Millipedes

GENERAL INFORMATION

1. Millipedes thrive and breed under mulch, tree litter, bark gardens and the like, and tend to spend the hotter months in these places.
2. They breed in very large numbers and often the larger sized millipedes are the females.
3. They seem to appear only at the change of seasons and last about 6 weeks.
4. They appear to be above ground creatures, but are known to occupy the first 10 cm of a soft soil surface.
5. They are attracted to light and white surfaces.
6. They tend to come inside or be most prevalent at night, especially just after rain.
7. They tend to eat rotting vegetation.
8. They give off a strong smelling chemical when interfered with, and if eaten would cause vomiting, as the chemical they exude, like many other insects, contains a stomach irritant.
9. They tend to avoid damp humid conditions.
10. Millipedes originate from Portugal.

CONTROL OF MILLIPEDES:

The reduction of organic matter around the home such as mulch and leaves will assist in reducing the number of millipedes found. The application of residual wettable powder insecticide such as Bendiocarb and Carbral where adults and larvae are found, such as garden beds and around external perimeters of homes has proved to be the most affective treatment.