Millipedes, scientifically called diplopods, are small creatures that belong to the arthropod family.
They have long, segmented bodies and numerous pairs of legs, with each segment often carrying two pairs of legs. While they may look intimidating with their many legs, millipedes are generally harmless to humans.
They play an important role in nature, especially in maintaining soil health. Millipedes feed mainly on decaying plant material, which helps break down organic matter and enrich the soil.
Millipedes prefer damp, dark environments where they can find plenty of moisture and decaying matter to eat. Outdoors, you’ll typically find them under rocks, logs, leaves, and even in soil. They thrive in moist environments because their bodies can quickly dry out, so they seek areas where there’s constant moisture.
Sometimes, millipedes find their way into homes. When they do, they are usually found in places where moisture levels are high, such as basements, bathrooms, and crawl spaces.
Millipedes enter homes mainly in search of moisture or as a result of heavy rains that drive them to seek shelter indoors. Although they’re not harmful or dangerous, having them inside the house can be a nuisance, and it’s natural to want to get rid of them.
To prevent and manage millipedes indoors, it’s helpful to take the following steps:
1. Reduce Moisture: Since millipedes are drawn to damp areas, reducing the moisture levels inside your home is crucial. Keep rooms like basements, bathrooms, and kitchens as dry as possible. Use dehumidifiers in damp areas, fix any leaky pipes, and ensure proper ventilation to reduce humidity.
2. Clean Up: Millipedes feed on decaying plant material, so removing any organic debris around the house can discourage them. Clear leaves, mulch, and grass clippings from around the foundation of your home. Inside the house, avoid storing piles of cardboard, paper, or other organic materials in damp areas.
3. Seal Entry Points: Millipedes can enter through cracks, gaps, and other small openings around windows, doors, or the foundation. Sealing these entry points with caulk or weather stripping can help keep them from getting inside.
4. Use Traps or Pesticides: If millipedes continue to be a problem, you can use traps or insecticides as a last resort. Simple traps, like sticky tape, can catch them, while insecticides can be applied around the home’s perimeter. Be sure to follow safety instructions when using pesticides.
By following these steps, you can reduce the chances of millipedes entering your home and manage any infestations.
Remember that millipedes are beneficial to the environment, so it’s best to control them without causing unnecessary harm if possible.
