Managing Millipedes: Keeping Your Nashville Home Pest-Free
Pests are a nuisance for any homeowner – and millipedes are one of the most common pests that invade homes in Nashville.
While they may not be harmful to humans, millipedes can still cause a disturbance and disrupt the peaceful ambiance of your home. After all, who wants to see a multi-legged creature scuttling along the floor during dinnertime?
If you’re dealing with millipedes in Tennessee then this article is for you. We’ll tell you everything you need to know about Nashville millipede infestations – and how to stop them in their tracks.
What Are Millipedes?
Millipedes are usually dark brown or black, and they have long, segmented bodies with numerous legs. They can range in size from less than an inch long to several inches in length.
They are typically found in moist environments, such as under rocks or in piles of dead leaves and grass. If you notice these bugs inside your home, it’s likely that they have found a way inside to escape the cold weather or excessive moisture outside. It’s common to find more millipedes after large rain events when they’re trying to dry out a bit.
You may find them in areas where there is moisture, such as bathrooms, basements, and kitchens. They can also hide in cracks and crevices in floors and walls.
The good news is that millipedes aren’t out to get you. They don’t pose any harm to humans – instead, they are scavengers that feed on decaying plant matter.
How to Recognize Signs of Millipede Infestation in Your Home
Not sure if you have a problem with millipedes in your home? Here are a few signs to watch out for.
Seeing the Actual Millipedes Themselves
While you might see one or two millipedes by accident, finding a large number of them is a clue that you have a millipede infestation problem.
Generally, millipedes prefer dark and damp environments, so you may find them beneath rocks, boxes, mulch, or logs near your home. They may also make their way into your basement if you have one. If you spot any millipedes inside your home, you might want to contact a pest control professional for help.
Detecting Yellowish Spotting on Leaves or Wilting Plants
Millipedes don’t normally damage live plants, but they can cause indirect harm by eating dead leaves, which can lead to yellowish spotting or wilting of plants that are already on their way out.
If you notice these signs, check the soil around the plants for millipedes. If they are found in large numbers, that could be indicative of a pest infestation (and could also indicate some problems with your plants, too, of course).
Preventing Nashville Millipede Infestations
It’s not uncommon to find millipedes crawling around a yard or garden, but when they start making their way inside your home, it can be a real nuisance.
The last thing you want is to have a full-blown millipede infestation, so it’s important to know how to prevent them from entering your home in the first place.
Here are some tips.
Be Aware of Where They Like to Hide and Why They Come Inside
Millipedes are attracted to moisture, which means they’re likely to hide in damp and humid areas in and around your home.
When it’s dry outside, you’re less likely to come into contact with millipedes, but when there’s a lot of moisture, they’ll come inside for shelter. They’ll stick around if that shelter offers plenty of moisture and food, too!
Reduce Moisture
Again, reducing moisture in and around your home is key to preventing millipedes from entering in the first place.
Take some steps to prevent water from accumulating in your basement, near the foundation, and in crawl spaces. Make sure your gutters are clean and flowing properly to prevent overflowing water. You may also need to replace leaking exterior water spigots.
Seal Up Openings of Your Home
Do an inspection of your home and look for any and all potential entry points. It doesn’t take a large opening for these pests to get inside – they’re quite opportunistic!
Do a thorough inspection that includes any cracks around the foundation, basement windows, and entryways. You may need to replace damaged screens and install weather stripping as well.
Keep the Yard Clean and Free of Debris
Millipedes like to hide in dark, moist areas, so by removing any piles of leaves, wood, or other debris, you’ll reduce the likelihood of them taking up residence in your yard. You may also need to dethatch your lawn and make sure it’s well-maintained to reduce moisture, in some cases.
Finally, overwatering your yard can cause problems by providing extra moisture. Be mindful of how soggy the conditions are – if you have pooling water anywhere on your lawn or near your home, that’s a red flag that you might be inviting millipedes to set up shop.
What to Do if You’re Struggling With Millipedes in Tennessee
Nashville millipede infestations leaving you frustrated?
By understanding the causes of these infestations, you can take steps to prevent them and stop an infestation in its tracks.
If you’re dealing with stubborn millipedes or any other pest issue, contact Hawx Pest Control. Our team of professionals will provide you with the best possible service to keep your home pest-free and give you peace of mind. With our professional services and friendly team, you’ll join our family of satisfied customers.
