Millipede Control in West Palm Beach, FL

How can I prevent millipedes?

The best first step to getting rid of millipedes is analyzing the moisture levels in your home and finding ways to reduce the moisture. 

You can eliminate humidity in your home by installing a dehumidifier, turning up the air conditioning, taking colder showers, and repairing any leaks. 

One important way to monitor your humidity is by checking your gutters. Gutters can cause moisture to build up and can even cause indoor leaks. Clean your gutters regularly to clear standing water and inspect them for leaks. Make sure the downspout of your gutter is turned away and is 6 feet from your home. 

Another way to get rid of millipedes is to millipede-proof your yard. This involves eliminating their food sources, so you just have to rake up dead leaves and remove dead or dying trees, tree stumps, logs, and plants. Basically, just look for anything dead in your yard and get rid of it. Think of it as a lawn beautification project!

What time of year are millipedes most common in West Palm Beach?

Millipede season peaks in West Palm Beach during warm summer months (between June and August). But due to the area's warm and humid climate, you can find millipedes in your home throughout the year.

What types of millipedes are in West Palm Beach?

The most common species of millipede in the West Palm Beach area include the North American millipede (“rust millipede” or “iron millipede”), the Florida ivory millipede, and the yellow-banded millipede (“bumblebee millipede”). 

• American millipedes: American millipedes are brownish-gray with red bands on each segment. These millipedes can grow up to 4 inches long.

• Florida ivory millipedes: Florida ivory millipedes are ivory and dark gray and generally measure 1 ½ to 3 ½ inches in length.

Yellow-banded millipedes: Yellow-banded millipedes are brownish-black with yellow bands on each segment. The yellow-banded millipede is usually between 1-4 inches.

Do I need to prepare my home for millipede control services?

No, we do not require any sort of preparation for millipede control services.

Do millipedes bite?

The short answer is no, they will not bite, and they will not hurt you. While they can look a little scary, especially if you’ve never seen one, they’re not harmful to humans. 

With this in mind, it is still not recommended to just pick up a millipede with your bare hands or poke it with a stick like it’s an alien - even though they look like aliens. 

Why shouldn’t you pick up a millipede if they’re harmless? If they feel threatened, millipedes can release a substance that can be irritating to the skin, and painful in the eyes. So if you do touch or pick up a millipede, avoid rubbing your eyes and make sure you wash your hands after.

How do I get rid of millipedes in my home?

If you’ve done the preventative measures to keep millipedes out of your home, you can try applying natural products for millipede control like diatomaceous earth, boric acid, tea tree oil, peppermint oil, and cayenne pepper. Just note that boric acid and tea tree oil are not safe for pets and should be avoided if you have pets in your home. 

Otherwise, diatomaceous earth, peppermint oil, and cayenne pepper are 100% pet friendly pest control ingredients and are effective in repelling millipedes in West Palm Beach.