(Newswire.net — May 16, 2016) — The discovery of a millipede in your house can seem as though it is the herald of disaster, and it is true that finding one usually means there are many others around. However, these pests are relatively harmless, despite their ick factor. Usually, these critters begin entering homes at the end of fall when they are trying to find a warm space to keep out of the winter cold, and a swarm can quickly turn into a stinky mess and trigger allergies. Fortunately, there are some simple pest control methods that will prevent them from coming inside so that you can rest easy that only two-legged (and maybe four-legged) creatures inhabit your home.
Practice Proper Lawn Maintenance
To get rid of pests inside, you often must go outside. Tall grass is an attractant for many kinds of pests that use the high blades as hiding places. Frequent mowing will also help to keep your lawn dried out, which will prevent infestations since they love moisture. In addition to mowing, do your watering in the morning so your lawn has time to dry out before the evening when these pests are more active.
Remove Clutter
Piles of leaves, stacks of logs and rocks all provide the perfect hiding places for a millipede. For this reason, you will want to remove any clutter that you have indoors and especially around the exterior walls of your home. Pay careful attention to remove any decaying matter since that is like finding gold to a millipede.
Use Caution with Mulch
Mulch has many benefits for your landscaping, however, its ability to retain moisture attracts millipedes. Only use mulch when it can be placed about two to three feet away from your home, and remember to lay it less than four inches deep.
Divert Rainwater Away From Your Home
Millipedes cannot live long in dry environments, and discovering an infestation may mean that you have water collecting around your home. Use extended rain gutters to move rain water further from your foundation, and check to make sure your cellar or basement is not experiencing leaks. While you’re at it, turn on your sprinklers and water to see if any spray water onto your home. If they do, cap off the heads.
Reduce Interior Moisture
Homes with high humidity are more likely to experience an invasion. Install dehumidifiers in humid areas of your home, and use fans to dry out rooms that have poor air circulation. This is especially important in the bathrooms where high water usage will dramatically increase the humidity. As an added measure, try cranking up the heat in your home since they prefer cooler temperatures.
Repair Leaky Fixtures
A dripping faucet is more than just an annoyance, it creates the perfect environment for these little guys to thrive. Over time, a leak that goes unnoticed will also create moldy, decaying materials where these pests will happily live and breed. Spend a few minutes looking for leaky fixtures and any associated water damage. Then, have it all repaired so you can drive out these pests.
Seal Cracks and Crevices
Identifying potential entry points is an important part of pest control that will help you get rid of many different kinds of critters. Since these slithering creatures are relatively thin and flexible, they can fit through cracks of less than ¼ inch. Install weather stripping or use caulking to seal cracks around your doors and windows. Finish up by making sure that any exterior vents around your home are also fitted with screens.
When it comes to keeping these pests out of your home, you have a lot of options. However, it should be noted that professional help may be necessary for large populations or those that do not respond to your tactics. By being proactive and taking the correct preventative measures, you can enjoy a pest-free home regardless of the season. If these tricks don’t work to keep those crawlers away, call your local pest control professionals like UltraPro Pest Protection to take care of them!
UltraPro Pest Protection
23 Bergenline Avenue
Westwood, NJ 07675
877-492-2252
http://ultrapropestcontrol.com
With over 30 years of experience in eliminating bed bugs, termites, and rodents, UltraPro Pest Protection is emerging as New York and New Jersey’s leading pest control service for homeowners and commercial businesses.
For more information, visit ultrapropestcontrol.com