Millipedes

Millipede Identification

What are millipedes?

Color: Dark brown, with some having red or orange mottled markings
Shape: Segmented, worm-like body
Legs: Short legs; two pairs per body segment
Size: Most millipedes grow to between one half an inch and six inches in length
Region: Found throughout the U.S.

Millipedes are arthropods that primarily live outdoors in gardens and other areas that provide a damp, dark environment. They are scavengers, feeding on decaying organic matter and helping to return nutrients into the soil. They play an important role in nature's recycling program.

Are millipedes dangerous?

Millipedes don't pose a significant threat to people; you can easily avoid issues with these pests by not directly handling them.

Avoiding contact with millipedes is easy since they move pretty slowly despite their many legs; in general, anyone can outrun a millipede!

Not directly handling millipedes is always recommended because of the "toxic" unpleasant-smelling liquid they spray as a means of defense. When this liquid gets on a person's skin, it can cause an unpleasant skin reaction.

Why do I have a millipede problem?

The flowerbeds, gardens, and landscaped areas surrounding our homes are where millipedes like to live. They live in the damp soil under mulch, landscaping ties, rocks, and piles of debris. Millipedes usually live quite contently outside; however, these worm-like pests will migrate if it becomes too hot and dry outdoors. It's easy for millipedes to move into our homes through spaces they come across under doors and cracks in the foundation.

Where will I find millipedes?

Millipedes are only successful indoors inside homes and other structures with a lot of excess moisture. When there is a lack of moisture, millipedes die quickly. The places millipedes like to gather inside a home are damp basements, areas near drains and sump pumps, and spaces behind sinks. Since moisture is key to a millipede infestation, older homes tend to experience more problems with these pests than newer, tightly sealed, well-ventilated homes.

How do I get rid of millipedes?

If you are tired of seeing millipedes in your yard or home, reach out to the local pest control experts at Patriot Pest Management. We provide exceptional residential and commercial pest control services for Pleasanton , Tracy , Roseville , CA and Surrounding Areas. We never hesitate to go the extra mile for our customers and are dedicated to ensuring our customers are always happy. Our professionals will perform customized services to treat your current pest problems and make sure pests don't return in the future. Contact Patriot Pest Management today to learn about our solutions to your California property's pest problems!

How do I prevent problems with millipedes?

Here are some easy-to-follow pest prevention tips that will help you keep millipedes from taking over your property:

Seal cracks in the foundation.
Install door sweeps.
Install gutters and cut back shrubbery to help keep the soil around your home dry.
Create a crushed rock barrier between any soil and your foundation.
Use dehumidifiers to reduce humidity levels within your home.

Call Patriot Pest Management now for more information about our home pest control plans or commercial pest control services and how we can work together to prevent problems with millipedes!