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Millipedes

What do millipedes look like?

The name millipede means thousand-legs, but luckily for all of us, millipedes really only grow big enough to have between 30 and 90 legs, depending on their specific species. Adult millipedes grow to between 1/16th and 4 ½ inches in length. Millipedes have a worm-like shaped body (long and round) and are usually black or brown in color, some species may have red or orange mottled patterns on their bodies, while others may not.

a millipede outside of a home in duncan south carolina

Are millipedes dangerous?

Millipedes pose no real threats to people, while they can invade homes in large numbers and become a nuisance they typically hide in dark, hidden away areas and don’t ever really seek out the company of people. However, it is important to note that as a defense mechanism they do have the ability to spray a “toxic” foul-smelling fluid. If you come into contact with millipedes and you get this fluid on your skin it is important to immediately wash it off to get rid of the smell and prevent a skin reaction from occurring.

Why are millipedes in my home?

Millipedes are usually found living outside underneath of soil, mulch, and leaf litter. Millipedes are attracted to light and may be found congregating near homes on decks, walkways, and porches. From time to time millipedes will move inside of homes through cracks that they find in the foundation or openings found underneath of basement doors. A millipede infestation is usually confined to basements and/or crawl spaces.

How do you get rid of millipedes?

Ridding your home of nuisance millipedes and keeping them from returning can be a tricky and frustrating task, and is one that should be left up to the pest professionals at Spencer Pest Services. Spencer Pest Services can quickly eliminate millipedes and the conditions that are attracting them from your property through our year-round residential pest control packages. Our pest control professionals have the experience, dedication, and training needed to control and prevent millipedes in your home. Contact us today for more information about our millipede control services.

Millipede prevention tips

Along with putting into place a year-round pest control program, there are several things you can do in and around your home to prevent problems with millipedes including:

  • Seal gaps found in the foundation of your home.
  • Make sure that door sweeps are placed on all basement doors.
  • Reduce humidity levels inside of your home by installing dehumidifiers, fixing leaky pipes, and making sure that crawl spaces are properly ventilated.
  • Maintain a stone barrier between any mulch or soil and your home’s foundation.
  • Switch out white outdoor light bulbs for yellow or LED outdoor light bulbs which are less attractive to insects, including millipedes.