Three Things Every Knoxville Resident Ought To Know About Millipedes

If a creature has more legs, does that make them scarier? Most people don’t freak out when a fly lands on them. They may get mildly irritated and swat it away, but that is usually all. However, if a millipede were to crawl onto your leg, you might go into a full-on freakout. Here are three things you should know to help you understand and combat millipedes around your Knoxville, TN home.

How To Identify Millipedes

Millipedes come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Most millipede species here in the United States grow to between one and four and a half inches long and are a brownish color. The body of this pest is long, slender, and segmented; attached beneath are several pairs of legs. The average millipede may have anywhere from 34 to 400 legs; this mainly depends on their age.

These long pests prefer to dwell around moist areas, and tend to migrate indoors when weather conditions become too hot and dry. Once inside, millipedes may hide beneath furniture, around storage areas, or in basements or crawlspaces.

Millipedes Can Be Trouble

If threatened, a millipede will roll themselves into a ball and use its hard outer exoskeleton to protect its vitals. What is mildly harmful to humans is the toxins millipedes excrete. Not all millipedes excrete toxins, but some do, and you should always be careful and avoid touching them with your bare skin. Millipede toxin is rarely harmful; however, if you notice a rash or unusual symptoms after interacting with one of these pests, contact your local emergency number or poison control center.

Despite being terrifying and sometimes toxic pests, millipedes are extremely helpful to the environment. This quality doesn’t change the fact that they are unwelcome in your home, but should at least bring you a little comfort knowing they aren’t going to bite, sting, or cause you any serious harm.

Preventing Millipedes Is Possible

If you find millipedes or other pests around your home, know this; your home is letting them inside. Houses wear out, and gaps, spaces, and other entry points present themselves for pests to enter through. Here are some great home repair and prevention tips to try to make your home less accessible to invading millipedes:

Use a caulking gun or some liquid cement to fill in cracks, gaps, and holes inside your home’s exterior foundation and around window and door frames.
Make sure all of your home’s weatherstripping is in good working condition.
Repair or replace window and door screens around your home that are damaged.
If you haven’t already, install door sweeps under all exterior doors.
Fix leaks and repair broken fixtures such as faucets, shower heads, and exterior water spigots.
Use a dehumidifier indoors, especially around humid basements and crawlspaces.
Keep your grass cut short and your landscaping well-maintained.
The less accessible and attractive your home is, the less likely millipedes will invade.

How To Get Rid Of Millipedes For Good

Do millipedes and other pests cause trouble around your Knoxville home? If so, you need professional pest control. At Urbanex, we offer complete pest exclusion and services designed to treat several different pest threats. Whatever pest pressures your home and property has, we will help find your best path to freedom. You don’t have to live with millipedes, centipedes, spiders, cockroaches, or any other pest anymore. Let us help.

Reach out to our team today to talk to one of our friendly pest control representatives. They will help you find a solution that suits your individual needs.

Request Your Free Inspection

Complete the form below to schedule your no obligation inspection.