Learning More About Millipedes

Millipedes are often referred to as the “insects with 1,000 legs” and while they do have a lot of legs, the most leggiest millipedes only have 750 legs while most species of millipedes only have 100 legs. You might recognize millipedes as that coiled little “worm” you sometimes find in the basement or moist areas of your home. When they feel threatened, they coil their bodies into a spiral to protect their vulnerable, soft undersides. Millipedes are pretty gentle creatures as they don’t bite or sting though some millipede species will do something else to protect themselves. These insects can emit a foul smelling and terribly tasting compound through their stink glands and sometimes this can even burn or blister the skin of their predators. To be safe, always wash your hands after holding them, if you so choose to do so. But you don’t want to be holding and keeping these insects around like pets. You need professional pest control to keep these stinky pests out of your home.

General Information

Millipedes are generally 1-2 inches in length, though some species can be longer. Unlike centipedes, whose legs sick out at the sides of their body, millipedes have distinct pairs of legs below their bodies. Female millipedes dig down into the soil where she will create a nest where she will lay 100 eggs or more. Within a month, these hatchlings will emerge. As new little hatchlings, these tiny millipedes only have 6 body segments and 3 pairs of legs. Fossil evidence suggests that millipedes were among the first creatures to breathe air and move from water to land. These guys have been on this earth for a very long time and they aren’t about to retreat. In fact, they have impressively long lifespan and can live up to 10 years. If you have millipede, it will stick around for some time as they reproduce quickly and do not die off for years.

The Signs of an Infestation

Millipede infestations begin outside in your yard. When these insects become so numerous, they will move inside your home in search of warmth and moisture. They eat decaying plant material so your home is not necessarily their ideal habitat. If your yard is infested with millipedes, they will naturally move into your home if they find an opening. Finding them in the wet, dark places of your home is common. They often swarm in places such as leaf, mulch and wood piles. Prime environments for millipedes is the perfect recipe for an infestation. They find their way into window wells and if they are lucky, an opening into your home. Seeing millipedes moving from one shelter to the next in search of food, water or warmth is often when homeowners notice an infestation. This is when it is time for professional pest control from Pointe Pest Control.

Treatment

Treating millipedes by Pointe Pest Control will give you great peace of mind as we start outside and our treatments are both environmentally friendly and non-toxic. You won’t need to worry about your pets or children, yet our methods are effective and fast when it comes to combating millipedes. We fight your pest control battles for you so you don’t have to worry about them. Call us today to get rid of your millipede annoyances for good.