|
< Back
Millipede
 |
Size: Generally small, about two inches or
less in length. Some forest species in the southeastern United
States
may grow to four or more inches.
Color: Brown or black |
Behavior
Millipedes live in moist vegetation, leaf litter, and mulch. They
feed upon decaying organic matter found in these areas. Millipedes
are distinguished from centipedes in that they have two pairs of
legs per body segment, while centipedes have only one pair of legs
per body segment. Although dozens of millipedes may be found outside
buildings, few may wander inside. If they do, millipedes usually
die very quickly due to lack of moisture. They can, however, survive
indoors in moist basements and crawl spaces.
Under the right conditions,
millipede "migrations" can occur. Where considerable amounts
of decaying organic matter are found, such as thick leaf litter
under trees or thick thatch layers in lawns, thousands of millipedes
might be produced. If the area where they live dries out, becomes
too wet, or the millipede population grows too large, a migration
may occur. Thousands of millipedes begin crawling in search of
better living conditions. In a few cases, hundreds of thousands
of millipedes
are present. In such cases, keeping all millipedes out of a building
is likely impossible. Treatments can help minimize the numbers.
Habitat
Outdoors, millipedes are found in leaf litter, landscape mulch,
lawns, and under items in contact with the ground. Indoors, millipedes
may survive in moist areas of garages, crawl spaces, and basements.
Tips for Control
The following actions will help in controlling millipedes:
- Reduce potential breeding sites and harborages next to and near
the building.
- Keep mulch and heavy vegetation, such as ivy, away from the foundation.
- Seal cracks and holes in the home s exterior to prevent millipedes
from entering.
- Millipede migrations may require repeated treatments to the exterior
and to cracks in the outside of the affected building.
- Determine the area where millipedes are originating and remove
the material in which they are breeding (e.g., leaf litter, mulch),
if
possible.
- Remember that total elimination of millipedes indoors may be impossible
- especially when huge numbers are involved.
- Professional treatment, sealing cracks and holes, and removing
breeding material should greatly reduce the numbers of millipedes.
< Back
|
