Millipedes

Millipede Pest Control

Millipedes generally are considered to be harmless although they all probably have the capacity to damage seedlings and delicate new growth on some plants.

Portuguese Millipedes reach pest status because of the enormous numbers of individuals that invade properties. They do not breed indoors but will travel up to 100 metres from the mulch and leaf litter in which they live.

They are attracted to lights at night and sometimes descend on our homes in thousands, particularly after rain. The yellow secretion they emit when disturbed can irritate the skin and eyes and may stain some fabrics.

Millipede Control Perth

Portuguese Millipedes are now ubiquitous in many areas around Perth and their distribution is increasing.

There is little than can be done to reduce their numbers but pesticides, light traps and physical barriers can be used to stop them entering our homes.

Draught excluders under doors may be useful.

Reducing lighting or using curtains and blinds to prevent light escaping will be helpful. 

Millipede Treatments

Our millipede treatment involves an initial pest inspection followed by application of a residual repellent barrier spray to all external walls, and outward 2 -3 metres. This ensures the residual barrier provides rapid knockdown to millipedes trying to enter your home.

In conjunction with this we also apply a product through any leafy or mulched garden beds to ensure a large reduction in millipede numbers.

Millipede Identification

Only one species is a notable pest and is a foreign invader from Portugal. First introduced into South Australia in the 1950’s and now widespread throughout southern mainland states. 

Portuguese Millipede

• Black – grey smooth cylindrical body to 45 mm length.
• Congregates in large numbers, especially after rain.
• When agitated it will secrete a pungent yellow liquid and curl into a tight spiral or thrash like a snake.
• Attracted to lights at night. 

Millipede Facts

Millipedes belong to a class of Arthropods called Diplopoda. There are about 15 different orders found in Australia. While none of them have 1000 feet as the name suggests they are as a group quite aptly named. Millipedes have long segmented bodies, usually round in cross section and characteristically having one pair of legs on the first segment behind the head and two pairs of legs per segment thereafter.  

They live amongst leaf litter and in rotting logs where they feed on decaying plant matter.

Their usual defence is to curl into a tight ball when threatened but many also emit poisonous liquid secretions that make them unpalatable to birds and other predators. While generally harmless to people, these secretions may cause some irritation to the skin and eyes.