Get Rid of Millipedes in Your Fort Myers Shores Home for Good

How to Get Rid of Millipedes in Fort Myers Shores, FL

Contrary to common misconceptions, millipedes are not insects; they are cylindrical or slightly flattened invertebrates, closely related to crustaceans like shrimp and lobsters. While they don’t damage buildings, millipedes can harm soft-stemmed plants in your yard. When disturbed, they release a toxin that may cause allergic reactions, so it’s essential to eliminate them from your home as soon as possible.

Given the potential dangers of handling millipedes, it’s wise to leave their removal to professionals. A professional pest control service will protect your home and family from these pests and prevent them from returning.

However, not all pest control companies in Fort Myers Shores are the same. You’ll want to partner with a company that understands the local environment and has extensive knowledge of millipede species common to the area.

All U Need Pest Control is that company. Since 2003, we’ve provided millipede removal solutions tailored to the specific needs of Florida homeowners. No job is too big or small for our experienced team!

Signs of a Millipede Infestation in Fort Myers Shores, FL

The first step in effective millipede removal is identifying the extent of the infestation. Here are some ways to recognize a millipede problem in your Fort Myers Shores 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 spot them in your garden or greenhouse, especially after periods of heavy rainfall. When outdoor conditions become too wet, millipedes often seek refuge indoors.

Damage to Plants

Unlike some pests, millipedes typically feed on decaying organic matter like wood. However, they can also damage soft-stemmed plants in your yard when their soil dries out. If you notice damage to these plants, it could be a sign of millipede activity.

Remember, touching millipedes can be dangerous as they release a toxin that causes allergic reactions in some people. If you see these creatures in your yard or home, it’s time to call in the professionals!

Dead Millipedes

Millipedes cannot survive for long without a source of moisture. Consequently, you may find dead millipedes in various parts of your home, including living rooms and bedrooms. While you can remove them with a broom or vacuum cleaner, this won’t address the root cause of the problem, which is why professional pest control is essential.

What Do Millipedes Look Like?

Millipedes are elongated, worm-like creatures with multiple pairs of legs. Some common species have up to 400 legs, which help them move through soil and navigate various surfaces. Despite their numerous legs, millipedes move slowly compared to other pests.

Other distinguishing characteristics include:

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

Millipedes can live up to seven years, reaching maturity between two to five years. They can lay up to 300 eggs at a time, which typically hatch within a few weeks.

Millipedes are often mistaken for centipedes. However, millipedes have two sets of legs per segment underneath their bodies, while centipedes have one set per segment on the sides of their bodies.

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

How to Prevent Millipedes in Fort Myers Shores, FL

While professional pest control is the most effective way to deal with a millipede infestation, there are several steps you can take to prevent these creatures from entering your Fort Myers Shores home 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 ensuring proper air conditioning maintenance, particularly important in the humid climate of Fort Myers Shores. Pay special attention to areas like enclosed patios, bathrooms, and other spaces prone to high humidity.

Crawl spaces and areas under elevated homes often attract moisture because of their proximity to the ground. You can invest in crawl space encapsulation or improved ventilation to ensure these areas remain dry. Although these services require an outlay, they could reduce the likelihood of pest infestations and other moisture-related problems common in Fort Myers Shores, such as mold growth and wood rot.

Moisture is the primary attractant for millipedes, so managing moisture in your home can significantly reduce the likelihood of an infestation. Installing dehumidifiers and air conditioners in moisture-prone areas such as basements, bathrooms, and crawl spaces can help keep these spaces dry.

In Fort Myers Shores, the high humidity and frequent rain make basements and crawl spaces particularly vulnerable to moisture accumulation. Investing in basement waterproofing or crawl space encapsulation services can be a wise decision. Though it may require an initial investment, these services can help prevent not only millipede infestations but also other moisture-related issues like mold and structural damage.

Seal Entry Points

Millipedes can enter your home through various cracks and gaps, particularly in lower levels. Sealing these entry points is crucial to keeping them out. Check for open vents, wall cracks, floor gaps, and other openings that might allow moisture and pests to enter.

If you’re looking to save money, you might consider using DIY crack fillers or other sealing products from your local hardware store. However, for a more permanent solution, it’s best to hire a professional contractor who can address the root cause of any moisture problems, such as unstable soil or improper drainage around your property.

Remove Organic Debris

As decomposers, millipedes feed on decaying organic material like dead leaves, wood, and other plant debris. Keeping your yard free of such material can reduce the food sources that attract millipedes. Regularly clean up dead tree limbs, fallen leaves, and other organic waste.

There are a couple of ways to handle this debris. You can rent a dumpster for a weekend cleanup or hire a hauling service to remove the waste for you. While removing organic debris alone may not entirely prevent pests, it can significantly reduce their attraction to your property.

Change Your Landscaping

The landscaping around your home can play a significant role in millipede infestations. Installing an exterior drainage system that effectively channels water away from your property can reduce the excess moisture in your landscape, making it less hospitable to millipedes.

Additionally, you can choose to plant species that are less attractive to millipedes, such as lavender or rosemary. These plants not only enhance the aesthetics of your garden but also help deter millipedes, contributing to a more balanced and pest-resistant environment.

Regular maintenance of your drainage system and thoughtful plant selection can go a long way in ensuring that your Fort Myers Shores property remains free from unwanted millipede invasions.

Keep Your Home Clean

Millipedes often seek shelter in cluttered, dark, and damp places around homes. They can hide under boxes, piles of clothes, and other items where they find moisture and decomposing organic material to feed on.

By decluttering your home and ensuring proper ventilation in all areas, you can make your property less attractive to millipedes. Sealing cracks and crevices in walls or floors is another effective way to keep them from entering your living spaces.

Work With a Pest Control Expert

Engaging a professional pest control expert is one of the best ways to prevent a future millipede infestation. Regular inspections by a professional can identify potential entry points and take preemptive action before an infestation occurs. Here’s what a professional pest control service like All U Need Pest Control can do:

• Identify areas where millipedes might enter your home, such as cracks in walls or foundations.
• Exterminate any millipedes before they have a chance to multiply.
• Provide expert advice on how to prevent millipedes and other pests from invading your property in the future.