If you live in Texas, you’ve probably encountered millipedes. They’re common nuisance pests, especially in damp and sheltered areas. While they might look intimidating, they’re generally harmless.
This article will help Texas homeowners identify millipedes, understand their behavior, learn about any potential risks they pose, and explore effective control methods. While we’ll be focusing on Lee County, TX, the information applies to millipede issues across the state. So, if you’re dealing with millipedes in Texas, read on!
How to identify millipedes
Millipedes are arthropods with long, segmented, cylindrical bodies. These slow-moving creatures are often brownish, but they can also be orange, red, or even yellow.
Millipede vs. centipede
Millipedes are sometimes confused with centipedes, but it’s easy to tell them apart if you know what to look for.
Here are some of the key differences:
- Millipedes have two pairs of legs on each body segment, while centipedes have only one pair.
- Millipedes move slowly and deliberately, while centipedes move quickly.
- Millipedes curl up into a tight ball when they’re threatened.
Where do millipedes live and how do they behave?
Millipedes love moisture, cool temperatures, and darkness, so you’re most likely to find them outside in compost piles, mulched flower beds, under rotting logs, and in piles of leaves.
In Texas, millipedes are usually less than an inch and a half long. However, in West Texas, they can grow to be up to four inches long.
Why do millipedes come inside?
When the weather turns extreme, millipedes are more likely to wander into your home. They’re also known to show up indoors after natural disasters.
Are millipedes dangerous?
Millipedes are not poisonous.
However, they can pose some health risks. When threatened, millipedes secrete a fluid that contains hydrochloric acid. This fluid can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions. If ingested, especially by children or pets, the fluid can cause illness.
If you handle a millipede, it’s a good idea to wash your hands thoroughly afterward.
How to prevent millipedes
Millipedes love damp environments. The best way to keep them away from your home is to get rid of any damp spots, both inside and outside.
- Move firewood, rocks, and compost piles away from the house.
- Turn mulch in your flowerbeds from time to time.
You should also seal any potential entry points into your home.
- Seal cracks in the foundation.
- Fill weep holes with steel wool or copper mesh.
- Make sure the seals around your doors and windows are in good condition.
- Seal any spaces around pipes, wires, and cables where they enter the house.
The Bottom Line
Keeping millipedes out of your home starts with understanding what attracts them. Remember, these critters love damp, dark places with lots of decaying organic matter. So, managing moisture and keeping your yard clean are key.
While you can try DIY methods, a serious millipede infestation often requires professional help. Pest control companies have the tools and expertise to effectively eliminate millipedes and prevent them from coming back.
If you’re dealing with a millipede problem in Texas, companies like Adams Exterminating Company and Bill Clark Pest Control are just two of the many local options that can provide professional millipede extermination services.