Dangerous pests require immediate attention, and nuisance pests are typically moved down the priority list. But we are done with this line of thinking. After all, it’s the 21st century. If you can watch TV on your phone from anywhere in the world for a low monthly price, then why can’t you just get to live in a pest-free home without dangers or nuisances? We have the know-how and the technology to keep pests out of our houses, so what if we stopped settling for anything less than a zero-pest policy?
Managing Millipedes
Just because millipedes don’t cause a lot of damage or do harm to humans doesn’t mean they should get to roam free on your property and in your home. However, a lack of knowledge can lead to providing millipedes with ideal environments for infestation, so let’s get to know these pests a little further.
Millipedes have segmented, cylindrical bodies that are usually grey, black, or brown. Their segmented body is part of their defense mechanism: it allows them to curl up into a tight ball whenever they are threatened. This makes them look less appealing to any predators and better able to protect their vital organs from harm.
Odds are that the last time you saw a millipede in your house was in a dark basement or a bathroom. That’s because they are extremely attracted to moisture, and they’re not very big fans of light. Odds are, if you see a millipede during the day, you have a pretty serious infestation, as they’re typically only active at night. You might also find a lot of millipedes in your garden (for those of you who’ve got one) since their favorite food is decaying plant matter. They’ll also feed on decaying insects in your home if they have to.
Preventative Measures
There are a few reasons why you don’t want millipedes in your house or yard. First of all, it’s a very uncomfortable feeling going into the bathroom or basement and seeing millipedes slithering around. On a more serious note, they do secrete a fluid that can be harmful to humans. They may be skittish around humans, but, if they come into contact with human skin, this contact will likely lead to a rash. Their secretion is also very dangerous if it gets in your eyes, so make sure to always wash your hands or the contact area when you have a run-in with a millipede.
While millipede infestations are very hard to get rid of on your own, there may be a few things you can do to make your home less attractive to millipedes. Remember, they only enjoy spending time in dark, damp places, so controlling moisture and sealing up entryways will be paramount to keeping these pests away.
- Dehumidifiers: keeping the humidity down in basements and crawl spaces will create a far less conducive environment for millipedes.
- Monitoring pipes: any leaking pipes in the basements, within the walls, or under sinks will lead to moisture buildup.
- Cracks and crevices: any sort of crack in the foundation, under doorways, or along windowsills can be used as an entry point. Make sure to seal up cracks with caulking and apply proper weather-stripping to your doors.
While these adjustments can help, moisture issues are hard to control, so you might incur a millipede infestation anyway. For more guaranteed protection, contact All-Safe Pest & Termite for more advice or assistance to start living your best life, a pest-free life.