Millipedes are insects that have two jointed pair legs. They have several segments, and each segment has a pair of the legs. Each section with a pair of joined legs is a result of two segments joined. An average millipede has almost 20 segments. Millipede is a word derived from Latin which means “a thousand feet.” However, an actual millipede never has 1000 legs. The millipede with the maximum number of legs has 750 legs. They have different sizes. Some are large while some small millipedes can roll into a ball. They are planted eating insects. They eat decaying leaves. Some of them eat fungi and suck fluids of plants. They are harmless to humans and also found as garden pests.
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Millipede Damages
Millipedes are very dangerous for plants and leaves. They love to eat these plants materials and grow under damp atmosphere. They are found outside in damp areas and damages the plants. They also live in dog houses and storage beds. They often migrate in the fall season. Some people think that they get ready for winters. They are also found after raining season when their habitat washes away. When they migrate, they make their way into homes. When they enter the garden of the home, they found their way into the houses and go to the basement or under furniture. They love to live in the dark and feed on dry leaves and damp wood. They also destroy wood. They are very harmful to wood and plants. If not controlled, they damage furniture and found more storage areas in the house and continue to grow.
How to Get Rid of Millipede
Millipede is a dangerous creature, and you must get rid of them by paying special attention.
Physical Removal and Exclusion
1. Maintain your Lawn
Mow your lawn and don’t let the grass grow longer. Longer grass gives more space to the millipedes to hide and grow. There is another disadvantage that long grass stores more water in it and millipedes grow faster in water. Millipedes mostly get active at night. Try to water the lawn in the morning instead of the evening so that the garden gets enough time to dry.
2. Eliminate or Move Hiding Places
Millipedes love to hide and when they hide they grow and damage the plants. Remove piles of dead leaves and clean the area as it is the most common place they hide. Eliminate mulch and debris. They are sometimes beneficial but try to keep it away from your garden. Do air shrubbery as it lets the grass dry out so that millipedes does not get attracted.
3. Divert Rainwater Away from the House
Try to divert rain water from the house as much as possible. Check your gutters. They must be diverting rainwater away from the house. Check the basement of the house that water is not collecting there. If you have a house build in the bottom of the hill, the reservation for water has most changes. Don’t let water to stay in the house.
4. Seal Cracks or Crevices
Don’t let millipedes come into your house. Once millipedes enter in your house, it becomes difficult to remove them. Try to keep the windows and doors of your house shut tightly. If you see any gap, fill it. Repair the damages in the walls and doors. Install weather stripping in your house. Install screens on each side of the vent as millipedes can also enter through vents.
5. Swipe them Away
If you ever find millipedes in your house immediately swipe them away. They must be removed quickly. Use a vacuum cleaner for this purpose if you have one.
6. Remove Moisturizer Indoors
Millipedes only survive in damp areas so keeping your house dry will not let them stay. Even if they are not removed, they will not stay in the dry house as they cannot live in dry places. They need damp and moist areas to live and grow.
Chemical Pesticides
You must also use proper pesticide application to check millipedes’ control.
1. Talstar Pro 96 Ounce
It is number one pest control chemical on the market. It kills around 75 insects through it. It also kills termites.
How to use:
It is used by mixing it with water. The areas where the population of pests is very high you have to mix 1 oz. of the chemical in one gallon of water. The areas where the number of pests is less you can add one a half oz. of the chemical in one gallon of water.
Watch out for:
Although Talstar is safe for you pets like dogs and cats, they must be away from it when you are spraying it. After the area is dry, they can return.
Benefits:
It is very beneficial as it kills insects instantly.
2. Ortho Home Defense Insect Killer
How to use:
Shake well before use. Spray through the nozzle. Keep it 12 inches away from the surface. Spray until the surface is slightly wet but is not soaked.
Watch out for:
Keep it out of the contact with water. Don’t spray it near animals. Keep it away from plugs and electricity to avoid shocks.
Benefits
- It is long lasting.
- The product is odorless.
- It requires no bending or hand fatigue.
3. Bayer Advanced Grub Killer Plus
How to use:
Apply rubber gloves before applying this pesticide. Irrigate the land before you spray it. Spray directly onto the area and let it dry.
Watch out for:
Don’t let anyone near the area until it is dried.
Benefits:
- The product is reliable and long lasting.
- It is not much expensive.
Natural Pesticide
1. Spread Diatomaceous Earth
It is a substance which makes 26% of Earth’s crust. It is available in local stores. The substance works in a way that it dehydrates the millipedes to death. It is present in the form of dust, and you can sprinkle it on the grass. The product is not expensive.
2. Dry Boric Acid
It is one of the most used and oldest chemicals found to treat pests. It is very inexpensive and found quickly. The ingredient attacks the nervous system of the pests and dries them out. It is used by spreading a small amount of it on the areas you want to target. You can store it in a plastic bottle.
3. Mix Wood Ash into the Soil
Wood ash is very helpful for plants, and they help the crops grow. It is also very beneficial against pesticides. When you spread it directly into the soil, it reacts with the soil that creates a condition for the pests to die or leave the soil. The ash must be dry to get the perfect results.
4. Raise Chickens
Chicken eats the pests but not the plants. They do not let pests or millipedes to stay and grow in your garden. Apart from pest control, raising chickens is also fun. It is one of the cheapest ways to control the pests.
Millipede Prevention
1. Remove Woody Debris
Eliminate the pile of leaves and the trees which are cut down. They are an excellent food source for the millipedes. Remove them so that they do not stay on them.
2. Clean up Around Your Home
Cleaning is necessary to prevent the millipede growth. Regularly clean your house and dry it. Don’t let water stay or any other dust. Keep proper check of neatness and cleanliness. They do not stay in the dry home.
3. Keep up with Grass Cutting
Long grass results in the growth of millipedes. They hide in the long grass and grow there. Cut your class regularly. Don’t water it in the evening as it will take more time to dry and millipedes are active at night. Water it in the early morning.
4. Sweeping and Vacuuming
Swipe the millipedes if you see them in your house. Use a vacuum to remove them as vacuum cleans them properly and from everywhere.