When you see a millipede around your Dallas property, you’re probably a bit grossed out. These bugs might not be all that big, but they do have many pairs of legs making them seem like something out of a strange horror movie or a creature from an alien planet. However, despite their appearance, they are generally considered a nuisance pest.
And, there are also a few misconceptions about these bugs. First, while they do have many pairs of legs, it's only around 30 to 90 to a side. You can identify millipedes by their long, worm-like appearance. They are usually red, brown, or black and have a small pair of antennae.
Second, millipedes don’t usually come inside. They are normally found outdoors under things like leaves and inside rotting tree stumps, and they help break down this organic matter. However, in extreme weather conditions, they will come inside. Once inside, they can be upsetting to come across and deal with.
Are Millipedes Dangerous?
For the most part, millipedes are considered harmless pests. That being said, many species of millipede do contain hydrochloric acid which is a toxin they emit. Luckily, this toxicity is released in such small quantities that it’s not considered dangerous or poisonous to people. However, there is the possibility that the toxicity could impact humans in large quantities.
But, most millipede problems in the home aren’t that extreme. While some of them might get inside, it’s rare to have an extensive infestation as you might with pests such as ants or rodents. The only other thing to note is that millipedes can emit a foul odor. Not all species will do this, but some of them do. This can be unpleasant to experience.
Millipedes And Skin Rashes
There’s one other possible risk factor associated with millipedes. In some cases, if your skin does come into contact with a millipede, there is a small chance you could end up with a rash, but this is generally not a medical concern. It can simply cause some skin irritation and discoloration.
However, as long as you don’t touch the millipede, this shouldn’t be a problem. It’s advised to avoid picking millipedes up or trying to remove them without gloves because of these rashes. Rashes don’t always occur, and they will generally go away quickly when they do. But, if you feel like the rash is persisting or getting worse, you should seek advice from your doctor.
Some Millipede Prevention Tips
Because millipedes aren’t pleasant to look at and because they can pose some minor health risks, it’s a good idea to know how to prevent them. Here are some of the simplest and most effective millipede prevention measures you can follow:
- Millipedes need moist environments to thrive, so use dehumidifiers in humid rooms and fix any leaky plumbing.
- When outdoors, millipedes will hide in moisture-rich areas under organic debris. So, make sure to clean up grass clippings, leaf piles, and other yard waste.
- Store firewood at least 30 feet away from your home in a dry, organized manner as millipedes often are found in tree stumps and lumber.
- Make it more difficult for these pests to get inside by fixing broken screens and installing door sweeps and weather stripping.
- Get ongoing help from the experts at All-Safe Pest & Termite.
The single most effective way to keep millipedes out of your home or business is with help from professional pest control teams. At All-Safe Pest & Termite, we provide ongoing residential and commercial plans that are customized to meet your needs.
If you’re currently dealing with millipedes or any other pests, we will remove them promptly and keep them from coming back. Just give us a call today to request a free estimate.