If a pest is long, does that make it a bad pest? Many people view odd-looking or creepy animals as dangerous. This is the case with millipedes. These long, hard-bodied creatures cause fear for many locals here in Jacksonville. They cause extra problems when they decide to invade homes.
If you have not taken the time to consider house millipedes and the problems they might cause for you here in Jacksonville, here are some things to think about today. Reach out to Mission Pest to learn how we handle these and other common pest problems. Let us find an option for millipede control that will help you find freedom from these bugs inside your home.
The Difference Between Centipedes And Millipedes
There are two long arthropod pests here in Jacksonville: centipedes and millipedes. Centipedes have thin bodies and long legs. The most common local species, the house centipede, has anywhere from 17 to 144 pairs of legs. This number depends on their age. The longer it is, the older it is. The same thing is true for millipedes. As this pest grows and molts, it gets more legs.
The average millipede has between 40 and 400 tiny legs and a long carapace shell. This protective shell keeps this pest safe. When frightened, some millipedes roll up into a ball to protect their bellies. If you are having trouble discerning if there are centipedes vs millipedes inside your home, bring in your friendly Mission Pest technicians for a quick inspection.
Why You Don't Want Millipedes Hanging Around Your Home
We have some good news for you. The millipede is not an inherently dangerous pest, or at least no local species pose any threat to humans. You do not have to worry about sickness, bites, or stings as you might have with other common local pests.
What you do have to worry about is the smell these long arthropods produce. Some say they smell like bitter almonds or cyanide. Another problem associated with house millipedes is plant damage. These creatures love to nibble on the roots, stems, and leaves of living plants when there is not enough dead material for them to munch on.
Natural Ways To Prevent Millipedes Around The House
Millipedes can be a bit difficult to deal with. If you are not currently dealing with these long pests inside your home, here are some strategies you should use to keep them out.
- Address cracks, gaps, and other openings in your home’s exterior foundation.
- Make sure your doors and windows have proper seals.
- Reduce moisture around your yard and garden.
- Fix leaky piping inside your home.
- Trim back bushes and tree branches away from your home’s exterior to create a dry perimeter.
- Use a dehumidifier indoors.
For additional help dealing with millipedes and centipedes inside your home, reach out to your dedicated professionals at Mission Pest. We are here to serve you and all of your all-natural pest control needs.
The Key To Total Millipede Control
Combatting millipedes around your home does not have to be stressful. If you think these pests are around, let your team at Mission Pest know. We would love to pay you a visit, find out what types of millipedes you are dealing with, and offer some quick pest control solutions to get and keep them out.
Our team also has tons of other advanced options to handle all sorts of other common and uncommon local pests. Reach out to Mission Pest to discover more about how to get rid of millipedes and schedule an appointment for your Jacksonville home.