Why are insects more creepy than other creatures? Is it because they are small, or perhaps because they usually have an unusual number of legs? If multiple legs are what determines the creepiness of a creature then theoretically, millipedes should be the creepiest of them all. What do you think? Are millipedes the most creepy creature, or are they just another average house pest. Either way, we can assume you don’t want them anywhere near your home. To help you keep your Texas home free of these creepy pests this summer, here is our complete guide to effective millipede control.
What Are Millipedes
Just going off their names, millipedes should have 1000 legs. Interestingly, no millipede has ever had this many limbs. In fact, the current world record for most legs on a millipede stands at only 750 legs. That’s still 250 short from the goal. Besides their large number of legs, millipedes can also be identified by their hard outer casing composed of segments. These segments can be folded in on each other so that millipedes can compact into a ball or coil for safety. Out in nature millipedes will use this defense to protect themselves from predators.
Where Can Millipedes Be Found
Millipedes prefer to stay around areas that are high in moisture and plentiful in decaying vegetation. One common location you are likely to spot millipedes inside your home is within your trash. Outside millipedes are more likely to be found inside piles of grass clippings, within flower-bed mulch, or beneath a pile of leaves. Often millipedes will be pushed into homes by dry and inclement weather conditions. Once inside they will be more likely to stay if they can find decaying vegetation to feed on and moisture to keep them healthy.
How Dangerous Are Millipedes
As dangerous as millipedes appear they are actually quite harmless. They do not possess mandibles to bite with, or stingers filled with venom, they aren’t known to cause damage to properties or pets, and as far as studies show they are incapable of carrying or spreading dangerous diseases. The worst you can expect from a millipede is a bit of skin irritation if you happen to come in contact with them. Keep in mind people with allergies might have a more adverse reaction. Check with your doctor to understand your risk.
Best Ways To Keep Millipedes Out Of Your Home
Millipedes will enter into homes in several ways. Mostly they will look for gaps and cracks in your home’s exterior that they can use to squeeze inside. Once inside millipedes will stick around for the food and moisture they can find. To stop millipedes, here are some simple prevention tips our experts recommend you try.
- Search the exterior of your home for gaps and cracks. Specifically, check your foundation and around window and door frames. Seal and openings you find using a caulking gun or liquid cement.
- Remove organic debris such as leaf piles and piles of grass clippings from your yard.
- Trim your hedges and trees so that sunlight can shine on your home’s exterior foundation.
- Fix leaky pipes and fixtures throughout your home and use a dehumidifier to keep down humidity levels.
- Make sure your gutters are in good working order.
- Finally, to make sure millipedes stay out of your home for good, consider getting the professionals here at Innovative Pest Control involved. Not only can we get rid of any current millipedes currently sharing your home, but we can set up a lasting line of defense to make sure they stay outside where they belong.
Give us a call today if you would like your home to be millipede-free this summer.
Categories:
- Millipedes,
- Millipede Control
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