Are Millipedes Dangerous?
Are millipedes dangerous? Millipedes do not pose any serious danger to humans. However, when they feel threatened they can release a foul smelling fluid which should be washed off immediately to avoid possible skin irritation
.
Millipedes are sometimes called “thousand-leggers” because of their many pairs of legs, but they actually have anywhere from 30–90+ pairs of legs
, depending on the species. The leggiest is Illacme plenipes, which can have more than 333 pairs of legs. Click HERE
for some interesting info on that little creepy-crawler.
HABITS
Most are nocturnal and are primarily scavengers , feeding on decaying plants and occasionally dead insects. In the autumn, millipedes are known to migrate in great numbers.
HABITAT
Millipedes are found throughout the world, with about 1,000 species occurring in the United States alone. They are typically found in areas of high moisture and decaying vegetation, such as under trash, in piles of grass clippings, flowerbed mulches, piles of leaves, etc. Millipedes do not usually survive indoors for more than a few days unless there are high-moisture conditions and a food supply is present.
Most millipedes are slow-moving detritivores, eating decaying leaves and other dead plant matter. Some eat fungi or suck plant fluids, and a small minority are predatory. Are millipedes dangerous? Most are generally harmless to humans, although some can become household or garden pests . Millipedes can be unwanted especially in greenhouses where they can cause severe damage to emergent seedlings .
THREATS
Are millipedes dangerous? Some millipede species give off an ill-smelling fluid through openings along the sides of the body. Underscoring the importance of millipede control, this fluid can be toxic to small animals and pets, and can cause small blisters on humans .
MILLIPEDE CONTROL
The most effective ways to prevent and get rid of millipede infestations is to:
- Reduce areas of moisture in and around your home.
- Run a dehumidifier if you have a damp basement.
- Keep lawns mowed so that grass does not retain moisture.
- Water lawns in the early morning to allow grass to dry during the day.
- Remove leaf piles and grass clippings.
- Store firewood off of the ground.
Are millipedes dangerous? If you have any questions or concerns, contact us 833-220-1001 at 247 Local Pest Control. We know what to do!
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