Millipedes are common arthropods with long, rounded, segmented bodies with two pairs of very short legs per segment. Their body is dark brown to black in colour. The average millipede is ½ -1 ½ inches in length and when disturbed, they curl in on themselves, forming a protective ball.
Habits & Behaviour
Millipedes are common pests found throughout Ontario. They typically prefer to live outdoors in damp dark places such as in soil or in deposits of decaying organic matter, but will invade residential, recreational/cottage and business properties during the colder months and can usually be found in drains, basements, laundry rooms, bathrooms or kitchen areas that are excessively damp.
Why They Are Viewed As A Pest
Although millipedes are generally harmless and pose no real threat to the structure of your property or possessions, they may be an unpleasant looking nuisance. Millipedes do not bite, but when disturbed they can produce an irritating fluid that can irritate eyes, blister the skin, produce an unpleasant odour and cause allergic reactions in venom sensitive people. Some species can squirt their fluids several inches. Large millipede infestations can become significant and cause damage to gardens and crops.
Treatment & Prevention
To eliminate and reduce the risk of millipedes invading your residential, recreational/cottage or commercial properties, treatment and exclusion is the best prevention.
Solace Pest Solutions can provide you with many treatment, exclusion and prevention solutions.
