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Are Millipedes Dangerous?

millipede curled up
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Not unless you consider "curling up into a tight pinwheel," dangerous. These skittish little critters coil tightly in response to danger. They don't attack. Millipedes are also herbivores. That means they eat vegetation. They have no interest in biting humans; they don't have venom; and they are not known to spread infectious diseases, harmful bacteria, or parasites to humans. Some species of millipede release a defensive liquid that can cause skin and eye irritation. So it is a good idea to wash your hands after handling a millipede, but this is about as dangerous as a millipede will be.

So, why do people call a pest control technician for millipedes if they're not dangerous?

These tiny little bugs can be quite disturbing, especially when they enter a home by the hundreds. Millipedes are incredibly versatile bugs. They can crawl on walls and ceilings to get to where they're going. And, when you have a hundred bugs on your walls and ceiling, it can be more than a little bit frustrating.

Millipedes are also frustrating if you have plants. These multi-legged bugs don't just climb up walls or cling their way across ceilings; they can climb the stems of plants too. This will have these tiny veggie eaters putting holes in your ornamentals.

Why am I dealing with millipedes?

These are moisture pests. If you have moisture in your yard, your yard will be more attractive to millipedes.
They are also drawn to rotting, moist organic matter. If you have lots of moist leaves, twigs, grass clippings, mulch, manure, or other decaying plant matter, millipedes will love your yard.

When millipedes get into a yard, they are usually content to stay in the yard. Your home doesn't have the moisture or food resources to keep these bugs happy...or alive. If you ignore them, they will eventually die in your home. But, that could lead to other problems. When millipedes die in your home, they become food for other pests. This can create the conditions for a more serious pest problem.

If you're dealing with millipedes in your home, it could be a sign of a much bigger pest problem. Let Big Blue Bug Solutions help you fix that problem. Our friendly and educated pest professionals will do more than fix your millipede infestation. They'll address all the conditions that are allowing pests to get into your home. Those millipedes may not be dangerous, but there are many pests that can be a danger to you, your family, your pets, and your home. Stop those pests in their tracks with a residential pest control plan from Big Blue Bug Solutions.

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