How to Get Rid of Millipedes: An Ultimate Guide

Millipedes may be harmless, but their presence in your home or business can quickly become a frustrating nuisance. These moisture-loving pests often invade in large numbers, seeking shelter and food, especially during periods of heavy rain or drought. Understanding what attracts millipedes and how to remove them effectively is key to maintaining a comfortable and pest-free environment. In this article, we’ll explore practical DIY methods, professional treatments, and preventative measures to help you get rid of millipedes for good.

Recognizing Millipede Infestations

One key sign of millipede presence is spotting the creatures themselves. They have long, rounded bodies with two pairs of legs per body segment, unlike centipedes, which have flatter bodies and only one pair of legs per segment. Millipedes tend to move slowly and curl into a spiral when threatened, whereas centipedes are more agile and quick, often darting away when disturbed.

Additionally, a millipede infestation may be indicated by their exoskeletons or droppings, which appear as small, dark, pellet-like material. Unlike centipedes, which are predators and leave behind remnants of prey, millipedes are decomposers and are unlikely to leave such evidence.

Millipedes are commonly found in areas with high moisture and decaying organic matter, as they thrive in damp environments. Indoors, their presence is often noticed in basements, bathrooms, crawl spaces, or other areas where humidity is high. They tend to hide under objects like rugs, furniture, or cardboard boxes, especially in poorly ventilated spaces. Outdoors, millipedes gather in soil rich with organic material, leaf litter, mulch, under rocks, or within piles of wood or compost. They are particularly active at night and may migrate indoors during heavy rains or when outdoor conditions become too dry.

Why Millipedes Enter Your Home

Millipedes are primarily attracted to environments that offer moisture and abundant organic material for decomposition. Their need for dampness is crucial to their survival, as their bodies are prone to desiccation, or gradual dehydration, in dry conditions. Consequently, areas with high humidity, such as basements, crawl spaces, and bathrooms, are common places for millipedes to seek refuge indoors. Outdoors, millipedes are drawn to moist soils and areas with significant organic matter, such as leaf litter, mulch, compost piles, and decaying wood. These locations not only provide the dampness they require but also offer a rich food source, as millipedes primarily consume decomposing plant material.

Heavy rains or irrigation can temporarily increase millipede activity, as waterlogged environments can force them to seek drier spaces, often driving them indoors. Additionally, poorly ventilated or shaded areas, such as under rocks, logs, or dense vegetation, create ideal conditions for millipedes. Cracks in building foundations, improperly sealed windows, or gaps under doors can also inadvertently invite millipedes inside as they search for moisture and shelter.

Unlike pests attracted to food or sugary substances, millipedes are not drawn by human food but rather by environments that mimic their natural habitat. Properly managing moisture levels, removing excess organic debris, and sealing entry points can help reduce their presence.

How To Remove Millipedes

Removing millipedes safely and effectively using DIY methods involves employing natural solutions that disrupt their environment and repel them without posing harm to people, pets, or the ecosystem. One of the most effective methods is the application of diatomaceous earth. This natural, silica-based powder works by damaging the millipedes' exoskeleton, leading to dehydration and death. Sprinkle it in areas where millipedes are likely to enter, such as along baseboards, door thresholds, or cracks in walls. Ensure it remains dry, as moisture reduces its effectiveness.

Boric acid is another effective option. Similar to diatomaceous earth, it damages millipedes' exoskeletons and acts as a desiccant. Apply boric acid in thin layers in entryways or crevices where millipedes may hide. Use caution, as boric acid can be harmful if ingested by pets or children.

Essential oils, such as tea tree, peppermint, or cedarwood, act as natural repellents. These oils can be mixed with water to create a spray solution. Spray it around windows, door frames, and other potential entry points to deter millipedes. Vinegar mixed with water also serves as a repellent, disrupting the millipedes' comfort in the treated areas.

Additionally, reducing moisture with a dehumidifier or improving ventilation enhances the effectiveness of these methods, creating an environment less attractive to millipedes.

Using Traps and Manual Removal

Setting simple traps and removing millipedes by hand are effective ways to manage their presence without using harmful chemicals. One easy trap to create involves using dampened towels, newspapers, or cardboard. Place these items near areas where millipedes are active, such as in basements, near entry points, or in dark corners. Overnight, millipedes are likely to be drawn to the moisture and shelter these materials provide. In the morning, carefully pick up the traps and dispose of the millipedes by shaking them into a bucket of soapy water, which will quickly kill them.

For safe removal by hand, ensure you wear gloves to avoid direct contact. While millipedes are not harmful to humans, some species can secrete a mild irritant as a defense mechanism, which may cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals. Using a small container or piece of stiff cardboard, gently scoop up the millipede and transfer it outdoors to an area with moist soil and decaying vegetation, away from your home.

Regularly inspect and remove millipedes from potential hiding spots to reduce their numbers. Combining these methods with moisture control and sealing entry points ensures long-term management while minimizing the use of chemicals or invasive techniques.

Professional Millipede Removal Services

For severe millipede infestations, professional millipede pest control services may be the most effective solution. Such infestations are typically characterized by large numbers of millipedes appearing consistently indoors or congregating around the home’s foundation, even after using DIY methods. If millipedes persist despite efforts to reduce moisture, remove organic debris, and seal entry points, it may indicate underlying conditions that require expert evaluation. Additionally, infestations that disrupt daily living or pose challenges in terms of access, such as millipedes hiding in hard-to-reach areas like crawl spaces or wall voids, are best addressed by professionals.

Professional pest control services have specialized training and tools to assess the extent of the infestation. They can identify the specific factors attracting millipedes to your home, such as hidden moisture sources or structural vulnerabilities. Pest control experts use targeted treatments, including safe, environmentally friendly insecticides and repellents, applied in areas where millipedes are most active. These treatments are often more effective and long-lasting than DIY approaches.

Professionals also provide guidance on long-term prevention, such as improving drainage around the property or addressing ventilation issues. Their expertise ensures the infestation is not only eradicated but that conditions are optimized to prevent future occurrences, offering peace of mind and a millipede-free home.

Millipedes can be a nuisance in both residential and commercial settings, but effective solutions are within reach. By addressing moisture issues, using natural repellents, and sealing entry points, you can minimize their presence. However, severe infestations may require professional intervention to ensure long-term results. At Twin-Boro, we specialize in residential pest control and commercial pest control, providing tailored treatments to keep your spaces pest-free. Our team is equipped with the expertise and tools needed to safely and effectively eliminate millipedes. Don’t wait- contact us today to reclaim your home or business from unwanted pests!