Get Rid of Millipedes in Your Fort Myers Home for Good

How to Get Rid of Millipedes in Fort Myers, FL

Contrary to popular belief, millipedes are not insects but invertebrates closely related to shrimp, lobsters, and crayfish. While these creatures are generally harmless to your home’s structure, they can damage soft-stemmed plants in your yard. Additionally, they may release a toxin when handled, which can cause allergic reactions in some individuals, making their removal from your home a priority.

Handling millipedes can be potentially hazardous, so it’s advisable to leave their removal to professionals. Investing in a professional treatment plan not only protects your home and family but also prevents these pests from returning.

Not all pest control companies in Fort Myers offer the same level of service. It’s essential to work with a company that understands the unique challenges posed by the local environment and has extensive knowledge of the millipede species commonly found in this area.

All U Need Pest Control is that company. Since 2003, we’ve been offering tailored millipede removal solutions for Florida homeowners, adapting our services to meet the specific needs of each customer. No pest control job is too big for our experienced team!

Signs of a Millipede Infestation in Fort Myers, FL

The first step to effective millipede control is identifying the extent of the problem. Here’s how to recognize a millipede infestation in your home:

Sightings in Damp Areas

Millipedes are drawn to moisture, so you may find them in damp areas of your home, such as basements, crawl spaces, and bathrooms. You might also notice them in your yard, especially after heavy rainfall. When the environment becomes too wet, millipedes often migrate from their natural habitats to these areas.

Damage to Plants

Millipedes typically feed on decaying organic materials but can also harm soft-stemmed plants in your yard when the soil dries out. If you notice millipedes in these areas, it’s important to act quickly as handling them can cause allergic reactions in some individuals.

Dead Millipedes

Millipedes cannot survive long without moisture. As a result, you may find their dead bodies in various parts of your home, including bedrooms and living rooms. While it’s easy to sweep or vacuum them up, this won’t solve the underlying problem. Professional pest control is recommended to address the source of the infestation.

What Do Millipedes Look Like?

Millipedes are elongated, worm-like creatures with multiple pairs of legs. Common species can have up to 400 legs, enabling them to move through soil and travel efficiently. Despite this, millipedes move much slower than other pests.

Other distinguishing features include:

• Typically black bodies, though some species may be brown or reddish.
• A long cylindrical shape.
• Short antennae composed of seven segments.

Millipedes can live for up to seven years and reach maturity within 2-5 years. They can also lay up to 300 eggs at a time, which typically hatch within a few weeks.

People often mistake millipedes for centipedes, but there are distinct differences. Millipedes have two sets of legs per body segment, while centipedes have one set per segment, with their legs extending outward from the sides of their bodies.

If you’re unsure whether you have millipedes, we can help. Our team will accurately identify the pests on your property and create a customized treatment plan. Contact us to learn more.

How to Prevent Millipedes in Fort Myers, FL

While it’s always best to consult with a professional pest control expert if you have a millipede problem, there are several steps you can take to prevent these pests from entering your home in the future:

Reduce Moisture Levels

Managing moisture in your home is key to preventing a millipede infestation. Fort Myers’ tropical climate, with its frequent rain and high humidity, makes homes more susceptible to these pests. Installing dehumidifiers and air conditioners in moisture-prone areas like basements and bathrooms can significantly reduce humidity levels. Additionally, investing in services like basement waterproofing or crawl space encapsulation can help keep your home dry and reduce the likelihood of attracting pests like millipedes.

Basements and crawl spaces in Fort Myers are particularly vulnerable to moisture buildup due to the region’s proximity to the Gulf of Mexico and its low-lying topography. By taking proactive steps to control humidity, you can minimize the conditions that millipedes find attractive.

Seal Entry Points

Millipedes can enter your home through small cracks and gaps in walls, floors, and doors. To prevent this, it’s important to seal these entry points. Given Fort Myers’ location near the coast, the salt air can cause deterioration of seals and caulking, so regular maintenance is essential. Hiring a contractor to properly seal your home can help prevent millipedes and other pests from gaining access.

If you’re on a budget, DIY crack fillers and sealants available at hardware stores can provide a temporary solution. However, for a long-term fix, it’s advisable to have a professional address the root causes of moisture and pest entry.

Remove Organic Debris

Millipedes feed on decaying organic matter such as wood and plant material. To make your property less attractive to them, promptly remove any dead tree limbs, leaves, and other organic debris from your yard. In Fort Myers, where palm trees and other tropical vegetation are abundant, regular yard maintenance is crucial. Keeping your property clean and free from clutter will reduce potential food sources for millipedes.

There are several options for disposing of organic debris, including renting a dumpster for a large cleanup or hiring a hauling service to remove the debris for you. While these steps may not completely prevent a millipede infestation, they can greatly reduce the likelihood of one occurring.

Change Your Landscaping

To reduce moisture and deter millipedes, consider altering your landscaping. In Fort Myers, where summer rains are frequent, installing an exterior drainage system to direct water away from your home can significantly reduce dampness in your yard, making it less appealing to millipedes. Additionally, selecting plants that are less attractive to millipedes, such as certain types of succulents and drought-resistant plants, can help reduce the risk of an infestation.

Regular maintenance of your drainage system and thoughtful selection of plant species can go a long way in keeping your property free from millipedes and other moisture-loving pests.

Keep Your Home Clean

Millipedes are drawn to dark, damp places where they can hide and find food. To make your home less appealing to these pests, keep your living spaces clean and clutter-free. Regularly declutter areas like basements, closets, and garages, and ensure that these spaces are well-ventilated to reduce moisture.

Additionally, sealing cracks and crevices in walls, floors, and foundations can help prevent millipedes from entering your home in the first place. Regular cleaning and maintenance are especially important in Fort Myers, where the humid climate can create ideal conditions for these pests.

Work With a Pest Control Expert

The best way to prevent a future millipede infestation is to work with a professional pest control expert. Regular inspections by a trained professional can help identify potential entry points and problem areas before they become major issues.

Our team at All U Need Pest Control offers comprehensive pest control services that include:

• Identifying areas where millipedes can enter your home, such as wall cracks and gaps in foundations.
• Exterminating any existing millipedes before they have a chance to multiply.
• Providing expert advice on how to prevent a millipede infestation and what steps to take if you notice these pests on your property.