumidifier in damp areas of the house.
- Create a protective perimeter around your home.
- Keep lawn cut and landscaping well-trimmed.
- Remove any yard and garden debris and decaying wood.
- Store firewood off the ground and away from the foundation.
- How All-Safe Pest & Termite Can Help
These preventative tips can prove to be extremely helpful in deterring millipedes from infesting your Plano property. However, none of them are 100% effective all on their own. The best thing you can do to effectively protect your property from millipedes is to schedule a service visit from the pest professionals. All-Safe Pest & Termite offers year-round coverage from millipedes with dependable removal and prevention services.
Our qualified team is highly familiar with the characteristics and behaviors of millipedes, and we know how to protect your property from these little nuisance pests. Once our pest technicians conduct a thorough inspection and come up with the right approach to provide you with the best pest protection possible. Our services don’t end with treatment either. We come back throughout the year to check up on your property, re-treat any problem areas, and ensure a pest-free future moving forward. Call us today to discuss your millipede control needs.