How Much Do You Really Know About Millipedes In Jacksonville?

June 11, 2020


In Jacksonville, numerous pests concern homeowners. That’s why it can be difficult to stay on top of which ones to be concerned about and which ones are just a mere nuisance. Besides, it doesn’t help when one harmless pest is easily mistaken for a harmful pest. One such pest is the millipede.

millipede curled up on a rock

The millipede is known for its distinct head and multiple repeated segments that make up its body. A centipede also has those traits. However, the real difference lies in the millipede having two pairs of legs for each segment. Plus, they have a rounder body.
 
Moist, dark, and damp environments are the perfect environments for millipedes, which is why you’ll find them amongst leaves and grass piles when in nature. This love for dark spaces translates to their presence in basements and crawl spaces when they do invade the home.

Are Millipedes A Threat?

In short, the answer is no. Despite their creepy appearance and resemblance to centipedes, millipedes aren’t a threat to humans. Instead, they can easily be classified as a nuisance pest. However, there is one important fact to understand about millipedes. They require careful handling, which is why professional millipede control is recommended when facing a millipede infestation.
 
When they feel threatened, millipedes will release a foul-smelling liquid. This liquid can result in skin irritation or rashes upon skin contact. In some cases, this liquid can be toxic for your small pet depending on how much exposure occurs.

Millipede Prevention Tips

It’s difficult to pick up on a millipede infestation since they don’t leave behind obvious signs like other pests. An infestation will go unnoticed for a long time until a millipede is actually sighted. Fortunately, there are things you can do to ensure millipede prevention even if you haven’t already seen them. Follow these tips to maintain prevention:

  • Eliminate moisture areas: Millipedes thrive in and need wet environments to stick around. That’s why the best thing to do is to ensure the rooms in the house and the immediate area surrounding the house are completely dry. It’s a good idea to check for leaks and other signs of moisture regularly. Considering the humidity of Florida, it’s also recommended to run a dehumidifier if your home is prone to dampness.
  • Invest in landscaping: This pest will hide in grass piles, leaves, and other vegetation. As such, it’s a good idea to practice good landscaping habits or even invest in a landscaping service to keep your property millipede free.
  • Block the entry points: The best way to keep millipedes out of the home is to make it impossible for them to get in. These pests are relatively small, so this will require vigilance on your part to accomplish.

 Millipede Prevention With Lindsey Pest Services

At Lindsey Pest Services, we understand that pests are an all-year concern in the Jacksonville area. The constant warm temperatures combined with high humidity make for a perfect breeding ground for millipedes and other pests. That’s why we have proudly served the Jacksonville area for over 60 years delivering pest control services that deliver guaranteed results.
 
We’ll gladly walk the property with you and carefully inspect for signs of an infestation to identify the source of your problem and prescribe the recommended treatment. Whether it’s millipedes or another pest entirely, we’re here to assist and advise, so you can maintain control over your house.
 
Do you need millipede prevention services? Then give us a call to speak with one of our agents about our professional pest control options or fill out our online form to schedule your free inspection.
 




 

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