Have you noticed millipedes invading your home or business? While these pests are mostly harmless to humans, their presence can be unsightly and unsettling, particularly when they appear in large numbers. At Eliminate ‘Em, we specialize in millipede extermination services designed to quickly remove infestations and prevent future occurrences. Whether they’re taking over your basement, bathrooms, or damp crawl spaces, our team is here to help restore your peace of mind.
What are Millipedes
Millipedes range in size from less than a ½ inch to 11 inches in length and, despite their name, only have as many as 750 legs. They have long, rounded bodies and are generally blackish-brown in color. Millipedes are nocturnal herbivores, feeding after dark primarily on a mix of decomposing leaves, plants and soil.
Millipedes are attracted to damp, dark environments, which makes basements, crawl spaces, and bathrooms their ideal hiding spots. These pests typically feed on decaying organic matter and thrive in moist conditions, often migrating indoors during heavy rains or seasonal changes. While they are not harmful, an infestation can be a sign of excess moisture or decaying debris near your home. Understanding their behavior is the first step toward effective millipede control.
Why You Should Inspect and Address Millipede Infestations
While millipedes are not harmful, a persistent infestation can indicate larger problems, such as excess moisture or structural vulnerabilities in your home. Additionally, millipedes can become a nuisance when they invade in large numbers, often leaving unpleasant odors when crushed. Taking prompt action can protect your home from further issues and improve your living environment.
Additionally, as millipedes prefer moist habitats, they are often found beneath rocks or decomposing garbage, in grass clippings, mulch, piles of dead leaves and rotting wood outside your home. They prefer the outdoors, but that does not necessarily prevent them from making their way into your home if the conditions are right, such as during seasonal changes or excessive rain. For example, millipedes are most active during the spring and fall, especially after heavy rainfall. During these times, they often migrate indoors in search of shelter. If they are spotted in the basement or bathroom, then there is likely an underlying infestation outside the home as well.
Do Millipedes Cause Damage
Millipedes are often viewed as harmless, but their presence in large numbers can lead to significant nuisance and potential issues for homeowners. While millipedes don’t bite, sting, or transmit diseases, they can cause indirect damage and discomfort in the following ways:
- Property Nuisance: Millipedes can invade homes in large numbers, especially during damp weather or seasonal migrations. They often enter through cracks, gaps, or under doors, accumulating in basements, bathrooms, and other humid areas. These infestations can be overwhelming and unsightly, particularly if millipedes begin to cluster in visible spaces or die, leaving behind unpleasant messes.
- Odor and Staining Issues: When disturbed or crushed, millipedes release a foul-smelling fluid as a defense mechanism. This secretion can stain floors, walls, and other surfaces, making cleanup more difficult. The odor can linger, especially in enclosed spaces, contributing to a less pleasant indoor environment.
- Damage to Gardens and Plants: Outdoors, millipedes primarily feed on decaying organic matter. However, during times of food scarcity, they may begin to nibble on tender plants, seedlings, and fruit. While they are not as destructive as other pests like slugs or caterpillars, a large population of millipedes can still cause noticeable damage in home gardens.
- Secondary Pest Issues: A millipede infestation may indicate underlying problems, such as excess moisture or decaying organic matter near your home. These conditions can attract other pests like ants, termites, and centipedes, leading to additional pest control challenges.
Millipede Treatment & Extermination Services
To minimize the risks and nuisance caused by millipedes, proactive measures are essential:
- Seal Entry Points: Use caulk or weather stripping to block cracks and gaps in walls, windows, and doors.
- Control Moisture: Repair leaky pipes, use dehumidifiers, and ensure proper ventilation in basements and crawl spaces to eliminate the damp conditions millipedes thrive in.
- Remove Organic Debris: Keep gardens free of decaying leaves, mulch, and other organic matter to reduce food sources for millipedes.
- Regular Pest Control Maintenance: Schedule periodic pest control services to identify and address infestations before they escalate.
If millipedes are causing problems in your home or garden, professional pest control services can help remove the infestation and prevent future issues. Eliminate ‘Em’s experts will not only eliminate the pests but also address the underlying causes to keep your property safe and pest-free.
Don’t let millipedes take over your home! Contact Eliminate ‘Em today for fast, reliable, and effective millipede extermination services. Our team is available 24/7 to help you regain control and prevent future infestations or other pest control needs throughout Connecticut and parts of New York, Massachusetts and Rhode Island.
