Millipedes

Millipedes can be an overwhelming pest to encounter in your home. Although millipedes primarily live outdoors in damp soil and leaves, certain environmental conditions such as heavy rain or extreme droughts can drive them toward indoor spaces as they look for the proper moisture levels to thrive in. Once millipedes make their way inside your home, their population size grows at a rapid pace, making them difficult to manage.

Often gaining access through small cracks, gaps, or openings in foundation, millipedes are persistent invaders, especially during seasonal changes. Unlike many other household pests, millipedes do not bite, sting, or damage food supplies, however their presence can be a significant nuisance due to their massive quantities.

COMMON TYPES OF MILLIPEDES IN YOUR HOME

Identifying beetles can be challenging without professional experience. Although there are hundreds of thousands of beetle species worldwide, only a small number of them frequently invade homes and businesses. Despite this, these species can cause significant problems when left untreated. Most residential infestations fall into a few categories based on what beetles eat and where they like to hide. It can be difficult to distinguish one type of beetle from another. Although there are over 10,000 different species of beetles worldwide, you’re most likely to experience an infestation from carpet beetles, pantry beetles, powderpost beetles, or ground beetles.

Check out some of the characteristics of these beetles to help you correctly identify your pest problem.

GREENHOUSE MILLIPEDE

The greenhouse millipede, also known as the garden or hothouse millipede is a non-native species from Asia that has become a frequent residential pest throughout the United State. Unlike other species, these millipedes are blind and rely on their antennae to navigate though dark, moist environments that they thrive in. Commonly, this species is spotted in greenhouses, mulch, or compost piles. As a result of their rapid reproduction, they quickly outgrow their natural outdoor habitats, leading to major migrations in basements and garages where the moisture conditions suit them.

Less than 1" in length
Flattened, reddish to dark brown body
Thrives in moist, dark environments

NORTH AMERICAN MILLIPEDE

Also known as the American Giant Millipede, this is the largest species of millipede that homeowners encounter in the eastern United States. These millipedes can grow up to 5 inches in length, featuring a tube-like body that is dark gray or black with orange rings at each segment. Although they primarily live in forests with rotting logs and an abundance of leaves, they will make their way into homes in search of high-humidity areas that better suit them. The North American millipede also feature a unique defense mechanism, curling up into a tight spiral and releasing a discharge that may cause mild irritation to the skin.

4 to 5" in length
Orange rings at each segment
Features a defense mechanism if threatened

COMMON GARDEN MILLIPEDES

The most frequent accidental invaders in suburban landscapes around the U.S. are the common garden millipedes. Featuring a dark, cylindrical body, these millipedes are scavengers found in damp areas under stones, flower beds, and lawns. Common garden millipedes are known to invade homes during times of heavy rain that flood their outdoor shelters. This forces them to move in large quantities onto patios and ground level rooms in your home. Although they are harmless, their presence can be overwhelming due to the extreme populations that can appear overnight.

1 to 1 1/2" in length
Dark brown to black body
Harmless

Prevention is usually much easier and more manageable than attempting to treat an infestation. If you’ve experienced millipede problems in the past or are concerned that your home may be at risk, contact EcoShield for an inspection and front-line treatment plan. Protecting yourself prior to millipedes becoming a problem is the single best way to avoid them altogether. Our year-round Shield Protection Plan can also prevent and control millipedes before they become a problem.

SEE Millipedes? TAKE THESE STEPS

If you see one millipede, it’s safe to say that there are more crawling around in your walls, between the cracks, and reproducing where you can’t see them. Your beetle problem will not go away on its own, and some pest control methods are ineffective.

Want to get rid of your millipedes for good? Follow these steps:

Step 1: Call EcoShield Pest Solutions today for a free estimate.
Step 2: Avoid trying to treat your millipede problem before our team of experts can properly identify the type of beetle invading your property.
Step 3: Schedule a time that works best for you. The pest control technicians at EcoShield always strive to accommodate your schedule.
Step 4: Watch your pest control problem disappear and eliminate your stress and worry.

At EcoShield, we help you through every step of the pest control treatment process. Whether you have general questions about millipedes in your home or you need to get rid of a damaging infestation, our experts are trained to answer any questions and provide the best solution for you.