Most people don’t care for bugs, and it’s perfectly understandable. They show up when you least expect it and send chills down your spine. Rats are a great example. They can really ruin a good time! Mosquitoes have ruined many outdoor events. Many kinds of pests can destroy property or pose a risk to your health. Millipedes are not in this category. But does that mean they are welcome in your home?
Millipedes are relatively harmless. They look like worms with an inordinate amount of legs. However, they aren’t worms. They aren’t even insects, actually. They’re classified as invertebrate arthropods. Whatever their technical label, Hartford home and business owners don’t want to see them. Find out how you can prevent them from creeping up on you with the help of American Pest Solutions.
What Do Millipedes Look Like? How Do They Behave?
Millipedes are tiny, at around an inch long or less. In North America, the most common subspecies are brown or black in color with orange body markings. The resemblance to worms comes from their slim, segmented, and firm frame. They have two pairs of legs per segment, which is why it seems they have a million. Their name is misleading; the highest known number of legs on a millipede is 750.
These creepy crawlers thrive outdoors, where they can get plenty of moisture and eat organic matter. They nest in logs, mulch, and dying plants and leaves. You can also find them living under rocks and garbage cans. They’ll only come inside your property if it gets too hot or dry. They tend to go to the following spots:
- Porches or patios
- Crawlspaces
- Basements
- Garages
- Bathrooms
- Kitchens
- Under sinks
Millipedes make their way inside through cracks in foundations, vents, and under outside doors. They move in clusters and hide in boxes and beneath furniture. If you catch one during the day, you likely have an infestation. These critters are typically only active at night.
While millipedes don’t bite or sting, they emit a defensive fluid that can cause blisters and skin irritation. Avoid handling them. Aside from this, they aren’t dangerous. They don’t transmit illnesses or damage property.
What Can Be Done to Prevent Millipedes?
It might seem like a challenge to prevent millipedes because they flourish in nature. You can’t remove the earth’s greenery or moisture, nor would you want to. Thankfully, there are several ways to make your space less attractive to millipedes.
- Repair all moisture issues, such as plumbing and fixture leaks.
- Keep your air vents and gutters clean.
- Use dehumidifiers to decrease interior humidity.
- Don’t have a lot of clutter, and don’t stack stored items against the wall.
- Close gaps around windows, walls, foundations, and utility lines.
- Put sweeps on exterior doors.
- Maintain greenery, and keep it a few feet from your front door.
- Clear away dead leaves and wood.
What Can American Pest Solutions Do About Millipedes?
American Pest Solutions has kept Hartford properties bug and creature free for over 100 years. We pride ourselves on our continual board-certified training and specialized treatment methods. Our high-quality products will have millipedes gone for the long haul. Our fully licensed technicians will every one; guaranteed.
Our customer plans are affordable and comprehensive. They include regular visits, Saturday appointments, and escrow services, among other features. You can even schedule a meeting with our on-staff insect scientist! Don’t let millipedes or any type of critter take you by surprise. Call American Pest Solutions for prevention or extermination. Schedule a free evaluation today!