Millipedes

Need Help?

Get in touch with one of our experts.

Millipedes are common creatures in Sri Lanka, but they’re usually harmless decomposers. However, their presence in large numbers can be a nuisance.

Identification

Physical description: Elongated, worm-like bodies with two pairs of legs per body segment (except for the first few segments). Millipedes in Sri Lanka can range in color from brown to black and can vary in size from a few millimeters to several centimeters.
Habitat: Millipedes prefer moist environments and are often found outdoors under leaf litter, logs, and rocks. They may occasionally venture indoors, especially during dry periods or if attracted by moisture sources.
Feeding habits: They are scavengers and decomposers, feeding on decaying plant matter, fungi, and algae.

Behaviour

Life cycle: Millipedes undergo metamorphosis with four stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. The female lays eggs in moist soil, and the larvae hatch and go through several molting stages before reaching adulthood.
Activity patterns: Millipedes are primarily nocturnal, becoming more active at night when there’s more moisture. They are slow-moving creatures and generally avoid humans.

Signs of Infestation

Visual signs: The presence of millipedes themselves, especially during the night or in damp areas of your home like basements or crawl spaces.
Behavioral signs: Millipedes can damage seedlings and young plants if they find their way into greenhouses or gardens.

Management

While millipedes aren’t harmful to humans, they can be a nuisance. Here are some tips for managing them:

Prevention: Address moisture issues around your home. Seal cracks and gaps in foundations and around pipes to prevent millipedes from entering. Remove sources of debris and leaf litter near your house that might attract them.
Exclusion: Use caulk or weather stripping to seal potential entry points.
Natural deterrents: Diatomaceous earth can be used as a natural barrier around potential entry points. However, its effectiveness can be limited.

Important Note: In Sri Lanka, there are over 100 species of millipedes, with many being endemic. Most species pose no threat and are beneficial decomposers. If you encounter millipedes and are unsure about the species or have a significant infestation, consider contacting a professional pest control company for identification and control recommendations.

809/36, Negombo Road, Mabola, Wattala

+94 77 368 8979

info@ceylonpestcontrol.com

Millipedes

Identification

Behaviour

Signs of Infestation

Management

Need Help?

Identification

Behaviour

Signs of Infestation

Management

Fumigation

Pest Control Services

Contact

Subscribe Newsletters