|
|
 |
Household Insects
-
return to Household Insects -
Millipedes
by Dennis M. Ferraro Extension Educator Douglas/Sarpy Extension Unit
These creatures are not true insects. They are often referred to as
"thousand leggers." They have long tubular bodies with two pair of
legs per body segment. The legs are shorter than the body,
distinguishing them from centipedes.
Millipedes come in varying colors, usually dark earth tones. They
normally live outdoors in moist areas, near decaying vegetation.
They feed mainly on decaying organic matter, although they
occasionally eat tender roots and green leaves of live plants.
Sometimes these animals wander into houses, where they curl up and
die. A few times a year, there may be a great migration indoors,
usually when the weather is very moist and temperatures are about 75
degrees Fahrenheit. They may move into buildings by the thousands,
covering walks, foundations and floors.
Removing debris and providing good drainage around the home
eliminates the millipede's natural habitat. The mass migration can
be halted by installing a six-inch aluminum lawn edging around the
house, angled away from the building. A barrier can also be
established by soaking the soil around the house with a five - to 15
- foot band of spray insecticide. A wetable powder formulation of
insecticides such as Sevin, Baygon or Ficam D is recommended.
|
