Is a long pest creepier than a short pest? We think so. Do you think we are wrong? If so, name one long animal that isn’t widely considered scary or unsettling. We can’t think of one. What we can do is imagine your distaste for having long bugs inside your home. To help you with this, here are some things you should know about millipedes, including why they invade Houston area properties and what you should be doing to keep them out.
The Reasons Millipedes Come Onto Properties
Millipedes are yard pests, first and foremost. These multi-legged bugs love to crawl around garden areas and are prone to consuming organic matter such as mulch, compost piles, and live plants. Although easily recognizable, you are unlikely to spot a millipede during the day. This is because they are nocturnal pests and spend the majority of their daylight hours hiding beneath rocks, inside the soil, and under/inside logs. If you are landscaping and moving things around in your yard, you may encounter these bugs more often.
Are Millipedes Dangerous?
Millipedes are not considered dangerous pests. They do not spread diseases, can’t sting, and do not bite. The only thing you should be cautious about with these pests is to not pick them up. Some species in our area secrete a toxin from their body that may cause irritation to the skin. If rubbed into an eye, this toxin will cause other symptoms which include swelling, redness, and pain. If you do touch a millipede, make sure to wash your hands as soon as possible.
When Will Millipedes Invade Homes?
Millipedes are not traditional house pests but will invade from time to time. Interestingly enough, it is rare for a millipede to invade a home with a purpose. Most often these pests wander inside through gaps and cracks while exploring. The reason millipedes do not like being inside homes is that food is limited. Without a constant source of organic materials like flowers and vegetables, these multi-legged arthropods will eventually starve. To survive longer and hopefully find a way back outside, millipedes seek shelter in dark, cool, and moist environments like basements and crawlspaces.
Some Strategies To Prevent Millipedes
Although millipedes are mostly considered nuisance pests, we can all agree that they are unwelcome guests around properties. To help you protect your yard, garden, and home from these long-bodied problem makers, consider using these prevention tips.
- After it rains, go out into your yard and pour out water that gathers inside containers, toys, and in other areas.
- Terraform your property to optimize drainage in order to keep your yard as dry as possible.
- Trim back bushes, branches, and greenery and rake up brush at least five feet away from your home’s exterior to create a dry protective barrier.
- Trim your grass at least once a week and more often during times of heavy rainfall.
- Remove sticks, leaves, and other organic debris from your property.
- Have stumps, fallen trees, and other large debris removed from your yard.
- Address leaky piping and fixtures in and around your home.
- Make sure your gutters are clean, damage-free, and properly channeling water away from your home’s exterior.
A Quick Fix To Millipede Problems
There is only one simple way to eliminate and prevent invasive millipedes and that is with professional help. For the best services that Houston has to offer, trust the team of dedicated technicians at All-Safe Pest & Termite. We work long and hard to ensure our community is protected against annoying, harmful, and destructive creatures.
Contact us today to schedule a home or commercial pest inspection for your property and find out what pest pressures you and your home are up against.