There are over12,000种千足虫, and chances are, you have seen a few around your home. They become pests due to their large numbers immediately after heavy rainfall.
Because of that, it’s beneficial to have a plan for controlling them. After all, no one wants crawling bugs invading their home.
In this informative guide to millipedes, you’ll discover:
- How to Quickly Get Rid of These Unwanted Pests
- 如何防止他们返回
- The Differences Between Millipedes and Centipedes
- How To Tell if You Have an Infestation
Ed has been working in the pest control industry for years helping 1,000's of homeowners navigate the world of insect and rodent management. He manages Pest Strategies now helping homeowners around the world!
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Table Of Contents
How To Get Rid of Millipedes in Your Home
You do not have to be a licensed pest control technician to eliminate unwanted pests in your home. You just need the correct information. So with that, here are some top secret techniques the pros use to eliminate millipedes.
Vacuuming
The simplest way of removing high populations of unwanted pests in your home is witha vacuum cleaneror shop vac. This method is effective for cleanouts of large infestations. Just be sure to replace the bag when you’re finished.
Lowering Humidity Levels
Millipedes seek out cool, damp areas such as:
- Basements
- Crawl spaces
- Plumbing entry points
- Laundry rooms
- 浴室
To lower humidity levels in the home, consider the following:
- Install exhaust fans in all bathrooms
- 将除湿机放置在整个家中
- Consider upgrading to central air conditioning
- Install ceiling fans to help circulate airflow through the entire home
Trapping Millipedes
Utilizemice glue trapsto capture millipedes and other crawling pests. They’re also useful for monitoring active infestations.
For maximum coverage, place glue traps in these locations:
- Basements
- Crawl spaces
- 阁楼
- Storage rooms
- Laundry room
- 厕所后面
Be sure to fold glue boards per label instructions to provide protection from curious children and pets. Also, it is best to replace these traps regularly since dirt and dust render them ineffective over time.
Diatomaceous Earth Treatments
Diatomaceous earth isa natural pesticidemade from diatoms mined from dry lake beds. It offers long-termcontrol of crawling pests through desiccation.
Although it’s non-toxic, you should use a respirator when applying diatomaceous earth as well asother insecticide dusts.
You will need a bulb duster or hand duster with a narrow tip to apply it inside your home. When using dry dust material in humid climates, be sure to only fill the duster halfway.
Also, place four to five small jagged rocks in with the diatomaceous earth. Then, shake the duster frequently to keep the powder from clumping together.
Here are the instructions for treating millipedes using diatomaceous earth:
- Pipe entry points under sinks.Place the tip of the duster into the hole where the plumbing pipes enter through the flooring. Give the duster a few gentle squeezes to send the diatomaceous earth into the area under the flooring.
- Pipe entries behind toilets.Pull the cover plate back as far as it will go to expose the pipe entry point. Give a few light puffs of dust to send the material into the wall void or the area under the flooring.
- Plumbing access doors.打开管道访问door to expose the pipes. Place the extension tip of the duster into the opening and close the door, creating a gap the width of the tip. Seal the gap around the door with masking tape. Next, gently squeeze the hand duster twice to send a small amount of dust into the void. Wait a few minutes before removing the tape, recovering the duster, and closing the door.
- 其它地方。Apply small amounts of diatomaceous earth underneath appliances, within utility spaces, behind fireplace mantles, window sills, and door jambs.
Safety Precautions When Using Diatomaceous Earth
- Never use insecticide dust around electrical outlets. The metal duster tip could accidentally cause an electrical shock.
- Be careful not to over-apply the material, especially to cracks and crevices. Over application could render the product ineffective.
- 始终使用呼吸器，尤其是在广播大面积（例如阁楼和爬行空间）时。
- 将孩子和宠物远离治疗区域至少两个小时。
Silica Gels
Unlike diatomaceous earth,silica gels are synthetic compoundsmanufactured for various industrial purposes. The most common use is to protect cameras and lenses from excess moisture during shipping.
In recent years, the pest control industry has discovered it as an economical solution for eliminating pests. Silica gels are similar to diatomaceous earth and have the same dry consistency after being crushed.
Silica gels are now available for home use and typically come in a handy squeeze bottle for convenience. However, it’s best to only utilize them for crack and crevice applications. Also, since these products can affect the lungs, a dust mask is required while working with silica gels.
Pesticide Sprays
Treating the perimeter of your homewith residual sprays事实证明有效消除各种不需要的害虫。在这种情况下，请务必选择一个标记为千足派的标签。
The most popular products contain the active ingredient lambda-cyhalothrin. Others utilize the powerful knockdown ability of bifenthrin. Both are concentrates you mix in a gallon sprayer.
To apply a barrier treatment, follow these basic instructions:
- Spray the outer perimeter of the home where the foundation and the ground meet. A 10-foot-wide band will provide ample coverage.
- Adjust the spray nozzle for areas around windows, doors, eaves, overhangs, vents, and service line entry points. Try to use no more than a two-foot band to limit pesticide drift.
- Employ a 24-inch spot treatment for areas under sinks, behind appliances, and in basements.
- Be sure to spot-treat underneath steps, entryways, and door thresholds.
喷洒踢脚板是没有用的，因为杀虫剂被定期擦洗。此外，最好避免在客厅里喷涂木质饰边和踢脚线，因为液体倾向于翘曲木材。此外，它也可能弄脏地毯。
How To Prevent Millipedes
Sanitation Measures for Millipedes
千足虫是清道夫，几乎会吃掉任何东西，尤其是当它腐烂或腐烂时。通常，您用来控制房屋周围苍蝇的相同措施也对千足虫有效。
以下是一些常见的例子限制the millipede’s food sources:
- Remove compost piles and grass clippings from your yard regularly.
- 清理所有院子废物，并将木架重新放置至至少20英尺远的结构。
- 确保所有垃圾桶都有安全的盖子。
- Remove rotting organic matter, especially in moist areas.
Reduce Access to Moisture
- Clean gutters regularly to prevent water from backing up.
- Make sure all downspouts around the house are free from debris.
- Avoid overwatering grass, trees, and outdoor plants.
- Repair all leaky outdoor faucets and hose bibs.
- Set sprinkler systems on a timer and make sure they are in good condition.
Limit Millipede Habitat
You can find millipedes in almost any type of environment, including:
- Forests
- Caves
- Prairies
- Deserts
For yards with grass, millipedes are found in thatch, the layer of organic material between the grass and the soil. In desert environments, they typically nest under rocks.
No matter where their hiding places are, almost all millipede species are attracted to rotting plant matter along with animal feces and decomposing waste.
For that reason, it is best to clean up after pets regularly. Also, remove mulch and leaf litter from your yard to limit the millipede’s hiding places.
Seal Them Out
DIY homeowners can keep out millipedes using simple tools and supplies around the home. Here, we supply the steps to achieve the best possible results:
- Repair cracks in foundation walls using liquid cement or epoxy sealant.
- Close pipe entry points with steel wool or expansion foam.
- Replace worn weather stripping around windows and doors.
- Caulk door jambs and window sills with caulking compound.
- 使用或抹墙粉腻子密封墙裂缝。
Chemical Repellents
Granules containing bifenthrin help control millipedes year-round. Place some along the perimeter of patios, working your way out toward the fenceline. This technique reduces pest populations while drawing them away from living spaces.
Boric acid applied indoors can work well to repel millipedes. However, it is best to restrict its use to cracks and crevices. Broadcast treatments are not advised since it is somewhat stronger than diatomaceous earth.
Natural Repellents
Natural pest repellentsare available for millipedes. While there is little science behind the efficacy of essential oils as pesticides, many people swear by them.
Tea tree oil and peppermint seem to be the most effective. Try finding a product that is already premixed and ready to apply. Many come in a convenient spray bottle for easy application.
Spray them in the same areas you would for traditional chemical insecticides. However, since natural repellents are not as strong, you may have to repeat treatments every week before experiencing lasting results.
Female millipedes lay between 10 and 100 eggs at a time on moist soil or decomposing organic matter. In addition, many species protect them within cocoon-like structures.
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How To Identify Millipedes
Characteristics
千足片是round, wormlike arthropodsthat vary depending on where you find them. For example, woodland millipedes are often dark brown, whereas desert varieties sometimes have a lighter tan color to match their sandy environments.
Each species also varies in length, with the longest being over 13 inches. That being the case, the average house millipede is only about one to three inches in length.
Life Cycle
Female millipedes lay between 10 and 100 eggs at a time on moist soil or decomposing organic matter. In addition, many species protect them within cocoon-like structures.
鸡蛋在几周内孵化。在那之后，年轻人会在种植新段时几次扭动几次，在某些物种中最多20个。
Telling Millipedes From Centipedes
It can be a challenge to tell the difference between millipedes and centipedes. That is why we explain the contrasts between each one in detail for you here.
Bodies
The millipede has a tubular body, while the centipede is typically flat. Both, however, can be almost any variety of colors, depending on the species.
Antennae
Millipedes have short antennae. In contrast, since centipedes are hunters, they require longer antennae to discover potential prey.
Legs
The millipede has two pairs of legs on all segments except for one. That is why they never have an even number of sets.
Centipedes, on the other hand, have one pair of legs per body segment. That goes for almost all species.
Locomotion
Centipedes run fast due to having long legs, and millipedes have short legs used for burrowing. For that reason, millipedes typically move slower than centipedes.
Are Millipedes Harmful?
千足片是harmless to humans. Moreover, they are not very adept at combat. Instead, they curl into a ball as a defensive move to thwart predators.
Millipedes do not eat wood or destroy homes. While some larger varieties are known to damage live plants, they are not found in the U.S. or North America.
Signs & Causes of a Millipede Infestation
Seeing a few millipedes here and there does not necessarily indicate an infestation. However, it is possible to witness over100 underneath a piece of plywood. Still, witnessing that many in your home is highly unlikely.
Millipedes occasionally invade buildings when the weather becomes too hot and dry. However, they can move indoors during the cold winter months as well. They live up to three years and can go unnoticed since they inhabit dark, tight spaces.
Millipedes overwinter as eggs. In the spring, they take cover in yard mulch and decaying plant matter. They also favor spaces between rocks, tree bark, and lumber.
Additionally, millipedes are constantly seeking sources of water. Therefore, you will often notice them in basements, pool equipment boxes, and near downspouts that are not properly routed.
Last Word on Millipedes
It is important to remember that millipedes are just one of many pests you can encounter on your property. The good news is that the majority of pest control companies include these creepy crawlers in their annual contracts, along with:
- Cockroaches
- Ants
- Spiders
- Crickets
- Mice
- Other common pests
Having an expert show up regularly to your home ensures these and other pests do not return. Still, it’s vital to hire a qualified exterminator you can trust.
Be sure to check online referrals. Also, it’s a good idea to consult your local Better Business Bureau. Lastly, make sure the company you select is licensed, bonded, and insured in your state.
