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Today we will look into some natural or organic remedies on how to get rid of greenhouse millipedes, or Garden Millipedes in your potting mix and elsewhere in your garden. We will also learn whether these are poisonous and some chemical pesticides that can kill these pests in your home and garden.
The Greenhouse Millipede: A Common Garden Pest
The greenhouse millipede, also known by various names such as the hothouse millipede, short-flange millipede, or garden millipede, is a prevalent pest in many gardens. These millipedes can cause significant damage to emergent vegetable seedlings and young plants, making them a concern for any gardener.
The Life Cycle of Greenhouse Millipedes
Understanding the life cycle of greenhouse millipedes can help you better manage their presence in your garden. These pests lay eggs in moist soil, which hatch into larvae. The larvae go through several molts before reaching adulthood. This cycle can repeat multiple times a year, especially in favorable conditions like high humidity and abundant organic matter.
How to Identify These Millipedes
Garden millipedes are typically easy to identify. They possess hundreds of legs and can be white, brown, or black in color. Unlike their cousin, the centipede, millipedes are not carnivores. Instead, they consume dead and rotting vegetation and often hide in moist places such as soil mulch layers, debris, or inside the top layer of soil. They prefer darkness and moisture, making them more common during the rainy season.
Physical Characteristics
- Body Shape: Millipedes have cylindrical bodies that are segmented.
- Legs: They have two pairs of legs per body segment.
- Movement: Millipedes move slowly compared to centipedes.
Behavior and Habitat
- Habitat: They thrive in moist environments.
- Diet: Millipedes feed on decaying organic matter.
- Activity: They are primarily nocturnal and seek shelter during the day.
Are Millipedes Poisonous or Venomous?
Gardeners often worry about the safety of handling these pests. Millipedes, unlike centipedes, are not venomous and are generally considered non-poisonous. However, some millipede species do release fluids that can cause skin irritation in humans. Therefore, it’s always advisable to wear garden gloves and take safety precautions when dealing with these pests.
Safety Precautions
- Wear Gloves: Protect your skin from potential irritants.
- Wash Hands: Always wash your hands after handling millipedes.
- Avoid Touching Eyes and Mouth: Prevent accidental transfer of irritants to sensitive areas.
How to Get Rid of Garden Millipedes
There are several effective solutions to control and eliminate millipedes in your garden. Here, we will list these methods step by step:
1. Manual Removal
Visible millipedes can be smashed or swept with a broom or a vacuum cleaner and disposed of. However, this method can be challenging because most millipedes are not visible and tend to hide under the soil or mulch layer.
2. Sticky Traps and Light Traps
Sticky traps and light traps attract and capture millipedes. While these traps can be effective, they are not always readily available.
3. Chemical Pesticides
While we generally recommend avoiding chemicals in vegetable gardening, there are chemical pesticides that can effectively kill millipedes. These include Propoxur, Cyfluthrin, Pyrethrins, Piperonyl butoxide, Deltamethrin, Cypermethrin, and bifenthrin. Use these with caution and follow label instructions closely.
4. Natural Predators
Introducing natural predators can be an effective and eco-friendly way to control millipede populations.
- Chickens: Chickens love to eat insects and pests, including millipedes. Keeping a few hens can significantly reduce their numbers.
- Cats: While cats do not eat millipedes, they may chase and play with them, causing some reduction in their population.
5. Organic and Natural Pesticides
Organic and natural pesticides offer a safer alternative to chemical solutions. The following options are effective against millipedes:
Diatomaceous Earth
This white powder, which can be easily found at many garden stores and online retailers, is completely harmless to both people and pets. Known as diatomaceous earth, it is made from the fossilized remains of tiny aquatic organisms called diatoms.
- Product 1: PEST-KILLING DUST: Use indoors or outdoors to control listed crawling insects on contact
- Product 1: CONTAINS DIATOMACEOUS EARTH: Insects encounter or ingest this powder and die within 24 hours – insects don’t become immune to its killing action
- Product 1: CONTROLS: Kills cockroaches, ants, silverfish, beetles, fleas, bed bugs and other crawling insects as listed
This natural substance works by dehydrating millipedes and other crawling pests, ultimately leading to their demise.
To effectively combat an infestation, simply sprinkle diatomaceous earth around the areas where you notice these pests. It’s a safe and eco-friendly option for maintaining a pest-free environment in your garden or home.
Borax
Derived from boric acid, borax is a highly effective substance that not only dries out millipedes but also acts as a potent stomach poison if ingested by these pests. This makes it a useful tool for managing millipede infestations in and around your home.
Importantly, borax is safe for humans and can be used with peace of mind. To effectively combat an infestation, apply boric acid powder generously over the affected areas, ensuring that it reaches places where millipedes may hide.
After application, it’s crucial to avoid watering the area for at least 24 hours to allow the boric acid to work effectively and maximize its impact on the millipede population.
Wood Ash
Wood ash is an effective natural remedy that not only dries out the soil but also helps control pests in a manner similar to borax powder. It is a byproduct of burning wood, making it an eco-friendly option for gardeners and homeowners.
When sprinkled in areas where millipedes and other unwanted pests are commonly found, wood ash can deter these creatures by creating an inhospitable environment. Additionally, wood ash can enrich the soil with essential nutrients, such as potassium and calcium, promoting healthier plant growth while keeping pest populations in check.
6. Maintain Garden Hygiene
Regular maintenance of your garden can prevent millipede infestations. Follow these tips to keep your garden clean and less hospitable to pests:
- Remove Debris: Clear away fallen leaves, dead plants, and other debris that can provide shelter for millipedes.
- Improve Drainage: Ensure proper drainage to reduce moisture levels in the soil.
- Mulch Wisely: Use mulch sparingly and avoid piling it too thickly, as excessive mulch can retain moisture.
Conclusion
Garden millipedes can be a nuisance, but with the right approach, you can effectively manage and eliminate them from your garden. Whether you choose manual removal, natural predators, or organic pesticides, there are plenty of options to suit your needs.
We hope this comprehensive guide has provided you with valuable insights and practical solutions for dealing with greenhouse millipedes. Remember, maintaining a healthy garden requires ongoing effort and vigilance.
For more gardening tips and advice, feel free to explore our other articles and resources. Happy gardening!
Please Watch a Video demonstration of greenhouse millipede control below:
Last update on 2024-09-11 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
