Millipedes in the house, how to keep them away

How to Keep Centipedes Away from Your Home and Garden

The first method to use, in case of millipede infestation not serious, it is to create some olfactory barriers with a mix of essential oils and water; vinegar, citrus peels, Marseille soap, baking soda and diatoms are also very useful for keeping them away.

Glomeridae, also called woodlice – Wiki Commons

Also there prevention It is important to eliminate food sources, hiding places and humidity from your home.

Finally, plant some in the garden herbs can really bother these insects which, however, it must be said, are unlikely to be present in Italy dangerous for the human being.

Consider the insecticides or the intervention of a professional only as a last resort, in the face of serious infestations.

How to distinguish dangerous millipedes from harmless ones

In Italia i centipede (animals that belong to the class of diplopoda) are mostly harmless. They can be found both inside and outside our homes.

The centipede has a painful bite – Wiki Commons

Among the non-dangerous millipedes we find:

• Glomeridae: Small and stocky, with a convex body and distinct segments. They feed on decaying plant material and are often found under stones, logs or in damp areas. They are also called woodlice;
• Julidae: Elongated cylindrical body with numerous segments and short legs. They are detritivores and are found in the soil or under the litter;
• Polydesmidae: Flat millipedes known as “millipede cockroaches”. They feed on algae and lichens and hide under rocks or bark;
• Spirostreptoidea: They have a spiral body and feed on decaying leaves. They are the most common millipedes in Italy.

Potentially dangerous millipedes are:

• Scolopendridae: They are the millipedes best known as “centipedes”. They have a flattened body and move very quickly. Some tropical species have a venom that can cause localized pain and swelling. In Italy, the Scolopendra cingulata is the most common species, but its bite is generally harmless to humans;
• Cryptopidae: Blind millipedes with an elongated body and long antennae. Some species can secrete an irritating liquid when disturbed.

If you are dealing with these last two species, it is better to use an insecticide directly to avoid risks.

How to keep millipedes away from your home

Spray a mixture of essential oils Citronella, peppermint or tea tree along the edges of doors and walls will create an olfactory barrier for millipedes without harming them.

Julidae, a scavenger and non-dangerous animal – Wiki Commons

It is also useful to spread the diatomaceous earth of Plantawa, a powder of dried seaweed, in those places frequented by these animals.

Also the vinegar It works very well: a blend of water and vinegar 50:50 will drive these animals away from areas where they tend to hide.

This last method, however, could be olfactively annoying also for humans.

Cryptopidae, potentially stinging millipede – Wiki Commons

Use insecticides only in case of severe infestations. These are available in sprays, gels or baits all available on Amazon in the store of the Vape.

Follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully and be especially careful if there are pets or children in the home.

How to Prevent Millipede Infestations

Yes you can. to prevent the presence of millipedes eliminating the sources of humidityso as to reduce the possibility of millipedes proliferating in the house: this is possible by using a simple dehumidifier.

Polydesmidae, the millipede – Wiki Commons

Reduce also hideouts helps: clear piles of wood, leaves and debris from the garden.
Always keep the grass well cut and seal off cracks in the walls to prevent millipedes from entering the house and hiding.

Also delete all the dust of the house, i food residues and other debris It can help a lot.

In the garden and on the balcony planting aromatic herbs such as peppermint, lavender or citronella can help keep these animals away.

It is good to remember, however, that centipede not dangerous They are useful for the ecosystem as they feed on decaying plant material, contributing to the formation of humus and the recycling of nutrients in the soil.

Additionally, they help keep the natural environment clean by reducing the amount of organic debris and promoting soil health.

Natural methods to keep millipedes away

To keep millipedes away you can also try natural methods, for example with some citrus peelslike lemons and oranges.

These, in fact, contain essential oils that act as repellent for millipedes. Not a very practical method though, since it wouldn’t be very nice to see peels scattered around the house; much better to use it in the garden.

Spirostreptoidea, the most common millipede in Italy – Wiki Commons

It is also possible to prepare a solution with some Marseille soap and water with the following proportions:

• 1 liter of water
• 2 tablespoons of Marseille soap (flakes or liquid)

Spraying this non-toxic to humans solution at suspected millipede entry points will drive them away.

Finally, also the use of sodium bicarbonate scattered in critical points helps to create an unfavorable environment for these insects.