Millipede Research Paper

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While a millipede is not harmful, it ca be annoying for homeowners. These long, black bugs look like they have a million legs when they crawl along your bedroom window. When threatened, they curl into a ball for protection. While millipedes will not bite you, they will release a foul smell that can irritate your skin or eyes. Since millipedes can be a nuisance, homeowners can use specific pesticides and deterrent techniques to get rid of them.

Millipede Facts

Interestingly, millipedes are one of the oldest creatures to walk the earth. According to fossils, the millipede's ancestors were one of the largest and earliest invertebrates to walk on land. At the time, the millipede's ancestor was about six feet long. Millipedes are technically …show more content…

Once they find an entryway through a window, vent or foundation crack, they will move to the most moisture-rich place in your home. Crawlspaces are an ideal habitat for millipedes because they love feeding on the dead leaves that are found within them.

What Is the Difference Between Millipedes and Centipedes?

Despite their name, millipedes do not have a thousand legs. Instead, they are born with just three pairs of legs. By the time they reach adulthood, this number can grow to up to 200 pairs of legs. Each body segment has two pairs of legs. In comparison, a centipede's body segments only have one pair of legs. Millipedes also have a rounder body, shorter antennae and slower movements than centipedes. Plus, some centipedes are carnivorous and will bite. Millipedes will not bite you, and they are only a nuisance.

Getting Rid of Millipedes

One of the first steps that homeowners should take is to millipede-proof their home. If the millipedes cannot get in, they cannot become a nuisance. Start by sealing any cracks around the foundation and window frames. Millipedes can squeeze through extremely tiny holes, so you have to make sure that every crack or hole is closed up. Door sweeps can prevent them from coming under the door. Meanwhile, a dehumidifier can remove the moisture that millipedes need to …show more content…

If you do want to get rid of millipedes, pesticides like Invader Aerosol, CB Intruder HPX or Drione Dust can help. Granule pesticides like EcoExempt G or Demand G are also useful.

For more natural control methods, try out diatomaceous earth. This natural pest control product is made up of fossilized diatoms that are extremely sharp. If millipedes walk through diatomaceous earth, it cuts their body and causes it to dehydrate. As they dehydrate, they start to die.

Another technique is to use boric acid. This weak acid is made from a natural mineral known as borate. Sold in a powder form, it dries out the millipede's body like diatomaceous earth does. Wood ash from your oven or outdoor stove can be used to dry the millipede's body quickly and easily. Put it on the soil near your foundation, and the millipedes will avoid it because the wood ash is too dry for them.

If you are worried about diatomaceous earth or boric acid hurting your pets, you can always invest in chickens. Chickens love to eat insects, and they will remove any insect problem that you may have naturally. Plus, they can provide you with eggs later on. There are specific breeds of chickens that work well for insect

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