When millipedes invade homes and yards, they typically do so in large numbers. While they aren't particularly hazardous creatures, no one wants to deal with hundreds of pests crawling around their property. If you have trouble with millipedes around your home, you have come to the right place.
In this blog, we'll explain more about these pests, describe their anatomy and behavior, and review the problems they can cause. We'll also provide effective proactive measures to help you prevent another infiltration. Keep reading to learn more about home pest control with the experts from Gold Star Exterminators - Del Rio.
Understanding Millipedes: Anatomy And Behavior
People often confuse millipedes with centipedes, but a close look at millipede anatomy can help to distinguish between the two. Millipedes have two pairs of legs on each body segment, and centipedes only have one pair on each part. Millipedes' long, cylindrical worm-like bodies are usually brown or black, but some have red, mottled, or orange patterns.
Millipedes are nocturnal scavengers that eat decaying plants and occasionally dead insects. These pests migrate in the fall, so it's common to see large numbers of them this time of year. If millipedes are invading your home, contact us today at Gold Star Exterminators - Del Rio for help getting rid of them and preventing another infestation.
The Millipede Invasion: How These Pests Can Be A Problem
Unlike many pests that infest homes and yards, you don't have to worry about a millipede bite because they have no fangs or stingers.
These slow-moving arthropods' only defense is glands that produce a foul-smelling fluid, which can cause problems such as:
- The liquid can be toxic to small animals and pets.
- It can cause blisters and leave brown stains on your skin if you handle them.
- It can cause conjunctivitis and vision problems if it gets in your eyes.
- The liquid can cause an allergic reaction in sensitive individuals.
- Contact with large numbers of millipedes can cause nausea and vomiting.
We suggest you don't try to remove or handle these pests on your own. The pros at Gold Star Exterminators - Del Rio are here to help eliminate these pests and protect your family and pets. Contact us today to learn more about our services or to schedule an appointment.
Proactive Measures: Top Tips For Preventing Millipedes
Proactive prevention is the key to keeping millipedes away from your property.
The following list includes our best tips to help you avoid another millipede infestation in the house or yard:
- Ensure downspouts direct water away from the foundation.
- Repair any leaking pipes, air conditioning units, and irrigation issues.
- Keep the lawn short to reduce moisture and remove any debris.
- Seal cracks and gaps on the exterior of your home to eliminate entryways.
- Check that the crawl space has adequate ventilation or install a dehumidifier.
If millipedes continue to be a problem, it is time to call in the pros. Gold Star Exterminators - Del Rio offers millipede control services to help you eliminate these pests and determine the best way to prevent them from returning.
Professional Millipede Elimination: Why Expertise Matters
The most effective way to get rid of a millipede infestation is to work with a local company with the experience and tools necessary to remove these pests. The Gold Star Exterminators - Del Rio experts can help you quickly eliminate millipedes and determine what factors on your property might attract them.