Millipedes
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What are millipedes?
Millipedes are generally brown or black in color and range from 1 to 2 inches in length, but some may grow even larger. Millipedes are not an insect, but rather an arthropod. Unlike centipedes, which have only 1 set of legs per segment of body, millipedes have two sets of legs for every segment of their body, and when they move, they appear to be moving in a wave-like motion. These pests do not have a thousand legs, like their name indicates, but actually have somewhere between 80 and 400. The legs of a millipede are shorter than those of a centipede and they cannot move very fast despite how many legs they have.
- Why do I have them?
Millipedes spend most of their lives outdoors in the soil and feed on damp and decaying vegetation; occasionally they will make their way from their outdoor, moist living places and move into homes. When this happens, millipedes often die because of the lack of moisture and food sources indoors.
- Are they dangerous?
Millipedes are typically not a threat to people or pets as they do not bite or sting. They do have the ability to release a horrible fluid that is used to defend themselves. The fluid may cause skin irritation to some people and should be cleaned right away. The fluid may also be difficult to remove and getting rid of the odor may take some time.
- How do I get rid of millipedes?
Millipedes are an occasional invader and can be difficult to control. A Raifsnider pest professional will design a customized millipede control program that fits the specific needs of your property, with the goal of eliminating all of these pests from your property.
- Can I do it myself?
Getting rid of millipedes is not something many homeowners have much success with on their own. Many do-it-yourself remedies to rid your property of millipedes simply do not work as the materials they use are not effective and can actually make your millipede problem worse. Remember – if misused or mixed improperly, do-it-yourself pesticides can be very dangerous to people, pets or plants.
- Is the treatment safe?
The pest professionals at Raifsnider's will first correctly confirm the presence of millipedes invading your home or business, and then create a treatment plan that will eliminate your pest problem quickly and in an environmentally responsible manner. Before any treatments begin, our inspectors will consult with you regarding your children, pets, and gardens and then based on your current situation; they will then customize a treatment plan specifically for you.
- How soon can you get here?
Raifsnider's is committed to helping you as soon as possible. In most cases, we can respond the same or very next day.
- How can I prevent this in the future?
Many pest problems can be difficult to prevent so many of our customers chose a continuous Protection Program to help guard against future infestations of millipedes.