Millipede Identification & Prevention

Millipedes are common pests to find outside in our lawns and gardens because both provide them with the moisture they need.

When people come across millipedes, they often become startled because of their high "ick" factor. They have elongated, cylindrical bodies, and on each body segment, they have two pairs of jointed legs. Millipedes are typically brown, red, or black and have short antennae.

If you pick up a millipede, the contact with your skin can result in a rash caused by a fluid they emit. However, millipedes aren't known for their speed, so avoiding contact with these pests is usually quite easy. In our yards and gardens, millipedes can cause mild damage to plants and flowers.

Millipedes are not dangerous pests but are annoying, and you don't want them living in your Durham, NC yard in large numbers.

Millipedes live outside, and if your property provides them with a suitable place to lay their eggs, feed, and have their moisture needs met, they make themselves at home.

Things that often cause millipedes to be attracted to a property initially are areas with moisture buildup in the soil. Excess moisture is often the result of leaky pipes, overgrown or dense vegetation, clogged gutters, and dripping air conditioners.

Landscaped areas located near our homes and garages are places where millipedes thrive. They live in the damp soil under mulch, landscaping ties, rocks, leaf piles, and woodpiles.

Living near the foundation of our home or an outbuilding makes it easy for millipedes to move indoors when it becomes necessary. They typically only migrate inside when it is too hot or dry outside for them to live comfortably.

To rid your property of leggy, unwanted millipedes, partner with an experienced professional. With over 25 years in the industry, the professionals at Eco Man Pest Solutions have been helping home, and business owners in Durham, NC protect their properties from millipedes and other unwanted pests. We work closely with our customers by using innovative and eco-friendly products and relying on Integrated Pest Management techniques to eliminate pests. If you want to learn more about our natural and effective pest solutions and learn how we can work together to keep your business or home free of pests, reach out to our friendly professionals today!

The following five easy steps will help you prevent problems with millipedes in your Durham yard and home.

1. Reduce humidity levels by running a dehumidifier in damp areas of your home.
2. Keep your lawn mowed short, making it less likely to retain a lot of excess moisture.
3. Remove things like fallen trees, landscaping ties, and rocks from your home that millipedes can hide within near your home's exterior.
4. Store firewood piles and trash cans up off the ground and away from the outside of your home.
5. Seal cracks that develop in your foundation and place door sweeps on exterior doors.

Learn more about how our team can effectively eliminate millipedes from our Durham area business.