Get Rid of Millipedes in Your Estero Home for Good

How to Get Rid of Millipedes in Estero, FL

Contrary to popular belief, millipedes are not insects but invertebrates more closely related to crustaceans. Though generally harmless to humans, they become a nuisance when they invade homes.

While millipedes typically do not cause structural damage to buildings, they can sometimes harm delicate plants in your garden. When disturbed, millipedes may release a defensive substance that could trigger allergic reactions in some individuals. Therefore, it is essential to eliminate them from your Estero property promptly!

Given the potential risks of handling millipedes, it is best to leave their removal to professionals. Investing in expert treatment protects your home and family from these pests and prevents their return, ensuring your Estero property remains a millipede-free zone.

However, not all pest control services in Estero are created equal. Partnering with a company that effectively handles various infestations and possesses in-depth knowledge of millipede species common to this region of Florida is essential.

All U Need Pest Control is the local expert you’re looking for. Since 2003, we’ve provided customized millipede removal solutions for Florida homeowners, tailoring our services to meet the unique needs of Estero properties. Whether you’re dealing with historic homes near Old Estero or modern houses in new developments, our experienced team can handle it all!

Signs of a Millipede Infestation in Estero, FL

Identifying the extent of your millipede problem is the first step toward effective removal. Here’s how to spot an infestation of these pests in your Estero home:

Sightings in Damp Areas

Millipedes are attracted to moisture, so you might encounter these creatures in damp areas of your home, such as crawl spaces, poorly ventilated bathrooms, or basements. You may also notice millipedes in your yard or patio, especially after periods of heavy rainfall or irrigation. When conditions become too wet, millipedes often migrate from their natural habitats in garden beds or under mulch to these areas.

Damage to Plants

Unlike some other pests, millipedes typically feed on decaying organic materials like mulch or fallen leaves and don’t usually attack living plants unless their preferred food sources become scarce. However, in Estero, they may damage soft-stemmed plants in your garden, so you might notice their presence in these areas.

Handling millipedes can be potentially dangerous, as they may cause allergic reactions in some people. If you spot these creatures among your garden beds or around your patio, it’s best to call in the professionals immediately!

Dead Millipedes

Millipedes often struggle to survive for long without a consistent moisture source. As a result, you might find their deceased bodies throughout your Estero home, including in bedrooms and living areas.

While you can remove dead millipedes with a broom or vacuum cleaner, this won’t address the root of the problem. For a comprehensive solution tailored to Estero’s unique environment, professional pest control is your best option.

What Do Millipedes Look Like?

Millipedes are worm-like creatures with numerous pairs of legs. In fact, common species found in Estero can have up to 400 legs, which helps them navigate through moist soil and move efficiently from garden beds to your home. Despite their many legs, millipedes move much slower than many other pests.

Other characteristics of millipedes in Estero include:

• Dark brown or grayish bodies that blend well with mulch and soil in gardens.
• Elongated cylindrical shape resembling a small twig or piece of debris.
• Short antennae comprised of seven segments useful for sensing their environment.

Millipedes in Estero can live up to 7 years and reach maturity after 2-5 years. They can lay up to 300 eggs at a time, which typically hatch within a few weeks in the warm, humid climate of Estero, Florida.

People often confuse millipedes with centipedes. However, millipedes have two sets of legs per body segment, while centipedes have one set per segment, positioned on the sides of their bodies.

Millipedes also tend to curl into a spiral when threatened, whereas centipedes remain flat and are more likely to move quickly to escape danger. This defensive curling behavior is a key characteristic that helps differentiate millipedes from other similar pests.

If you’re unsure whether you’re dealing with millipedes in your Estero property, we can help. Our team will accurately identify the pests on your property and create a customized treatment plan suited to your specific needs. Contact us to learn more about our local expertise in millipede control.

How to Prevent Millipedes in Estero, FL

While we always recommend working with a professional pest control expert for millipede issues in your Estero home, there are several ways you can help prevent these creatures from infiltrating your property in the future:

Reduce Moisture Levels

Managing moisture in your Estero home—a common issue due to the humid subtropical climate—is key to preventing millipede infestations. Install dehumidifiers and ensure proper ventilation in various locations, including crawl spaces, bathrooms, and other areas prone to moisture accumulation.

Crawl spaces are particularly susceptible to moisture in Estero due to the high water table and proximity to water bodies like Estero Bay. Consider investing in crawl space encapsulation services to keep your home dry and unattractive to pests. While these services require an initial investment, they can significantly reduce the likelihood of pest infestations and other moisture-related problems common in coastal properties.

Seal Entry Points

In Estero homes, open vents, wall cracks, and gaps around windows and doors can allow unwanted moisture and pests to enter, especially during stormy weather. Hiring a contractor familiar with local construction techniques to seal these areas is advisable to prevent millipedes and other pests from accessing your home.

If you’re on a budget, DIY crack fillers and weatherstripping from the local hardware store might provide a temporary fix. However, only a professional can address the root cause of moisture problems in your Estero home, which might be related to the property’s proximity to water bodies or the effects of high humidity on building materials.

Remove Organic Debris

As mentioned earlier, millipedes consume decaying organic materials, so it’s important to remove items like fallen leaves, mulch, and wood chips from your Estero property promptly.

You can rent a dumpster to remove waste and dispose of it properly or use a local hauling company familiar with city regulations to do the work for you. Keeping your property free from organic debris may not entirely prevent pests like millipedes, but it can significantly reduce their food sources and make your property less attractive to them.

Change Your Landscaping

Installing an exterior drainage system that effectively channels water away from your Estero property can significantly reduce excess moisture in your landscape—a key factor in preventing millipede infestations. Proper drainage is particularly important in this area due to frequent rain and the risk of flooding during the rainy season.

Additionally, consider incorporating plants into your garden that are less attractive to millipedes, such as native Florida species that thrive in drier conditions. These plants not only add beauty to your outdoor space but also help in deterring millipedes, contributing to a more balanced and pest-free garden ecosystem.

Regular maintenance of your drainage system and careful selection of appropriate plant species can go a long way in ensuring that your Estero 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 Estero homes. They commonly hide under garden equipment, piles of leaves, 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 millipedes from entering your living spaces.

Work With a Pest Control Expert

The right professional can prevent future millipede infestations in your Estero home. Our regular inspections involve:

• Identifying areas where millipedes can enter your home, such as gaps around windows and doors.
• Exterminating any millipedes before they can multiply in the favorable climate of Estero.
• Providing advice about how to avoid millipede infestations specific to Estero properties and the steps to take if you notice these creatures on your property.