What are Millipedes?

Millipedes

Millipedes

Millipedes are a type of insect that we describe as occasional invaders. They spend most of their lives outside but sometimes move indoors while searching for more favorable living conditions. Millipedes are scavengers that feed on decaying organic matter. Outdoors, their feeding habits are eco-beneficial and help to break down decaying matter. Despite having many legs, millipedes are slow-moving insects that have rigid worm-like bodies. Their body is brown to black, and some species having orange or mottled patterns. They have two pairs of legs per body segment, and depending on their exact size, they usually have between 30 and 90 legs.

What Kinds of Millipedes Are There?

Millipedes belong to the class Diplopoda and are characterized by their numerous legs, with each body segment typically bearing two pairs of legs. There are thousands of species of millipedes found worldwide, with a wide range of sizes, colors, and habits. Here are some common types of millipedes:

Flat-backed Millipede (Polydesmida):

These millipedes have a flattened appearance and are often found in leaf litter and soil. They typically have cylindrical bodies and can roll into a tight spiral for protection.

What are flat backed milllipedes?
Flat-backed Millipede

Giant African Millipede (Archispirostreptus gigas):

Native to Africa, these large millipedes are popular as pets in the exotic pet trade. They can grow up to 10 inches long and have a shiny black exoskeleton.

Narceus Americanus (North American Millipede):

Commonly found in the eastern United States, these millipedes are known for their reddish-brown coloration and habit of secreting a cyanide-based compound as a defense mechanism.

Julida:

This is a diverse group of millipedes found in various habitats worldwide. They typically have cylindrical bodies and are often brown or black in color.

Spirobolida:

These millipedes are known for their coiled appearance and are found in tropical regions around the world. They often have striking coloration and patterns on their exoskeleton.

Polyxenida (bristly millipedes):

These millipedes are characterized by their short, bristly appearance and are often found in leaf litter and debris.

What are bristly millipedes?
Bristly Millipede

Glomerida (pill millipedes):

Pill millipedes are named for their ability to roll into a ball when threatened, resembling a pill. They are found in various parts of the world and are typically small in size.

Siphoniulida (Siphonophoridae):

These millipedes have a unique appearance, with elongated bodies and long antennae. They are found in tropical regions and are often associated with humid environments.

These are just a few examples of the diverse range of millipedes found across the globe. Each species has its own unique characteristics and habitat preferences.

Why Are Millipedes A Problem?

While millipedes may seem harmless, they can actually be quite a nuisance and pose a threat to your home and health.

Invasion of Homes:

  • Millipedes have a tendency to invade homes in large numbers, especially during periods of heavy rain or high humidity.
  • They hide in dark, damp places such as basements, crawl spaces, and bathrooms, making them difficult to locate and eliminate.

Property Damage:

  • While they don't bite or sting, millipedes can cause damage to your home by feeding on decaying plant matter.
  • They consume organic materials like wood, paper, and fabric, weakening the structure of your home over time.

Health Risks:

  • Millipedes can pose a threat to your health by releasing a foul-smelling liquid when disturbed or threatened.
  • This liquid can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions in some people and can stain carpets and fabrics.

Attraction of Other Pests:

  • Millipedes can attract other pests to your home due to their feeding habits.
  • Infestations of other pests can result, complicating the elimination process.

In conclusion, while millipedes may seem harmless at first glance, they can actually be quite a nuisance and pose a threat to your home and health. If you are experiencing a millipede infestation, it's important to contact a professional pest control company to help eliminate the problem and prevent future infestations.

Why Choose Alta Pest Control for Millipede Control:

At Alta Pest Control, we offer several compelling reasons to trust us with your millipede control needs:

Expertise and Experience:

Our team consists of highly trained technicians with extensive experience in dealing with various pests, including millipedes. We understand the behavior and habits of millipedes, allowing us to implement effective control measures tailored to your specific situation.

Safe and Environmentally Friendly Methods:

Alta Pest Control prioritizes the use of safe and environmentally friendly pest control methods. We ensure the safety of your family, pets, and the environment while effectively managing millipede infestations.

Efficiency and Effectiveness:

Our specialized equipment and techniques enable us to swiftly and effectively eliminate millipedes from your property. By choosing Alta Pest Control, you can save time and avoid the hassle of dealing with persistent infestations on your own.

Long-Term Solutions:

We don't just address the immediate problem – we provide ongoing maintenance and monitoring to prevent the return of millipede infestations. Our comprehensive approach ensures long-term solutions, giving you peace of mind knowing that your property is protected.

Customer Satisfaction:

At Alta Pest Control, customer satisfaction is our top priority. We strive to provide exceptional service, tailored to meet your specific needs and preferences. Our friendly and professional staff are always available to address any concerns you may have throughout the process.

Guarantee:

We offer a guarantee for our millipede control services, ensuring that you receive effective and lasting results. If you're not satisfied with the outcome, we will work with you to resolve the issue and ensure your complete satisfaction.

Choosing Alta Pest Control for your millipede control needs ensures that you receive top-notch service from a team of experienced professionals. With our expertise, friendly methods, and commitment to customer satisfaction, we provide effective and long-lasting solutions to eliminate millipede infestations from your property. Trust Alta Pest Control to safeguard your home and restore peace of mind.

Millipedes FAQ

Are Millipedes Dangerous?

Millipedes are nuisance pests and aren't a significant threat to people or properties. They aren't known to transmit diseases or bite people. They do, however, secrete a liquid that can cause small blisters on your skin, but this is not a huge concern.

Why do I have a millipede problem? 

Millipedes are moisture-seeking pests. If your yard can provide them with areas of moist soil and wet organic debris, millipedes will take advantage of it. You'll often find millipedes living in the soil close to the foundation of your home. This proximity allows them to move indoors through cracks in the foundation or under basement doors. They'll also come in during periods of excessively hot or dry weather or during periods of heavy rain.

Where will I find millipedes?

Millipedes live outside in dark, quiet, moist areas like under mulch, stones, landscaping ties, logs, piles of leaves and grass, and under trash cans or compost bins. After finding their way indoors, millipedes seek out places to live that mimic their outdoor environments. Typical spots where you'll find them include basements, crawlspaces, and spaces under sinks in kitchens and bathrooms. The good news when it comes to millipedes is that they usually can't live indoors for long. The bad news is that more will keep coming into your house until you create a barrier to keep them out.

How do I get rid of millipedes?

For homeowners looking for a responsible approach to getting rid of millipedes from their property, we suggest partnering with Alta Pest Control. We focus on low-impact pest control that effectively eliminates millipedes and other household pests while minimizing the impact on the environment. Let our family-owned company protect your home and family from our area's most persistent household invading pests! If you are looking for more information about our millipede control services, reach out today and speak with one of our friendly and helpful professionals!

How Can I prevent Millipedes in the Future?

The best way to prevent any future pest problem is to have a recurring pest service. Specifically, one that is designed to protect your home year-round; from the inside of your home to the edge of your property! Give us a call today to get a plan specific to your home's needs!

How Alta Pest Control Protects Your Home From Pests

All of our treatment plans are customized to your home and yard. We do this to ensure that you get the exact coverage you need to keep your home safe. All of our technicians and inspectors are experts in their field, so you can be sure that you are getting top-tier protection.

01
Inspection

One of our expert technicians will inspect every inch of your home and business for pest activity. Then they will create a custom plan based on their findings.

02
Initial Service

Once your custom plan is created, we will treat your home and yard to give you immediate relief from pests. Then, we will create a boundary around your property to prevent more pests from entering.

03
Follow Ups

After the initial service, we will conduct regular maintenance to ensure that your pest problems remain solved. We will also conduct free inspections for problem pests, such as termites.

04
Alta Guarantee

When it comes to pest control, we put our money where our mouth is. If we treat your home, and you're still seeing pests, we'll come back and retreat for free. We'll always have your back.

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