Millipedes secrete a liquid from their bodies that can blister people’s skin; however, their slow movements mean they are rarely a risk. As long as you don’t purposely handle millipedes, they shouldn’t be a threat. While millipedes shouldn’t be sharing our homes, they are not dangerous to you, your family, or the structure of your home.
Millipedes are slow-moving scavengers and feed mainly on decaying organic matter. Our gardens and flower beds are often chock-full of the decaying organic matter they are searching for, making them regular visitors in our Utah yards. When living outside in the vegetation and soil surrounding our homes, it is easy for them to find a way into our homes when necessary for their survival.
When millipedes move into our homes, it is because their outside environment has become too hot and dry for them to live comfortably. Once inside, millipedes migrate to and gather in areas that mimic their outdoor environment.
Millipedes move into our homes at ground level. Common entry points include cracks in the foundation and gaps under basements doors or around basement windows.
Basements and crawl spaces are where homeowners are most likely to discover these pests.
If millipedes find their way into your Northern Utah home and you would like assistance eliminating them and guarding your home against other common household pests, Peak Pest Control can help!
We take pride in knowing our local area, developing personal relationships with our customers, and developing customized pest solutions. Through effective home pest control services and the use of products with the highest EPA ratings, we provide our customers with maximum protection against unwanted pests!
In addition to our professional services, use the following tips to help keep millipedes from finding their way into your Northern Utah home.
– Regularly rake back leaves, weeds, and other debris from your home’s foundation.
– Create a barrier between garden beds and your home’s foundation.
– Don’t store large containers like trashcans, recycling bins, or compost bins next to your home’s foundation.
– Seal cracks in the foundation and gaps under doors.
– Make sure gutters and downspouts are working to direct rainwater away from the outside of your home.
– Repair leaky pipes, faucets, and hoses.
– Use dehumidifiers and ventilating fans to reduce humidity levels within your home.
