Millipedes may seem harmless but they can quickly become a nuisance in your yard. These arthropods love damp spaces and if left unchecked, they can infest your garden and lawn. Once they get out of hand, you’ll often see your soft-stemmed plants begin to die off. Plus, when people come in contact with millipedes, they may end up with irritated skin. If allergic, an adverse reaction could also happen. Either way, no one wants these pests taking over his or her yard. Luckily for homeowners, there are several methods to control them.
Get Rid of Millipedes from Your Yard
This quick guide provides ideas and options to get rid of pests from your yard.
Identify the Source of the Problem
The first step towards eliminating millipedes from your yard is to identify their source. Since they love moist environments, look out for areas with poor drainage or those with high humidity levels. Check for leaking taps, gutters, or sprinkler systems as they could be the source of excess moisture in your yard. Identifying the source of the problem will help in fixing the issue permanently.
Keep the Yard Dry
One of the easiest ways to eliminate these dampness-loving pests from your yard is to reduce moisture levels. This can be achieved by fixing leaking taps and ensuring that your drainage systems are working correctly. Also, avoid overwatering your lawn or garden and ensure that water is not accumulating in any parts of your yard. If your area experiences heavy rainfall, ensure that the standing water is drained.
Use Diatomaceous Earth
Diatomaceous Earth is a natural product that is lethal to millipedes. It works by dehydrating the pests upon contact, leading to their death. Sprinkle some Diatomaceous Earth around areas with millipedes such as flower beds, vegetable gardens, and around your home’s foundation. Be careful when handling the product as it can cause skin irritation.
Create a Physical Barrier
Another effective method of preventing millipedes from accessing your yard is to create a physical barrier. Use weatherstripping around doors and windows to prevent millipedes from crawling inside. If you have any holes in your outer walls, fill them up. Use a fine mesh netting to cover your garden beds or flower pots to prevent these arthropods from accessing your plants.
Pest Control
If the infestation is severe and you have tried all methods in vain, you may consider calling in pest control. They will use chemical insecticides that are lethal to millipedes. The experts will also help with identifying the source of the infestation and can advise you on how to prevent future infestations.
Millipedes can make your yard unpleasant but eliminating them is possible with the right approach. Start by identifying the source of the moisture attracting them and fix it. Prevent excess moisture by ensuring good drainage and avoid overwatering. Use Diatomaceous Earth, create physical barriers, and if necessary, call in a pest control professional. Taking these steps will help you get rid of millipedes from your yard allowing you to enjoy a pest-free environment.
About the Writer: Lizzie Weakley is a freelance writer from Columbus, Ohio. In her free time, she enjoys the outdoors and walks in the park with her husky, Snowball.
