StrataGreen - Solution Finder - Pests - Milipede

Millipede

Latin name: Ommatoiulus moreleti (Portuguese millipede) and other Diplopoda species

Millipedes are common nuisance pests throughout southern Australia, particularly during autumn and winter following rainfall. The Portuguese millipede is widespread in Western Australia and is often found invading homes, sheds and commercial buildings in large numbers. Although millipedes do not bite, sting or damage buildings, they can become a significant nuisance and may damage soft seedlings and young plants in gardens.

Millipedes are most active at night, sheltering beneath mulch, leaf litter, rocks and dense vegetation during the day before emerging in cool, damp conditions.

Lifecycle

Millipedes undergo gradual development through several immature stages.

Eggs are laid in moist soil or organic matter.
Juveniles hatch with only a few pairs of legs.
They moult several times, gaining additional body segments and legs with each moult.
Adults reproduce during autumn and winter, with populations increasing after favourable rainfall.

Identification

Adults measure 20–45 mm long.
Dark brown to black cylindrical body.
Numerous body segments with two pairs of legs per segment.
Curl into a tight spiral when disturbed.
Most active at night and after rain.
Often found in large numbers around buildings and garden beds.

Damage

Nuisance invasions of homes and buildings.
Feeding damage to tender seedlings and emerging plants.
Contamination of patios, garages and pathways.
Dead millipedes may produce an unpleasant odour and stain light-coloured surfaces.
Large populations can overwhelm entry points around buildings.

SOLUTIONS

Around homes and building perimeters: Apply Temprid 75 Residual Insecticide to external walls, doorways and entry points to reduce millipede invasions.

In gardens, patios and landscaped areas: Apply Apparent Surround to harbourage areas, garden edges and around foundations where millipedes are active.

Around sheds, garages and outdoor structures: Apply ProForce Rumbler 1000SC as a residual perimeter treatment to help control migrating millipedes.

Where seasonal invasions occur after rainfall: Remove leaf litter and mulch against buildings, reduce excess moisture, seal entry points and maintain a residual barrier with Temprid 75 Residual Insecticide or ProForce Rumbler 1000SC.