(Newswire.net — November 28, 2016) — Millipedes are commonly found outdoors during warmer months. The arthropods live wherever damp soil exists. They are under decaying vegetation or in soil where flowering plants and other foliage receive regular moisture. Many businesses commonly landscape their properties with flowers and other plants close to foundations. As these areas are typically moist, millipedes are likely in the soil. However, when the soil dries or the temperatures begin cooling, the arthropods move indoors through cracks in foundations. Millipedes also gain entry through low-lying windows, doors and vents. They then venture to basements, attics, bathroom and kitchen regions. They prefer being in sink drains and around the base of toilets where moisture might be found. Severe infestations require the assistance of pest control specialists like UltraPro Pest Protection.
Physical Description
These nocturnal insects are most often one to two inches in length, however, some species grow larger and are black or brown in color. Unlike centipedes that have one pair of legs along each body segment, millipedes have two pairs of legs on each segment of their bodies. Millipede legs are also shorter and hidden beneath their bodies. Although the prefix “milli” means “thousand,” the arthropods have anywhere from 80 to 400 legs, depending on their length. Despite the number of legs, millipedes move very slowly as their legs move in a wave-like motion. Each female lays anywhere from one to 300 eggs, which hatch in a matter of weeks. While outdoors, millipedes are considered environmentally friendly, as they help decompose dying and dead organic material.
Infestation Hazards
The arthropods often start migrating indoors in late fall when the grass dries and goes dormant along with trees and other plants. As millipedes do not bite or sting, they are not dangerous to humans or animals. However, when some people come in contact with the fluid, they develop skin irritations. Alleviating the symptoms requires thoroughly cleansing the area with soap and water. They emit a malodorous fluid in self defense, which causes a stench indoors if enough of these arthropods invade. Given the number of offspring each female produces, the population may soon expand dramatically along with the likelihood of experiencing the unpleasant odor. The smell has been known to be difficult to eliminate.
Preventive Measures
Ensure that there is no mulch or plants close to building foundations. Without a food source, millipedes typically avoid the area. Barrier treatments around foundations offer some preventative relief. When found indoors, resist the urge to step on or otherwise crush the arthropods. These actions encourage the release of the orange fluid that not only smells, but also stains carpets and floors. If millipedes do not find moisture while indoors, they dehydrate, curl up and die. The carcasses may then be swept up or vacuumed.
Professional Removal
Pest control specialists like UltraPro Pest Protection initially perform an inspection to determine where the populations exist, and how the arthropods gained access into the building. After completing the inspection, the technician creates a specialized treatment plan, which often involves green, organic chemicals and non-chemical treatments.
Using green, organic solutions means the treatment does not contain toxic chemicals that do harm to animals or people. Non-chemical treatments involve emphasizing the need to reduce or eliminate favorable outdoor locations. These actions might include sealing around cracks, crevices and gaps along with around doors and windows. Mulch, living plants, rocks and other debris must be removed from around the foundation of the building.
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.