Pest Expert Overview: Millipedes in Bryan & College Station
Millipedes are oval, elongate, tan to brown with 2 pair of legs on each segment. The most common species are 1 to 2 inches in length, but there are “giant” species that may grow to 10 to 12 inches in length. MIllipedes prefer damp habitats and can become quite numerous during hot and damp periods or with excessive irrigation. MIllipedes are Arthropods, like insects, but are in the class Diplopoda, rather than the class Insecta. There are over 1,000 species of Millipedes in the United States.
Life Cycle
Millipedes overwinter as adults hiding in leaf litter or other debris. They become active once weather begins to warm in the spring. Females lay eggs in the soil. Newly hatched nymphs resemble adults and will go through several molts before reaching full adult size and reproductive ability. Millipedes may live for up to 5 years and usually have 1 generation per year in Texas. They feed on decaying organic matter, but may occasionally feed on living plants. They are unable to reproduce indoors, so their presence is always a result of invasion from outside.
Why are they Pests?
Millipedes are generally only a nuisance when they occasionally get inside. They are beneficial in the environment, helping to break down decaying organic matter like dead leaves and plant material. They cannot bite, but can excrete a defensive fluid that smells bad. They also may occasionally damage plants.
Millipede Prevention
Moisture control is extremely important in millipede prevention. Water your lawn only when needed (2 or 3 times per week during the Summer), keep foliage and grass trimmed away from the foundation, and avoid using excessive mulch (no more than 3 inches).
Professional Millipede Control
If you are dealing with an infestation of millipedes, Venus Pest Company can help. Founded by Aggie Entomologist Dr. Scott Lingren, we provide expert, eco-friendly Integrated Pest Management solutions in Bryan and College Station. To get started, fill out the contact form, call/text 979.774.0486 or email [email protected]. Don’t let nuisance pests take over your home!
