ARE MILLIPEDES IN AIKEN DANGEROUS?

Millipedes are nuisance pests that sometimes get into homes in large numbers when outdoor conditions become unfavorable. If you're seeing hundreds, or even thousands, of these small black bugs in your home, you don't need to be fearful. But you should be cautious. Here is the good, the bad, and the ugly about millipedes.

The Good

In many ways, millipedes aren't dangerous at all. They don't bite, they don't have venom, and most of all, they don't spread diseases, bacteria, or pathogens. These bugs aren't going to plague you like a stinging insect, bed bug, tick, or cockroach.

The Bad

Millipedes can get into your home over and over again. If your home is vulnerable, you can have wave after wave of infestation. But there is some good news even with this bad news. Millipedes can't live long in your home. They can't get inside and permanently infest. So you don't have to worry about seeing them crawling around everywhere, getting into everything. They'll die off. Unfortunately, it can turn into a disgusting and repetitive chore to clean them up.

The Ugly

The millipedes that get into Aiken homes may not be as dangerous as several other millipede species found in the world, but they aren't entirely harmless. If these bugs get into your home, wear gloves when removing them. They excrete a liquid that can cause skin irritation and possibly blisters. Blistering occurs when there is an allergic reaction. If you rub your eyes after handling a millipede, it can lead to conjunctivitis.

How To Keep Millipedes Out

The best way to keep millipedes out of your Aiken home is to invest in ongoing perimeter protection from Aiken Pest Control. 

But there are some steps you can take on your own to reduce the population of millipedes around your home and how often they get inside:

• Reduce perimeter moisture. A dry perimeter is a millipede-resistant perimeter. Make sure your gutter system is working to channel rainwater away from your home. Fix any exterior plumbing leaks. Loosen compacted soil and remove containers that collect rainwater. Trim bushes and remove unnecessary vegetation.
• Reduce organic debris. Millipedes thrive in leaf litter—and they're not the only pests that do. Raking leaves up and removing them from your property will have a big impact on pest populations. Move woodpiles, construction materials, and other wood products away from your exterior. Remove grass clippings and sticks. If possible, create an 18-inch dry patch around your home. This will work as a natural barrier for millipedes and several other household pests.
• Seal potential entry points. There are many ways millipedes can get into your home, but some are far more commonly used. The most common entry points are cracks in foundation walls, gaps around foundation windows and doors, holes created by wood-destroying pests, missing or damaged door sweeps, and gaps in the weatherstripping around exterior doors.
• Interior moisture. If you maintain a dry home, you will have a better chance of keeping millipedes out. Consider installing fans or dehumidifiers in areas of your home that stay moist. Use the fan in your bathroom when taking a shower or bath. Fix leaky faucets or pipes. Refrain from leaving water in sinks or tubs.

How Aiken Pest Control Can Help

When you invest in a residential pest control program, you get routine visits and routine treatments performed by a licensed professional. These give your exterior what it needs to reduce pest populations and prevent pests from getting into your home. The products we use are EPA approved and selected by pest control experts to impact a wide range of pests (many which are far more dangerous to your health and the health of your family than millipedes).

If you have questions about year-round pest control, we'd be happy to answer them. There are few things you can invest in that are more beneficial for your health, and the health of your home, than a professional pest control plan. Effective pest control proactively prevents the spread of pest-borne diseases and stops wood-destroying pests in their tracks. Reach out to us today. We have the experience and professionalism to guide you in selecting the right plan for your home and your family.