Get Rid of Millipedes in Your Tampa Bay Home for Good

How to Get Rid of Millipedes in Tampa Bay, FL

Millipedes are often mistaken for insects, but they are actually invertebrates more closely related to crustaceans. While they pose no significant threat to humans, they can become a nuisance when they invade homes in large numbers.

Although millipedes do not usually cause structural damage to buildings, they can occasionally harm delicate plants in your garden. When threatened, millipedes may release a defensive substance that can cause allergic reactions in some individuals, making it crucial to eliminate them from your Tampa Bay property promptly.

Given the potential risks associated with handling millipedes, it’s best to leave their removal to professionals. Investing in expert treatment not only protects your home and family from these pests but also ensures they do not return, keeping your Tampa Bay, FL property free from millipedes.

Not all pest control services in Tampa Bay, FL are created equal. It’s important to choose a company that is experienced in handling various infestations and has an in-depth understanding of the millipede species common in this part of Florida.

All U Need Pest Control is the local expert you need. Since 2003, we’ve been offering customized millipede removal solutions tailored to the specific needs of Tampa Bay, FL properties. Whether you’re dealing with waterfront homes, urban apartments, or suburban developments, our experienced team can handle it all!

Signs of a Millipede Infestation in Tampa Bay, 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 Tampa Bay, FL 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 Tampa Bay, FL, 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 Tampa Bay, FL 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 Tampa Bay’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 Tampa Bay, FL, 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 Tampa Bay, FL include:

• Typically black in color, though some species may exhibit brown or reddish shades.
• Long, cylindrical body shape.
• Short antennae, segmented into seven parts.

Millipedes in Tampa Bay, FL, 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 Tampa Bay, 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 Tampa Bay, FL 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 Tampa Bay, FL

While we always recommend working with a professional pest control expert for millipede issues in your Tampa Bay, FL 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 Tampa Bay, FL 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 Tampa Bay, FL due to the high water table and proximity to natural water sources. 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 this region.

Seal Entry Points

In Tampa Bay, FL 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 Tampa Bay, FL 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 Tampa Bay, FL property promptly.

You can rent a dumpster to remove waste and dispose of it properly or use a local hauling company familiar with county 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 Tampa Bay, FL 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 Tampa Bay, FL 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 Tampa Bay, FL 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 Tampa Bay, FL home. Our regular inspections involve:

• Locating wall cracks where millipedes may enter your home.
• Removing millipedes before they reproduce.
• Giving advice on preventing millipede infestations and steps to take if they arise.