How many legs are too many legs? Six? Ten? One hundred? Honestly, anything over four legs seems weird and unnatural. If you feel this way as well, then millipedes must really freak you out. These multi-legged pests are common here in Houston and quite intimidating to look at. The question is, are they dangerous? We will be discussing this today and giving you some simple tricks to keep these invasive pests out of your home.
What Are Millipedes?
Millipedes are arthropods that commonly invade homes in our area. These pests are born with thee pairs of legs and grow additional legs and body segments every time they molt. The longest recorded millipede had over 750 individual legs! When threatened, millipedes roll into themselves, letting their hard outer shell shield them from danger.
Out in nature, millipedes prefer to live around moist areas near decaying vegetation. Leaf piles, piles of grass clippings, flower-beds, and mulch are all common locations these pests congregate. Inside homes, millipedes will gravitate to moist areas such as basements, crawlspaces, and laundry rooms. If a home does not have a high level of moisture and available food sources, these pests will not survive for very long.
Millipedes are not common home-invading pests during most times of the year. It is only when the weather outside is overly wet or dry that these pests seek shelter within homes. If your home has openings that allow millipedes a way to get inside, you can expect these pests to invade when conditions outside are unfavorable.
Are Millipedes Dangerous?
Despite looking rather scary, millipedes are not dangerous pests. They do not sting, bite, or spread any form of dangerous diseases. Certain species produce a mild chemical that can cause a minor rash and irritation to the skin, but besides this, millipedes are practically harmless. The biggest problem these pests pose is with how startling and annoying they are when found around homes.
Prevention Tips For Millipedes
Millipedes primarily invade homes to escape bad weather and stay inside if conditions meet their needs. To prevent these annoying pests from getting into your Houston home, try these simple prevention tips.
- Keep your lawn cut short.
- Trim back bushes and tree branches from the exterior of your home.
- Eliminate leaf piles, decaying foliage, and other organic debris from your property.
- Remove sources of standing water from your property.
- Water your lawn in the early morning rather than later in the day.
- Make sure your gutters are clean and in good repair.
- Fix leaky piping and fixtures in and around your home.
- Use a dehumidifier indoors around particularly moist areas.
- Install door sweeps under all of your home’s exterior doors.
- Seal up gaps, holes, and cracks in the exterior foundation of your home.
- Repair or replace windows that are damaged or fitted improperly.
- Remove dead or decaying plants from your home.
The Best Way To Handle Millipedes
Preventing millipedes on your own requires a tremendous amount of effort and time. If you would rather not spend your evenings and time off from work addressing problems around your home that let these pests in, we have a better solution for you. At Romney Pest Control, we make millipede control easy. With our professional pest abatement, elimination, and exclusion plans in place around your Houston home and property, you won’t have to worry about these pests.
Give our team a call today to discuss your options for services and to find a plan that best suits your home. We are confident you will not be disappointed.
