Millipedes are a common pest that can invade homes and cause problems. They are often found in damp and dark areas, such as basements, bathrooms, and crawl spaces. Although millipedes are not harmful to humans, they can be a nuisance and cause damage to your home. In this article, we will discuss why it’s important to get rid of millipedes in your house and provide tips on how to do so.
Why Get Rid of Millipedes?
Millipedes are distinguished by their numerous legs and segmented bodies. While they may appear to be harmless, they can bring a slew of issues for homeowners. Here are several reasons why you should remove millipedes from your property:
1. They Have the Potential to Harm Plants and Gardens
Millipedes consume decaying plant materials, but they may also cause damage to living plants by devouring their leaves, stems, and roots. Your plants and gardens may suffer from stunted development or even death as a result.
2. They Can Attract Other Pests
Millipedes are prey for other pests such as spiders and centipedes. If you have a millipede infestation on your property, this increases the possibility of attracting other pests that are more unpleasant to deal with.
3. Their Droppings Can Cause Stains and Unpleasant Odors
Millipedes leave droppings as they crawl, and these droppings can cause stains on walls, floors, and furniture. They also emit an unpleasant odor, which can be difficult to get rid of.
4. They Can Crawl on Walls and Floors, Which can be Unsightly and Disturbing
Millipedes are known for their ability to crawl on walls and floors, which can be unsightly and disturbing for homeowners. They may also crawl on your bed or furniture, making it difficult to sleep or relax in your own home.
5. They Can Enter your Home Through Cracks and Crevices
Millipedes can enter your home through cracks and crevices, creating entry points for other pests such as ants, termites, and cockroaches. This can make it even more difficult to get rid of pests in your home.
If you notice a millipede infestation in your home or garden, it’s important to take action to get rid of them as soon as possible. Not only can they cause damage to your plants and attract other pests, but their presence can also be unsightly and disturbing for you and your family.
Signs of a Millipede Infestation
If you suspect that you have a millipede infestation, there are several signs to look out for.
1. Spotting Millipedes in your Property
If you notice large numbers of millipedes in your home or near the foundation, it could be a sign of an infestation. Millipedes are attracted to moisture and organic matter, so if you have piles of leaves or mulch near your home, this could be the cause of the infestation.
2. Finding Millipede Droppings or Shed Skins in Damp Areas
Millipedes leave behind droppings and shed skins that can be found in damp areas of your home or garden. If you notice small black or brown pellets in areas such as the basement or crawl space, it could be a sign of a millipede infestation.
3. Noticing Damage to Plants or Gardens
Millipedes can also cause damage to plants and gardens. They feed on decaying plant matter and can cause damage to the roots of plants. If you notice wilting or yellowing of plants near your home, it could be a sign of a millipede infestation.
4. Seeing Other Pests that Prey on Millipedes
Millipedes are a food source for other pests such as spiders and centipedes. If you notice an increase in these pests in your home or garden, it could be a sign of a millipede infestation.
How to Get Rid of Millipedes in House
Millipedes are common pests that can invade your home, especially during the spring and fall months. They are attracted to moisture and organic matter, so if you want to get rid of millipedes in your house, you need to take a few proactive steps to prevent their entry.
1. Remove Any Debris or Organic Matter
Millipedes are attracted to moisture and organic matter, so removing piles of leaves, mulch, or grass clippings can make your home less attractive to them.
2. Seal Any Cracks or Gaps
Millipedes can enter your home through even the tiniest openings, so inspect your home’s exterior and seal any gaps or holes you find. Use caulking or weatherstripping to seal these areas, and don’t forget to check your doors and windows too.
3. Reduce Moisture Levels in Your Home
Millipedes need moisture to survive, so reducing the humidity levels in your home can make it less hospitable for them. A dehumidifier will help to remove excess moisture from the air and prevent millipedes from thriving.
4. Utilized insecticides or Natural Insect Repellents
If you already have millipedes in your home, you can use insecticides or natural remedies to kill them. Insecticides can be effective but may also harm other beneficial insects in your home. Alternatively, natural remedies such as diatomaceous earth or essential oils can be used to repel or kill millipedes.
5. Deploy Sticky Traps and Barriers
Sticky traps can be placed near entry points to capture millipedes before they enter your home. Barriers such as copper tape or mesh can also be used to prevent millipedes from crossing into your home.
What Kills Millipedes?
Millipedes are common pests that can be found in many parts of the world. They are often found in damp and dark environments and can be a nuisance when they enter our homes. If you’re dealing with a millipede infestation, there are several ways to get rid of them.
● Chemical Insecticides
Chemical insecticides are a popular way to kill millipedes. Products containing pyrethroids or carbamates are commonly used to treat millipede infestations. These insecticides can be applied as sprays or dust and are effective at killing millipedes on contact. However, they can also be harmful to other beneficial insects and can have negative effects on the environment.
● Natural remedies
If you prefer a more natural approach, several natural remedies can be used to kill millipedes. Diatomaceous earth is a fine powder made from the fossilized remains of diatoms. When millipedes come into contact with diatomaceous earth, it can damage their exoskeletons and cause them to dehydrate and die. Essential oils such as peppermint oil or tea tree oil can also be effective at repelling or killing millipedes.
●Physical removal
Physical removal is another option for getting rid of millipedes. This can be done by hand or with a vacuum cleaner. If you choose to remove millipedes by hand, it’s important to wear gloves and be careful not to crush them, as they can release a foul odor. Using a vacuum cleaner is a more convenient option and can help to remove millipedes from hard-to-reach areas.
There are several ways to kill millipedes, including chemical insecticides, natural remedies, traps, and physical removal. Each method has its advantages and disadvantages, so it’s important to choose the method that works best for you. By taking steps to prevent millipedes from entering your home, you can help to reduce the likelihood of an infestation and keep your home millipede-free.
Prevention Tips to Keep Millipedes Out
Millipede infestation can be a real nuisance to both homeowners, including commercial properties where a clean and pest-free environment is a must as they are dealing with customers. Fortunately, there are several prevention tips you can follow to keep millipedes out of your home and business establishment.
1. Check and Remove Possible Entryway
Millipedes can enter your home through tiny cracks and gaps in the foundation and walls. To prevent them from entering, inspect the exterior of your home regularly for any openings and seal them up immediately using caulking or weatherstripping.
2. Install Insect screens
Another way to prevent millipedes from entering your home is to install insect screens on your windows and doors. This will allow fresh air to flow into your home while keeping millipedes and other pests out.
When to Call a Professional
While most pest infestations can be managed with DIY methods, there are situations when calling a professional pest control company is necessary. Here are some scenarios when it’s best to call in the experts:
1. Severe Infestation
If you have a severe infestation that you cannot control on your own, it’s time to call a professional pest control company. A large infestation of pests can be overwhelming, and attempting to eliminate them yourself can be dangerous and ineffective. A professional will have the necessary knowledge, tools, and expertise to handle the situation and eliminate pests safely and effectively.
2. Uncertainty with Pest Control Methods
If you are unsure of how to safely use insecticides or other pest control methods, it’s best to leave it to the professionals. Pest control chemicals can be harmful if not used correctly, and incorrect usage can lead to further problems. Professional pest control companies have trained and experienced technicians who know how to use the chemicals safely and effectively, minimizing any potential risks.
3. Health Concerns
If you have health concerns such as allergies or respiratory problems that may be affected by pest control chemicals, it’s best to call in a professional pest control company. They have the knowledge and expertise to use pest control chemicals safely and effectively, minimizing any potential harm to you and your family.
Calling a professional pest control company can be the best solution when dealing with a pest infestation. They have the expertise, tools, and knowledge to handle the situation safely and effectively, allowing you to have peace of mind and a pest-free environment.
Millepede Control with BioPest
By understanding the signs of a millipede infestation and taking steps to prevent them from entering your home, you can avoid the damage, odors, and nuisance that millipedes can cause. However, if you do need to use pest control methods, it’s important to do so safely and effectively. Consider hiring a professional if you’re unsure of how to proceed.
Are you tired of dealing with millipede infestations in your home? Do you want to take action to prevent these creepy crawlers from taking over your space? BioPest Adelaide is here to help. As the top recommendation for pest control and removal in Adelaide, we have the expertise, tools, and knowledge to effectively eliminate millipedes from your home and prevent future infestations.
Our team of trained and experienced technicians understands the signs of a millipede infestation and can quickly identify the source of the problem. We offer a range of effective pest control methods, including chemical insecticides, natural remedies, traps, and physical removal by hand or with a vacuum cleaner.
At BioPest, we pride ourselves on using safe and eco-friendly pest control solutions that are tailored to your specific needs. Our pest control methods are not only effective, but they’re also safe for you and your family, as well as the environment.
If you’re unsure of how to get rid of millipedes from your property, our team is here to help. We can walk you through the process and answer any questions you may have. We’ll also provide you with tips on how to prevent millipedes from entering your home in the future.
Say goodbye to millipede infestations and hello to a pest-free home with BioPest. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward a cleaner, safer, and more comfortable living space.