Australia is home to over 2,000 species of millipedes, many of which play an essential role in the ecosystem by feeding on decaying organic matter. While native millipedes are vital to maintaining biodiversity, the Portuguese millipede is an invasive species that has earned a notorious reputation across the country, including in Canberra. These shiny, black millipedes are known for their ability to swarm in large numbers, creating significant nuisances for homeowners and even disrupting infrastructure. In fact, in 2002, millions of Portuguese millipedes caused train services between Melbourne and Ballarat to stop temporarily due to their bodies making the tracks slippery.

What is a Millipede?

Millipedes are small, segmented creatures that typically live outdoors, feeding on decaying leaves, plants, and other organic matter. Despite their name, millipedes don’t have a thousand legs. Most species have hundreds, with each body segment containing two pairs of legs, distinguishing them from their close relatives, centipedes, which have only one pair of legs per segment.

While native millipedes are harmless and beneficial to the environment, the invasive Portuguese millipede is the species most people want to keep out of their homes and gardens in Canberra. These pests can gather in large groups and enter homes, becoming a real nuisance when they release a smelly, caustic secretion when disturbed.

Millipede Facts: How Many Legs Do Millipedes Have?

Despite their name, millipedes don’t actually have a thousand legs. The number of legs varies depending on the species, but most millipedes have between 30 and 400 legs. Each body segment features two pairs of legs, a key difference from centipedes, which have only one pair per segment.

How to Prevent a Millipede Infestation in Canberra Homes

While millipedes generally prefer to stay outside, feeding on decaying plant matter, they can sometimes make their way into your home. Indoors, millipedes struggle to survive since there’s nothing for them to eat, and they will usually leave on their own. However, having too many millipedes enter your home at once can lead to frustration, especially since Portuguese millipedes can release a smelly, irritating secretion when threatened.

Here are some steps you can take to prevent millipedes from entering your home in Canberra:

• Maintain Your Garden: Millipedes thrive in moist environments with plenty of organic matter. Keeping your lawn trimmed and removing any piles of leaves, mulch, or compost from around your home can reduce their habitat and make your property less attractive to them.
• Seal Entry Points: Millipedes can enter through small gaps, cracks, and crevices in walls, doors, and windows. Inspect your home’s exterior for potential entry points and seal them with caulk or weather stripping to prevent millipedes from sneaking inside.
• Reduce Moisture: Millipedes are drawn to moist environments, so reducing the humidity around your home can help. Use dehumidifiers in basements and keep bathrooms and kitchens well-ventilated to reduce the moisture that may attract them.
• Create Barriers: Consider installing gravel or a dry, barren strip around your home’s foundation to create a less hospitable environment for millipedes to cross.

How to Get Rid of Millipedes in Canberra

If you find that millipedes are entering your home in large numbers, taking immediate action can help control the problem. Here are some tips to deal with a millipede infestation:

1. Vacuum or Sweep Them Up: Millipedes are relatively slow movers, so they can easily be vacuumed or swept up and disposed of outside. This is a quick way to remove visible millipedes from your home.
2. Use Dehumidifiers: Reducing moisture in the home is key to discouraging millipedes from entering. Using a dehumidifier in problem areas like basements and bathrooms can make these spaces less attractive to them.
3. Eliminate Organic Debris: Remove piles of leaves, wood, and mulch from around your home’s exterior. These piles provide food and shelter for millipedes, so keeping your yard tidy can reduce their numbers.
4. Professional Pest Control: If you’re dealing with a serious infestation, calling in the professionals at ACT Pest Control can provide a long-term solution. Our technicians can assess the situation and use targeted treatments to eliminate millipedes and prevent them from returning.

Millipede Facts: Are Millipedes Poisonous?

Unlike centipedes, millipedes are not poisonous, and they do not bite. Millipedes are generally harmless to humans, but the Portuguese millipede can release a smelly and irritating secretion when disturbed. This secretion can cause mild skin irritation or allergic reactions in some people. It’s always a good idea to wash your hands after handling millipedes and avoid direct contact with their defensive secretions.

Can Millipedes Hurt You?

No, millipedes do not bite or sting. They are passive creatures that prefer to curl up and flee when threatened. However, some millipedes, including the Portuguese millipede, release an acidic secretion from their glands when disturbed. This secretion can cause mild irritation, burning sensations, or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals, though severe reactions are rare. If you come into contact with this secretion, wash the affected area thoroughly.

Why Choose ACT Pest Control to Eliminate Millipedes in Canberra?

At ACT Pest Control, we understand how frustrating millipede infestations can be, particularly when dealing with large numbers of Portuguese millipedes. Our experienced technicians can assess your home and property, identify the source of the infestation, and provide effective treatments to eliminate millipedes from your space.

We offer customised pest control solutions tailored to the unique needs of Canberra residents, using safe and reliable treatments to protect your home and garden from future infestations.

Contact ACT Pest Control Today

Don’t let millipedes take over your home or garden. Contact ACT Pest Control today on 1300 022 122 for a professional inspection and treatment plan. We’ll help you eliminate millipedes from your Canberra property and protect your home from further infestations.