Get Rid of Millipedes in Your Ave Maria Home for Good

How to Get Rid of Millipedes in Ave Maria, FL

Contrary to popular belief, millipedes aren’t insects but cylindrical or slightly flattened invertebrates — closely related to shrimp, lobsters, and crayfish. These pests are often mistaken for centipedes, but unlike centipedes, millipedes have two pairs of legs per body segment and move much slower.

While these creatures don’t cause structural damage to buildings, they can sometimes harm soft-stemmed plants in your yard. When touched, millipedes can excrete a toxin that might cause allergic reactions in some of your family members. Therefore, it’s crucial to remove them from your home as soon as possible.

Given the potential danger of touching millipedes, it’s best to leave their removal to experts. Investing in a professional treatment plan protects your home and family from these pests and prevents them from returning.

However, not all pest control companies in Ave Maria are the same. You’ll want to work with a company that can tackle different types of infestations and has extensive knowledge of the millipede species common in this part of Florida.

All U Need Pest Control is the company you’re looking for. Since 2003, we’ve provided millipede removal solutions for Florida homeowners, customizing our services based on their needs. No pest control job is too big for our team!

Signs of a Millipede Infestation in Ave Maria, FL

The first step to effective millipede removal is determining the extent of your problem. Here’s how to identify an infestation of these pests in your home:

Sightings in Damp Areas

Millipedes are attracted to moisture, so you might find these creatures in damp areas of your home, such as basements and crawl spaces. In Ave Maria, where summer storms can be frequent, millipedes may migrate indoors to escape the saturated soil outside.

You might also notice millipedes in your yard or around landscaping features, particularly after heavy rainfall. When conditions become too wet, millipedes often seek drier environments, leading them into your home.

Damage to Plants

Unlike some other pests, millipedes typically consume decaying organic materials like wood and don’t feed on living plants unless their soil dries out. That said, millipedes can damage soft-stemmed plants in your yard or greenhouse, so you might notice their presence in these areas.

Again, touching millipedes can be potentially dangerous as they cause allergic reactions in some people. If you see these creatures among your plants, it’s best to call in the professionals immediately!

Dead Millipedes

Millipedes don’t often survive for long without a moisture source. As a result, you might see their dead bodies throughout your home, including in bedrooms and living rooms. Removing dead millipedes with a broom or vacuum cleaner can help, but it won’t address the source of the problem. This is why professional pest control is essential.

What Do Millipedes Look Like?

Millipedes are worm-like creatures with multiple pairs of legs. In fact, common species can have up to 400 legs, which helps them navigate soil and move from one place to another efficiently. Despite this, millipedes travel much slower than other pests.

Other characteristics include:

• Black bodies, although some species might have brown or reddish bodies.
• Long cylindrical shape.
• Short antennae made up of seven segments.

Millipedes can live up to 7 years and reach maturity after 2-5 years. They can also lay up to 300 eggs at a time, which normally take a few weeks to hatch.

People often mistake millipedes for centipedes. However, millipedes have two sets of legs per segment under their bodies, while centipedes have one set per segment on the side of their bodies.

If you’re not sure whether you have millipedes, we can help. Our team will accurately identify pests on your property and create a customized treatment plan. Contact us to learn more.

How to Prevent Millipedes in Ave Maria, FL

We always recommend working with a professional pest control expert if you have millipedes in your home. However, there are multiple ways you can prevent these creatures from infiltrating your property in the future:

Reduce Moisture Levels

Managing moisture in your home — the most likely cause of a millipede infestation — might prevent future problems. You can do this by installing dehumidifiers and air conditioners in various locations, including your basement, bathrooms, and other areas prone to moisture. In Ave Maria, where humidity can be particularly high during the summer months, reducing indoor moisture levels is essential to prevent millipedes from seeking shelter in your home.

Basements and crawl spaces often attract moisture because of their location in your home. You can invest in basement waterproofing or crawl space encapsulation services so your home remains safe and dry. Although these services require an investment, they could reduce the likelihood of pest infestations and other moisture-related problems such as mold and foundation damage.

Seal Entry Points

Open vents, wall cracks, floor gaps, and other entry points can attract unwanted moisture, especially at lower levels of your property. Hiring a contractor to seal these areas is a good idea to prevent millipedes and other pests from accessing your home. In Ave Maria, where homes are often designed with expansive porches and open spaces, ensuring that these areas are well-sealed can make a significant difference in keeping pests out.

If you’re on a budget, DIY crack fillers and other products from the hardware store might provide a quick fix. However, only a professional can tackle the root cause of any moisture problem in your home, which might be unstable soil and oversaturation.

Remove Organic Debris

As mentioned earlier, millipedes consume decaying organic materials like wood, so it’s best to remove dead tree limbs and other debris from your property as soon as possible. In Ave Maria, where many homes are surrounded by lush landscaping and trees, maintaining a clean yard is key to preventing millipede infestations.

There are a couple of ways to do this. You can rent a dumpster to remove waste and drop it off at a landfill, or use a hauling company to do all the work for you. Keeping your property free from organic debris might not entirely prevent pests like millipedes, but it can certainly remove their food source.

Change Your Landscaping

Installing an exterior drainage system that effectively channels water away from your property can significantly reduce excess moisture in your landscape, which is a key factor in preventing a millipede infestation. By ensuring proper drainage, you create a less hospitable environment for these pests as they thrive in damp conditions. This is particularly important in Ave Maria, where heavy rains can quickly lead to water accumulation in gardens and yards.

Additionally, consider incorporating plants into your garden that are less attractive to millipedes, such as miniature ivy and snake plants. These particular plants not only add aesthetic value to your outdoor space but also help in deterring millipedes, thereby contributing to a more balanced and pest-free garden ecosystem.

Regular maintenance of your drainage system and careful selection of plant species can go a long way in ensuring that your property remains free of unwanted millipede invasions.

Keep Your Home Clean

Millipedes, known for their long segmented bodies and numerous legs, often seek shelter in dark, damp places around homes. They commonly hide under boxes, piles of clothes, and other clutter where they can find moisture and decomposing organic material to feed on.

By removing these potential habitats, such as by decluttering spaces and ensuring proper ventilation, you can make your property less attractive to them and reduce the likelihood of infestations. Additionally, sealing cracks and crevices in walls or floors can help keep them from entering your living spaces. In Ave Maria, where homes are often spacious and open, maintaining a clean and clutter-free environment is essential in preventing pests like millipedes from finding hiding spots.

Work With a Pest Control Expert

The right professional can prevent a future millipede infestation. Our regular inspections involve:

• Identifying areas where millipedes can enter your home, such as wall cracks.
• Exterminating any millipedes before these creatures multiply.
• Providing advice about how to avoid a millipede infestation and the steps to take if you notice these creatures on your property.