millipede

Millipedes

Millipedes (Class Diplopoda)

Millipedes live primarily outdoors in soil and decaying vegetation where they typically feed on decomposing plant material. They may attack growing plants but seldom in numbers sufficient to cause serious damage. They occasionally become numerous indoors as a result of migrations from outside or they are known develop in the soil of potted plants. They are not known to bite people or pets. Millipedes can be controlled by eliminating moist hiding areas such as piles of leaves and grass clippings that may be present around the building. Crawl spaces should be well ventilated to reduce moisture buildup. Avoid over-watering of outdoor plants. In the fall, millipedes are known to congregate in large numbers in garages and on driveways. Chemical control of millipedes is only necessary if they become very numerous indoors. Treat basement, foundation and immediate area around the house or building with cyfluthrin (sold as Bayer Advanced Garden Insect Control for homeowners or Tempo for commercial applicators), one of the Ortho Home Defense products or similar products. A vacuum cleaner is the best method of control indoors.

Be sure to read and follow all instructions and safety precautions found on the label before using any pesticide.

Millipede
Millipede (Class Diplopoda)
Large Millipede reaching up to a humans fingers
Large Millipede (Class Diplopoda) reaching up to a humans fingers

 

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