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Millipedes

Millipedes in Australia exhibit a rich diversity of forms and sizes, with over 500 known species inhabiting various ecosystems from damp forests to arid deserts.

These slow-moving, elongated creatures play a vital role in decomposition processes, breaking down dead plant material and recycling nutrients back into the soil. Among the many fascinating Australian millipedes, the giant pill millipede stands out due to its ability to roll into a tight defensive ball when threatened.

Although often overlooked, millipedes are an essential component of Australia’s ecological tapestry, contributing to the health of the soil and supporting a thriving network of life across the continent.

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Millipede | Jim’s Termite & Pest Control
Millipede | Jim’s Termite & Pest Control
Millipede | Jim’s Termite & Pest Control
Millipede | Jim’s Termite & Pest Control
Millipede | Jim’s Termite & Pest Control
Brown Millipede | Jim’s Termite & Pest Control

Millipedes have 2 pairs of legs on each body segment, except for the first and last segments, which have only 1 pair. This means that the number of legs a millipede has can vary depending on its length.

Millipedes are detritivores, which means they eat dead and decaying matter. They play an important role in the environment by breaking down this matter and recycling nutrients back into the soil.

Millipedes can be found in a variety of habitats, including forests, grasslands, deserts, and even in your own backyard. They prefer moist environments, so they are often found in soil, under rocks, or in leaf litter.

Millipedes are attracted to moist, dark places. They are also attracted to food sources, such as dead and decaying matter.

Millipedes play an important role in the environment by breaking down dead and decaying matter. They also help to aerate the soil and improve its water retention.

Please note that these FAQs provide general information, and we encourage you to contact our team directly for more specific and detailed answers based on your unique situation.

Here are some safety tips to keep in mind when handling millipedes:

  • Wear gloves. Millipedes can secrete a substance that can irritate your skin.
  • Be careful not to crush them. Millipedes can release a foul-smelling liquid when they are crushed.
  • Avoid contact with your eyes. If you do come into contact with millipede secretions, wash your eyes immediately with soap and water.
  • If you have allergies, be extra cautious. Millipedes can trigger allergic reactions in some people.
  • If you are bitten, seek medical attention immediately. Millipede bites are not usually serious, but they can be painful.

Here are some additional tips to help prevent millipedes from entering your home:

  • Seal up any cracks or gaps around windows and doors.
  • Keep your home clean and free of clutter.
  • Remove any sources of moisture, such as leaky pipes or buckets.
  • Avoid using pesticides, as these can harm millipedes and other beneficial insects.

If you do find millipedes in your home, you can try to remove them by hand or with a vacuum cleaner. If you have a large infestation, you may need to call a professional pest control company.

Australia is home to a wide variety of millipede species, with over 2,000 species recorded. These species can be found in a variety of habitats, including forests, grasslands, deserts, and even in your own backyard. They prefer moist environments, so they are often found in soil, under rocks, or in leaf litter.

Some of the most common millipede species in Australia include:

  • Ommatoiulus moreletii – This millipede is also known as the “Portuguese millipede” and is characterized by its shiny black body and its ability to curl into a spiral when threatened. It is often found in moist, shady areas.
  • Eumillipes persephone – This millipede is the longest known millipede in the world, with up to 1,000 legs. It is found in the Northern Territory and Western Australia.
  • Heterocladosoma bifalcatum – This millipede is characterized by its flattened body and its ability to jump. It is found in forests and grasslands.
  • Akamptogonus novarae – This millipede is characterized by its long, slender body and its ability to burrow into the soil. It is found in deserts and other dry environments.
  • Phryssonotus novaehollandiae – This millipede is characterized by its large size and its ability to roll into a ball when threatened. It is found in forests and grasslands.
  • Allothereua maculata – This millipede is characterized by its long, slender body and its ability to run quickly. It is found in forests and grasslands.
  • Kebodesmus zonarius – This millipede is characterized by its banded body and its ability to burrow into the soil. It is found in deserts and other dry environments.

Millipedes play an important role in the environment by breaking down dead and decaying matter. They also help to aerate the soil and improve its water retention.

Millipedes are not harmful to humans, but they can be unsightly and can cause damage to plants. If you have a millipede infestation, there are a few things you can do to remove them:

  1. Remove any sources of moisture. Millipedes are attracted to moist environments, so removing any sources of moisture can help to deter them. This includes fixing any leaks in your home, cleaning up any spills, and keeping your basement and crawlspace dry.
  2. Seal up any cracks or gaps. Millipedes can enter your home through small cracks or gaps. Seal up any cracks or gaps around windows, doors, and foundation with caulk or weatherstripping.
  3. Use a dehumidifier. If you have a high humidity level in your home, using a dehumidifier can help to reduce the number of millipedes.
  4. Remove any food sources. Millipedes are attracted to food sources, so removing any food sources can help to deter them. This includes keeping your kitchen and dining areas clean, and removing any pet food or garbage from the area.
  5. Use a pesticide. If you have a large millipede infestation, you may need to use a pesticide. Be sure to read the label carefully and follow the directions before using any pesticide.

If you have a millipede infestation, it is important to take steps to remove them as soon as possible. Millipedes can damage plants and can be unsightly. By following the tips above, you can help to get rid of millipedes and keep them out of your home.