Part of the reason why pests are considered to be a detriment to a household or commercial buildings is that they are unsightly and make people feel uncomfortable. One such creepy crawler is the millipede. This insect is often mistaken for centipedes due to their similar appearance.
Both of these pests have a distinct head and multiple repeated segments that make up the body. However, the similarities end at that point. For example, the millipede has two pairs of legs at each segment, which are sub-cylindrical in shape as opposed to the flattened appearance centipedes have. Also, they have a rounded body. Typical millipede colors are brown and black, but some species appear orange or red.
Finally, the biggest physical difference between the two pests is their speed. Centipedes are much faster than millipedes. Millipedes move slowly, and they tend to burrow. However, controlling a possible millipede infestation requires more than just a basic understanding of the pest.
Millipedes Are A Nuisance, Not A Danger
For starters, despite their unfavorable appearance, millipedes pose no direct danger to humans. Centipedes, on the other hand, are known to bite many species, and their bite is toxic. While millipedes won’t harm anyone directly, they should still be approached with care.
When they feel threatened or are handled improperly, millipedes will release a foul-smelling liquid. Upon skin contact, this liquid can cause skin irritation and small blisters. In addition, this fluid can be toxic to small animals and pets, which is why it’s important to have professional assistance with your pest management.
Preventing Millipedes From Getting Into Your Lewisville Home
Unlike other pests, millipedes don’t leave much evidence behind. For most people, the discovery of millipedes is the sign of a greater problem in the home. So what brings millipedes inside? The following reasons are the most common causes of millipede infestation:
- Extreme moisture: Millipedes thrive in high moisture environments. They can’t survive without an adequate water source. If there is a moisture problem within the home, this can lead to a natural migration for millipedes searching for water.
- Extreme drought: On the opposite end of the spectrum, severe drought can drive millipedes to hunt for moisture elsewhere. The drier it is outside, the more likely you are to experience a millipede infestation.
- The number one thing to do is remove areas of moisture in and around the home. Make sure to check for leaks and other causes of moisture. You may find it beneficial to use a dehumidifier if the home is especially humid during the spring and summer months.
The better you control the perimeter, the more likely you are to prevent a millipede problem. For this reason, it’s important to mow the lawn regularly. If watering the lawn is part of your routine, be sure to do so in the morning so the yard dries out during the day.
Our final word of advice in millipede prevention is to seal all entry points around the home. If they have no means of entering the premises, then an infestation can’t occur. Due to the complications involved in handling millipedes, it’s best to contact pest control specialists to remove the millipedes if any are discovered during your inspection.
Millipede Control With Adam’s Exterminating Company
At Adams Exterminating Company, we approach each project with a sense of family. We want our homes protected from pests too, which is why we treat your home as if it was ours. That’s why we offer three possible pest control programs designed specifically for residences in North Texas. Simply pick the one that meets your needs and budget, and our experts will keep your home pest-free.
Are you in need of millipede prevention services? Then give us a call to speak with one of our agents about our professional millipede control options or fill out our online form to schedule your free quote.