Millipedes can be found across the United States as a common household pest. If you have seen these nocturnal creatures crawling through your Hartford home, chances are likely that it was an accidental late-night encounter.
In their natural outdoor environment, millipedes can be beneficial for your yard and garden. Their presence helps break down decomposing plant matter, returns fertilizing nutrients to the soil, and promotes aeration.
However, too many millipedes can lead to the loss of seedlings, vegetables, and plants. Overcrowding can also lead to a home invasion. Once millipedes have found their way in, they will continue to grow in numbers if left untreated.
Putting the proper preventive measures in place will help protect your Hartford home from unwanted millipedes.
Millipede Identification
The word "millipede" suggests 1,000 legs, but this name is a misleading exaggeration. Depending on the species, a millipede can have as few as 60 pairs of legs or as many as a few hundred.
Millipedes have hard-shelled bodies, with a long, round shape that is similar to an earthworm. Their colors can range from the common dark brown to red, orange, or even patterned shells. Most millipedes average about one to two inches long in size, but certain species have the potential to grow up to 13 inches in length.
These multi-legged critters are mostly harmless to humans, but there are some risks associated with millipedes. While they do not bite or sting, they are capable of presenting a mild safety concern if proper precautions are not taken.
Millipedes secrete a fluid that can cause the skin to burn or itch when it comes into contact with the secretion. Rubbing your eyes can lead to uncomfortable irritation, redness, swelling, and pain. It is also important to note that in some cases, millipede secretion has the potential to be toxic to small animals.
Instead of waiting for a home invasion to take place, put your worries to rest with professional millipede control for your Hartford home.
Factors Attracting Millipedes Into Your Home
Millipedes prefer to be in the open outdoors. Their natural environment provides them with everything they need to fulfill their lifespan of seven or more years. Living indoors can significantly cut a millipede’s life expectancy to just two to four weeks. Without proper sustenance, they won’t last more than a few days.
Home invasions are always accidental. Millipedes require high levels of moisture and easy access to food sources to survive. They can generally be found in damp organic matter and areas where shade prevents rainwater from drying up, especially in spring or fall months when they migrate in large numbers.
The most common reason for a residential millipede invasion is unfavorable weather conditions outdoors. Millipedes will leave the soil to escape conditions that are too hot, dry, cold, or wet. Their search for a more favorable environment often leads them to residential foundations and exterior walls.
Taking a proactive approach to millipede behavior will stop them in their tracks. Don’t be shy about asking for assistance. Your local pest control professionals have the most effective solutions to your millipede problems.
Millipede Prevention
If you are already a stickler for a well-kept lawn, it won’t take too much additional effort to apply some helpful millipede prevention tips to your routine. For those who have fallen behind on property maintenance, millipede prevention is a great reason to get your landscaping back on track.
- Inspect exterior walls and foundation for gaps, cracks, and holes. Seal up any potential entry points.
- Keep the perimeter of your home dry. Fix broken or obstructed gutters.
- Limit the amount of mulch on your property.
- Remove objects that create large areas of shade and moisture such as ornamental rocks or logs.
- Trim back tree branches and shrubbery that create excessive shade and moisture.
- Keep your lawn well-maintained. Remove yard debris such as leaves and grass clippings on a regular basis.
- Cover firewood and store it at a safe distance from the perimeter of your home.
- Water your lawn and garden early in the morning to allow time for moisture reduction before nightfall.
- Reduce moisture levels in your home. Fix leaking pipes and faucets.
- Use dehumidifiers and fans to help maintain moisture levels indoors.
The most efficient solution you can apply to your pest prevention plan is with the help of a locally trained, Hartford pest control service professional.
Complete Millipede Control
For more than a century, American Pest Solutions has been a family-founded, -owned, and -operated pest control company. As longstanding members and supporters of our community, the safety of your family and your home is what matters most to us.
We believe that education is the key to our ongoing success. The American Pest Solutions staff is prepared to help answer any questions or concerns you may have about our services, products used, scheduling, and convenient payment options. We have effective solutions for all of your pest problems.
American Pest Solutions home pest control plan provides year-round protection for your family and your home. Our Board Certified Entomologist personally designed this pest control plan to provide integrated protection against all of your common household pests.
To find out more, contact the professionals at American Pest Solutions! We're ready and waiting to hear from you.