There are roughly 7,000 species of millipedes in the world, and nearly 1,000 of those species can be found in the U.S. Millipedes are often overlooked in their natural outdoor environment, but you will certainly notice them when they make their way into your Fort Worth, TX, home.
Millipedes are nocturnal scavengers that primarily feed on decaying plants, occasionally feasting on dead insects. For the most part, they have very little interest in moving into your home. Should they find their way inside, millipedes will invade in fairly large numbers.
While many people view millipedes as a harmless insect, this isn’t always the case. Millipedes should be approached with extreme caution, or better yet, completely avoid them altogether. Protect your Fort Worth home from unwanted millipedes with the help of a pest control expert.
Millipede Identification And Behavior
Millipedes are worm-like arthropods with long, slender bodies. They are usually dark brown in color, with a variance of black, red, or orange markings on certain species. Millipedes have two pairs of legs per body segment, with an average length of 1/2 – 4 ½ inches.
Millipedes live in damp and dark locations that provide them with plenty of food and moisture they require for survival. They are aimless wanderers that prefer to remain outdoors. When the weather becomes too hot or dry, millipedes migrate indoors to find a more accommodating environment.
Millipedes cannot survive without high moisture levels and decaying plant matter. Chances are likely you will find more dead millipedes than living ones if you don’t have any moisture issues in your home.
Whether they are dead or alive, any millipede sighting means it’s time to consider pest control options for your Fort Worth home.
Millipedes Are Capable Of Harming Humans
For the most part, millipedes are fairly harmless. They do not bite people and they are not known to carry or transmit diseases. With that said, it is important to know that there are some dangers associated with millipedes.
Millipedes aren’t a threat to humans as long as you don’t touch them or crush them. Many species of millipedes contain hydrochloric acid that can blister human skin on contact. It is advised that you avoid skin contact with millipedes and their toxic secretion to prevent skin irritation and discoloration.
The amount of toxin millipedes are capable of emitting isn’t necessarily enough for millipedes to be considered poisonous to people, but their toxin can be poisonous if the quantity is large enough.
Millipede Prevention And Control
Reducing moisture in and around your home will greatly assist you in your millipede prevention and control efforts. Here is a list of potential moisture issues to attend to, as well as some other helpful pest prevention tips:
- Repair any leaking pipes, faucets, or spigots on your property.
- Make sure gutters are clear of debris and in good working order.
- Inspect spaces around windows and doors where moisture may be seeping in and repair as needed.
- Repair door sweeps, weather stripping, and screens on doors and windows.
- Install mesh covers on vents and openings leading into your home.
- Replace any damaged or missing roof shingles.
- Fill in any gap or cracks on the exterior walls and foundation of your home.
- Create a barrier between garden beds and the foundation of your home.
- Maintain landscaping and regularly remove organic debris from property.
- Keep moisture-prone areas inside the home well ventilated with fans and dehumidifiers.
If you are looking for the most effective methods to prevent and control millipede infestations, look no further than All-Safe Pest & Termite. We are a family-run business that has been serving the greater Dallas-Fort Worth area with more than 30 years of experience in the pest control industry.
All-Safe Pest & Termite is the safe and trusted choice for all of your pest management needs. We offer reliable service, customized solutions, environmentally friendly treatments, affordable rates, and free estimates.
Contact All-Safe Pest & Termite today to find out more about our targeted services and ongoing residential pest control plans.