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Millipedes are essential elements in ecology as they help control pests. However, having too many of these arthropods in your home can be a nuisance. It’s also difficult to imagine sharing your space with millipedes.
According to the National Wildlife Federation, there are 7000 millipede species worldwide. Millipedes find their way to basements but are usually harmless to people and homes.
Below is a detailed guide on how to get rid of millipedes in your home for good.
Why Do Millipedes Infest Homes?
Millipedes may be small in size, but they can pose a major problem if they invade your house in large numbers. Even before they get access to your home, they can be bothersome in your yard and entryway. Millipedes love wet organic debris and moist soil.
These pests may ultimately damage seedlings, ornamentals, and vegetables. Other factors that millipedes are drawn to include the following:
- Tall grass that retains moisture
- Flower beds
- Wet grass clippings
- Firewood that’s left uncovered
- Vegetable gardens
Most of the time, millipedes start entering your home when they find the conditions outside no longer favorable. For instance, during long periods of drought, these pests will leave the soil and search for entry points in your walls.
Additionally, when it’s flooding and the soil is saturated with water, millipedes tend to look for higher ground. They find their way into your home through holes, cracks, and gaps in your walls.
How Can You Get Rid of Millipedes in Your Home?
Once you have a millipede infestation in your house, it may be difficult to get rid of them completely. You need to remove any sources of food and moisture that are making them find your home a comfortable habitat. Below are ways of exterminating millipedes safely from your house:
Give Them Time
Once millipedes are inside your home, they tend to stick around for a while since they have a hard time finding their way out. They can only survive for a few days, especially if you keep your home dry. Therefore, since the infestation is short-lived, you can consider letting them be for a while till they’re no more.
Further, consider vacuuming them or using a broom or your hands to pick them up and dispose of them far away from your home.
Get Rid of Other Pests and Food Sources in Your Home
Some home pests, like spiders and insects, act as food sources for millipedes. If you have these pests in your home, the best indoor millipede control solution is eliminating them using effective measures.
Moreover, millipedes depend on decaying plant matter for food. If your home has dying or already dead plants, throw them out in the trash as a way of preventing millipede invasion. Besides, homes with thick mulch in the flower beds often attract millipedes. Clean out the dying plants and thin out the mulch to keep away millipedes.
Hire Pest Control Experts
If you notice the number of millipedes in your home has significantly increased, it’s time to call in professionals for indoor millipede control. Experts from Eastside Exterminators will ensure they spray around the entire perimeter of your house to prevent millipedes from getting in. They also use environmentally friendly products to eradicate any millipedes that you may share a space with.
How Can You Eliminate Millipedes Naturally?
There are various natural millipede repellents that you can use to get rid of these pests from your home. If you have an annoying millipede infestation that’s interfering with your and your family’s comfort, try the following natural options:
Cayenne Pepper
Cayenne powder is highly effective as a pest repellent. You can choose to either purchase the powder or grind whole cayenne peppers for yourself. Sprinkle the powder in common entry points and areas where you’ve recently spotted millipedes.
Essential Oils
Peppermint and tea tree oil are commonly used in preventing millipede invasion. You should dilute these oils in water before using them. Proceed to apply the mixture on:
- Crawlspaces
- Basements
- Foundation cracks
- Other entry points
Frequently Asked Questions
Are millipedes considered harmful to human beings?
Millipedes are generally harmless and non-venomous. When these multi-legged creatures feel threatened, they tend to curl up in a protective position. Millipedes don’t sting or bite.
However, if you’re allergic to millipedes, you may experience mild symptoms when you touch one or come into contact with the spray produced by large millipedes.
During which season are millipedes most active?
Millipedes mostly migrate during the warm, humid nights in the spring and fall. During this time, they tend to move to basements, garages, and other areas of a home. The good news is that millipedes are unable to reproduce indoors.
They are the most active during the night and may find their way inside your house through cracks or small gaps. During the day, these creatures hide in gaps on the foundation or cracks in the driveway, sidewalk, or along the house.
What are the natural predators of millipedes?
Spiders, ants, and ground beetles may hunt young millipedes. When they sense an attack, millipedes will curl up into tight spirals to keep their soft undersides safe. The millipede may also produce pungent fluids that are meant to repel potential predators.
How can you get rid of millipedes permanently from your home?
The best way to ensure your home stays free from millipede infestation in the long term is by removing debris and minimizing moisture. Keep away from water pools in the foundation and repair leaking water pipes. Also, keep the grass mowed and avoid over-watering it.
Wondering How to Get Rid of Millipedes? Get Professional Help from Eastside Exterminators
Millipedes are creepy pests that you may find crawling around your home. These creatures can become a nuisance. There are various ways you can get rid of them, including using a natural millipede repellent and seeking the help of a pest control expert.
At Eastside Exterminators, we use organic treatments to keep the environment and your family safe. We come up with a customized treatment plan that suits the kind of pests that have invaded your home and one that meets your individual needs.
Contact us today to learn how to get rid of millipedes and achieve peace of mind.
