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Millipedes and Centipedes in the Treasure Valley

INTRODUCTION

Millipedes and centipedes are common arthropods in the Treasure Valley. While often confused, these many-legged creatures have distinct characteristics and roles in our local ecosystem. This guide will help you understand, prevent, and control these fascinating invertebrates.

UNDERSTANDING MILLIPEDES AND CENTIPEDES

Millipedes:

  • Scientific class: Diplopoda
  • Cylindrical body, up to 1-1/2 inches long
  • 30-400 legs (despite the name meaning “thousand feet”)
  • Lifespan: 1-10 years, depending on species

Centipedes:

  • Scientific class: Chilopoda
  • Flattened body, varying in length
  • One pair of legs per body segment
  • Lifespan: 1-6 years, depending on species

BEHAVIOR AND HABITAT

Both millipedes and centipedes thrive in moist environments and are often found in:

  • Damp soil and leaf litter
  • Under rocks, logs, or mulch
  • Compost piles and decaying wood
  • Basements and crawl spaces
  • Flowerbeds and gardens

Millipedes are most active at night and often enter homes seeking moisture. Centipedes are primarily nocturnal predators and may enter homes in search of prey.

DIET AND REPRODUCTION

Millipedes:

  • Diet: Primarily decaying plant matter, occasionally living plant tissue
  • Reproduction: Lay eggs in soil, with some species producing up to 300 eggs at a time

Centipedes:

  • Diet: Carnivorous, feeding on insects and other small invertebrates
  • Reproduction: Lay eggs in soil or under rocks, typically fewer than millipedes

IMPACT ON HOMES AND GARDENS

Millipedes:

  1. Garden Nuisance: Can damage seedlings and soft-stemmed plants in large numbers
  2. Household Invasion: May enter homes in large numbers during migration or when seeking moisture
  3. Unpleasant Odor: Some species release a foul-smelling liquid when threatened

Centipedes:

  1. Beneficial Predators: Help control other pest populations
  2. Occasional Home Invaders: May startle homeowners when found indoors
  3. Potential for Painful Bites: Larger species can deliver a painful (but generally harmless) bite if handled

PREVENTION STRATEGIES

To discourage both millipedes and centipedes:

  1. Moisture Control: Improve drainage and use dehumidifiers in damp indoor areas
  2. Seal Entry Points: Caulk cracks and gaps in the foundation, around windows, and doors
  3. Create a Dry Zone: Maintain a 12-18 inch gravel or stone barrier around your home’s foundation
  4. Proper Landscaping: Keep mulch thin and avoid overwatering plants near the house
  5. Remove Hiding Places: Clear away leaf litter, logs, and other organic debris from around your home

PROFESSIONAL PEST CONTROL BENEFITS

While generally harmless, professional pest control can be advantageous for managing both millipedes and centipedes:

  1. Comprehensive Management: Identify and address underlying moisture issues
  2. Targeted Treatments: Effective control without harming beneficial soil organisms
  3. Preventive Strategies: Implement long-term strategies to prevent future infestations
  4. Time and Cost-Effective: Save time and money compared to repeated DIY attempts

ECOLOGICAL IMPORTANCE

Despite being occasional nuisances, both millipedes and centipedes play important roles in our local ecosystem:

  • Millipedes break down dead plant material, improving soil quality
  • Centipedes help control populations of other insects and small invertebrates
  • Both serve as food sources for many animals, including birds and small mammals

PROFESSIONAL CONTROL SERVICES

At Barrier, we offer comprehensive management solutions for both millipedes and centipedes:

  • Thorough property inspection
  • Customized treatment plans
  • Targeted treatments to reduce populations
  • Advice on landscaping and moisture management
  • Regular follow-up treatments
  • Eco-friendly options
  • Education on long-term prevention strategies

By understanding these fascinating creatures and implementing proper management techniques, we can maintain a balanced ecosystem while keeping our homes and gardens comfortable and pest-free.

Resources Brought to You by Barrier Pest Control

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Also known as a roly-poly bug, pillbugs are small crustaceans commonly near damp ground where decaying vegetable matter is found. Pillbugs can roll into a ball for protection when in danger or disturbed. Pillbugs are sometimes mistaken for Billbugs, an insect that damages lawns.

MILLIPEDES

Millipedes are brown insects that have many sets of legs. Reaching 1 1/2 inches long, these insects feed on vegetable matter, mainly matter that is dead or decaying. They are attracted to damp ground, thatch, compost, and sometimes inside, particularly basements. Millipedes are occasionally confused with dangerous centipedes and do not have a poisonous bite.

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