Are Millipedes In West Palm Beach Dangerous?
Did you know that there has never actually been a real millipede? That isn’t to say that millipedes don’t exist, just that none have ever had 1000 legs, at least none that have been recorded. To date, the record for the most legs on a millipede stands at 750. That was accomplished by Illacme Plenipes, a species of millipede that can be found in the United States, but thankfully not here in West Palm Beach. Now, enough about the longest millipede, let’s talk about the dangers millipedes pose and if you should be concerned when you spot them around your West Palm Beach home.
What Are Millipedes?
Millipedes are long, multi-segmented arthropods, known for having hundreds of legs. To date over 7,000 species of millipede have been discovered and identified around the globe, of these 1,400 exist in North America. The most common, North American millipedes, are brownish.
One thing all millipedes have in common is their love for moist environments. If the weather outside is hot and dry, millipedes will search out more humid places to hide. This could be anything from the bottom side of a rock to the more humid rooms of your home.
How do millipedes get into your home? Typically they will get inside through an open door or window, through a crawl space vent, beneath an improperly sealed door, or underneath a garage door.
Once inside, millipedes will do their best to stay out of sight and out of trouble. To do this they might choose to hide inside furniture, stored items, or around untraveled areas throughout your home.
How Dangerous Are Millipedes?
Millipedes are not dangerous in any way. They do not possess the ability to bite or sting you, they aren’t able to damage stored food items, and they pose no threat to items or furniture around your home. The worst they are capable of is irritating your skin when you interact with them, and even this is only true for certain species. In most cases, the only problem homeowners report having with millipedes is the scare they get from finding them around their homes.
Two things you should know about millipedes are that they are nocturnal and can move in large numbers. This means you might flick on your light one night to find several of them in one spot. At this point, it doesn’t matter how dangerous they are, seeing a heap of millipedes in your home is just plain freaky.
Prevention Tips For Millipedes
Millipedes can be prevented with just a little bit of home maintenance. Here are a few things our experts recommend you do around your West Palm Beach home.
- Search your home’s exterior for gaps and cracks millipedes could use to get inside.
- Specifically, check around window and door frames as well as across your home’s exterior foundation. If any potential entryways are found, seal them up using a caulking gun.
- Check the weather stripping around doors and windows around your home. Repair and replace it as needed.
- Make sure all of your exterior doors are equipped with door sweeps.
- Investigate around your home for leaky pipes and fixtures. Repair any damages you find.
- Use a dehumidifier in particularly humid rooms of your home, especially when it is hot and dry outside.
How To Get Millipedes Out Of Your Home
If you have been noticing an unusual number of millipedes inside your West Palm Beach home, there is one quick way you can get them out. At Native Pest Management, we offer detailed services to eliminate and keep millipedes out of your home. Whether you are looking for a one-time treatment or year-round pest protection, we have a solution for you.
Give us a call today to discuss your pest control options in West Palm Beach.