In San Antonio, millipedes are common pests. There are over 1,000 species of the creature in the U.S and many more across the globe. Nevertheless, there’s a lot that people don’t know about millipedes. Find out everything you need to know about this many-legged insect.
What Do Millipedes Look Like?
Typically, millipedes are red or brown in color. They have many segments that are visible from a distance. Of course, the most noticeable trait of the millipede is its many legs. But don’t let the name fool you; millipedes don’t have one thousand legs. They have two pairs of legs on each segment, so the number of legs varies. Most millipedes are between 1/16 of an inch to one foot long.
Another identifying trait of millipedes is their coiled appearance. When scared, a millipede will curl up into a circular shape. They will stay curled up until they feel the threat has abated.
Are Millipedes Dangerous?
Although millipedes look horrifying to some, they aren’t dangerous to humans. The only minor risk they pose is the fluid that they excrete when they are scared. If you pick one up and they excrete the fluid, you need to wash your hands. Otherwise, the fluid may irritate your skin.
As long as you leave them alone, millipedes don’t pose a danger to your pets, property, or family. They are just unsightly and stick around for a long time.
Having a millipede infestation in your San Antonio home, however, could be cause for concern. A thriving millipede population could be indicative of other pest problems.
Where Do Millipedes Live?
Because millipedes like moisture, they usually live in mulch, grass clippings, or leaf piles. After a heavy rain, they might need to look for a new shelter. This could be outdoors or in your home. They sometimes seek shelter in basements, on porches, and in garages.
Once they find a home, female millipedes create a nesting area. They lay their eggs in the soil and the young mature after about a year. Under some circumstances, a millipede can live for as long as seven years.
Preventing Millipedes In Your San Antonio Home
Despite the fact that millipedes are not harmful, you may not want them to take over your property. They breed relatively quickly, so you should consider taking steps to prevent millipedes from living on your property. All of the following are common prevention methods:
- Clean your yard. If your yard is well-maintained, millipedes won’t have anywhere to call home. Rake up your grass clippings and leaves after doing yard work. Whenever you notice debris in your yard, remove it as soon as possible.
- Seal the cracks in your pavement. Another source of water for millipedes is the cracks in your pavement. If you see any cracks in your pavement or driveway, seal them up. This limits the water and makes millipedes less likely to gather on your property.
- Vacuum up existing millipedes in your home. In the event that your prevention methods fail, you could find millipedes in your home. To prevent them from breeding, you need to take action. Resist the temptation to pick them up with your bare hands, as they could cause irritation.
Though sucking up millipedes with your vacuum is a necessary first step, it isn’t always enough to eliminate your issue. Often, it’s a temporary solution to your pest problem.
To Exclude Millipedes, Hire An Experienced Professional
The best and most effective method of millipede prevention and elimination is to work with a reputable pest control company. Our experts at Romney Pest Control have the skills and tools to keep millipedes and other unwanted pests away from your property for good.
After inspecting your home, we will come up with a plan that’s tailored to your specific needs. We will not only eliminate current millipedes from your San Antonio home, but we will provide actions and recommendations to keep them away from good. If you’re ready to take action, contact Romney Pest Control for more advice or assistance.
