What You Need to Know About Creepy, Crawly Millipedes

millipede up close
millipede up close

Do you know the difference between millipedes and centipedes? While they are in the same family, several small but significant points differentiate these two common pests.

For today, we are going to focus on millipedes and everything you should know about them to avoid an infestation.

If you are currently experiencing issues with a millipede infestation, contact the friendly and knowledgeable professionals at Environmental Pest Management for your free quote. We will take care of your bug problems without harm to mother nature.

Now, onto the stampede of millipede facts!

Asian giant millipede close up

What do millipedes look like?

Millipedes are often mistakenly thought to have a thousand legs, hence the name. The name comes from the joining of the Latin words mil, meaning a thousand, and ped, meaning feet. 

In reality, most millipedes have somewhere between 30 and 90 pairs of legs. The millipede with the most legs, in fact, only has about 750 legs in total. Now that’s a lot of legs!

The Illacme plenipes aside, most millipedes range in length from a little less than 1 inch to a whopping 15 inches. You can find millipedes in many different colors with brown being the most common. But you can also find red, orange or black millipedes. 

Millipedes may look like worms, but actually, their bodies are segmented. Each segment houses two separate pairs of legs. When they move, their rows of legs resemble a flowing wave.

Millipedes are arthropods. An arthropod is an invertebrate with an exoskeleton and jointed appendages. When threatened, they will curl up in a coil to protect their soft underbellies.   

Where do millipedes live?

There are about 1000 different types of millipedes in the US. 

Millipedes are nocturnal. They like damp, dark places and require a high level of moisture to survive. They can swiftly die from being exposed to dry conditions for too long. When this happens, they curl up and dry out and are easily vacuumed up and disposed of when found this way.

Millipedes would much rather be outside than in. You will most commonly find them in your garden or in or around outdoor structures; such as your storage shed or dog house. You can also often find them in damp mulch, piles of leaves, or freshly cut grass clippings.  

Crawlspaces and basements are particularly vulnerable to millipede infestations. If your entry points to these spaces are not properly sealed, these creepy crawlers may find their way in. 

You want to be particularly aware of millipedes when there is excess moisture around, like when the snow is thawing or after extended periods of rain.

Millipedes are nocturnal. They are most active at night and therefore, if you have millipedes in your home, at night is the most likely time you will see them. 

During the colder months, millipedes will often migrate to warmer climates. They are also known to move in masse when the area they live in experiences heavy rain. To be clear, they need moisture, but too much liquid can be deadly.

Interesting fact:

According to ThoughtCo. Fossil evidence indicates that millipedes were the first animals to live on land. Scientists believed they were the first species to leave the water and evolve to breathe air.

Macro closeup of orange and black millipede on green leaf

What do millipedes eat?

Millipedes are scavengers. Their primary diet consists of damp and decaying leaves and wood, and other rotting plant material.

On a grosser note, they occasionally shed their outer layer of skin. After this shedding, the millipede will eat what it molts. The reason for this behavior is unclear, but it could be to replace lowered calcium levels after molting.

Sometimes, millipedes will eat small insects, snails, or even earthworms. Usually, they eat the dead insects they find, but they infrequently hunt these creatures for sustenance.  

How long do millipedes live?

Millipedes hatch from eggs. The female millipede will lay around 100 eggs at a time. She will burrow into the soil and protect them until they hatch.

When they do hatch, depending on the species, most millipedes have three pairs of legs to start. As they grow, so do the rest of their legs.

Millipedes have surprisingly long lifespans. They are extremely good at camouflage, and they can effectively evade predators by staying buried underground. 

Millipedes are capable of living up to 10 years or more. Thankfully for us though, they do not live very long once they find themselves inside a house or apartment. They are unable to find the moist conditions or food they need to survive. 

Are millipedes poisonous?

Well, we’ve got good news and bad news. 

The good news is, millipedes do not bite. They are not considered venomous.

The bad news? Some species can produce foul-smelling, irritating liquid from glands on the sides of their bodies. This liquid, while not deadly, can cause slight irritation flare-ups on your skin if you come into contact with it. 

The millipedes use these glands as a defense mechanism. This fluid can also be released when the millipede is crushed or if you accidentally step on it. For this reason, you should never handle a millipede with your bare hands or squash one with your bare feet. 

Millipede (Diplopoda)

Should I be worried about millipedes?

Thankfully, if millipedes do get into your home, they will not do any damage. The only thing you should be concerned about is the pungent liquid they could emit as a defense against any perceived threat. This fluid can be particularly harmful to small children or pets. 

If you suspect a millipede infestation in your home, don’t hesitate to contact us. At Environmental Pest Management, our priority is you and your home. We only utilize products and methods we would use in our own homes around our own families.

So, call us today and let us make your bug worries disappear!

8 Legs and Lots of Fear: Spider 101

web on wild meadow, closeup view
web on wild meadow, closeup view

Spiders have a bad reputation. So many people are afraid of them, that fear of spiders has its own name; Arachnophobia. 

Here at Environmental Pest Management, we want to show you why spiders are essential. While they might be a little scary, spiders play an indispensable role in their environments and, beyond that, they are simply fascinating.

If you have any bug questions or concerns, contact us for a free quote. Bugs belong outside your home, and we will make sure they stay away. 

Now, let’s dive into some fun spider facts!

Wasp spider in the center of its web in a spring garden in a close up view of nature with blades of green grass in the background

What are they?

Spiders are arachnids. They are a class of arthropods. Other arthropods include scorpions, mites, and ticks. 

There are about 45,000 species of spiders around the world. You can find spiders on every continent except Antarctica. Interestingly enough, scientists believe that we have discovered and classified less than half of the spider species in existence.   

Spiders can range in size from a few millimeters to almost a foot long. There are so many varied types of spiders that it is hard to believe that they are all in the same family!

Where do they live?

Because there are so many different types of spiders, it is hard to pinpoint only one kind of habitat. Spiders live in almost every climate on earth. 

There are a few types of spiders that live almost exclusively indoors. These common house spiders like to make their homes in the forgotten corners of your home. You will find them tucked away behind boxes, stowed away on shelves, or hiding in the dark spaces of your basement or attic.

Most of these house spiders are harmless and actually do you a favor by eating other bugs that may be harmful to you and your family.

What do they eat?

Spiders are carnivorous. A spider’s primary diet is composed of the insects we consider pests. Some of these include roaches, flies, mosquitoes, moths, and earwigs, to name a few. Because of this, spiders are very effective at pest control.

Not only are spiders good at keeping pest populations at bay, but they can also help reduce the spread of diseases. Many common pests can transmit harmful bacteria and viruses to humans; spiders are nature’s disease prevention. 

Spiders also eat other spiders. When two spiders meet, they usually engage in a battle royale of sorts. The victor eats the loser. Interestingly, long-legged cellar spiders, commonly known as daddy long legs, have been known to kill and eat black widow spiders.   

Black Widow Spider

Are they dangerous?

All spiders do contain some degree of venom. Most spiders though are not dangerous to humans. In fact, there are only three poisonous spiders in the US.

Black Widow 

There are three separate species of the black widow spider; the Southern black widow, the Western black widow, and the Northern black widow. 

Black widows are aggressive, and you should avoid them at all costs. If a black widow bites you, seek medical attention immediately. 

Brown Recluse

The brown recluse spider can also be known as the fiddleback or violin spider because of its distinctive markings. They like to hide in cool, dark places, like your attic, basement, or even piles of wood.

The bite from a brown recluse is very toxic. Its venom is destructive to human flesh and can cause extensive damage to the tissue which can lead to infection. If a brown recluse bites you, seek medical attention as soon as possible. 

Hobo

The hobo spider is a funnel-web spider that is found exclusively in the Pacific Northwest. It waits at the bottom of its web for its prey. 

Although the hobo spider is aggressive, it avoids humans and rarely bites. Like the brown recluse, the bite from a hobo can cause tissue damage at the site. If bitten, seek medical attention.

Close up of a spider in a web

How long do spiders live?

This question is difficult to answer as there are so many different species of spiders. Suffice it to say; most spiders can live about one to two years. Some species live longer, and the oldest known spider lived to the ripe old age of 43!

All About Webs!

All spiders are capable of making silk. Not all spiders spin webs though. Some use their silk as a means of travel. No spider can fly, but with these nifty parachutes, they are able to traverse great distances. 

When spiders spin webs, they do so for many different purposes. Spiders live on their nest, and they use them to attract and trap prey. 

Once the prey is trapped, the spider will inject the insect with a liquefying toxin, essentially allowing the spider to drink its prey from the inside out. Gruesome, yes, but utterly fascinating and essential for the ecosystem. Spiders are necessary because they kill and eat bothersome pests that destroy crops.

How do I keep them out?

  • Prevent spiders and other insects from entering your home by sealing up their entrances. Use caulk or silicone to block any place a pest may infiltrate your home; such as doorways, windows, or vents. 
  • Clear away debris from the outside of your home. Trash,  dead leaves, mulch, and plant debris can be a good place for spiders to congregate. Keep these places of refuge away from your home.
  • Store your clothing and other items in plastic containers with tight-fitting lids. Cardboard boxes attract insects, which in turn attracts spiders.
  • Store your firewood far away from your house to avoid transporting spiders and other insects indoors. Shake off and bang your wood on the ground or a tree to dislodge hidden pests. 
  • Use a pesticide around your home, especially in the typical places spiders live. We recommend an environmentally friendly option like vinegar or chili powder. Check out this great list of all-natural spider removal techniques.
  • Contact Environmental Pest Management, and we will apply an outdoor pest treatment around the foundation of your home. 

Poisonous spider indoors, dangerous venomous animal. Aracanophobia concept, care to avoid spiders

Hopefully, with some of this new information, you have a more favorable opinion of spiders. They are an essential component of their environment. Without them, the world would literally be crawling with bugs.

If you are experiencing pest problems, contact Environmental Pest Management for your free quote.

Too Many Legs to Count: What You Need to Know About Centipedes

house centipede
house centipede

If you have seen creepy, crawly pests with too many legs to count scurrying around your home, you might have centipedes. These bugs can be frightening and are often a cause for worry.

If you have centipedes, or any pests, in your home, call Environmental Pest Management. We have the experience you need to take care of any pests in your home.

Centipede close-up. Brown centipede crawling on the wooden surface.

What are Centipedes?

House centipedes are known to scientists as Scutigera coleoptrata. To the general public, house centipedes are known as the “hundred leggers” even though they have less than one hundred legs the name suggests.

What house centipedes do have are 15 pairs of very long legs which help the furtive pests run extremely fast. These swift-moving pests may be scurrying right into your home soon as they are known for searching out warmer habitats in early fall.

According to the University of Minnesota Extension, you may discover house centipedes running across a wall, ceiling, or open room toward a dark area.

They may stop abruptly and remain motionless before they suddenly begin running again with excellent maneuverability over and around objects. If you see centipedes darting around, here’s two primary reasons to contact a pest control company like Environmental Pest Management.

  1. Centipedes in your home could mean they are happily hunting prey inside the house, and you may have another insect problem. A professional will look for bedbugs, termites, cockroaches, silverfish, spiders, and other household pests.
  2. You want to halt any potential centipede infestation by sealing up all access points and eliminating the ones already inside before they settle in. Environment Pest Management will quickly and authoritatively show them the door.

centipede

Bathroom Invaders

Outside, centipedes primarily live under large rocks, under piles of wood, in compost piles, or buried in mulch piles around outdoor planters. They start to come indoors when the weather turns colder.

Entry points for house centipedes are usually gaps in your home’s foundation, around door frames, or through broken and basement windows. Knowing this, you can try to implement measures to keep them out.

The University of Minnesota Extension, suggests you start on the outside of your home. You should seal cracks in exterior walls, remove leaf litter, and trim foundation plantings.

Once they break in, house centipedes usually head for dark corners, damp basements, crawlspaces, and bathrooms. They like places that are dark, moist, and damp.

As a result, house centipedes are known to get trapped in sinks and toilet bowls. They will sometimes emerge from the bathtub or other drain holes. WHOA!

If the thought of sharing a bathroom with house centipedes make you shudder, you should initiate contact with Environmental Pest Management sooner rather than later.

Nighttime Hunters

Nighttime is when stealthy and covert house centipedes love to hunt. They feed on insects, spiders, cockroaches, moths, crickets, silverfish, and other arthropods, like sowbugs and millipedes.

Some even say this predatory habit and diet is what makes house centipedes potentially one of the good guys and worth keeping around the house. If you are not among that group, the Environmental Pest Management phone number is 952-432-2221.

Scary long red dirty centipede on a light background. Macro photography of insects, selective focus, copy space.

More Speed Than Bite But Beware

The legs of the centipede are on the side of the body, rather than underneath.  This enables the house centipede to move extremely fast. According to insectidentification.org, their ability to go from 0-60 mph in half a heartbeat can be freaky.

Though scary looking, house centipedes are not considered dangerous. They may bite, however, if picked up and handled.

The painful, local reaction to a centipede bite will be similar to a bee sting, and it could become red and swollen. There could be an allergic reaction. Children are often more sensitive to the bite.

More Identifying Characteristics

The University of Minnesota Extension provides a list of identifying characteristics of a house centipede on their website:

  1. They are more than 1 inch long fully grown.
  2. House centipedes have fifteen pairs of long, jointed legs that are striped.
  3. Their flattened brownish or grayish-yellow body is marked with three dark stripes
  4. Two long, whip-like antennae and “feelers allow them to locate prey in the dark moist places where they like to live and hunt for food.”

You can also check out our online pest library for photos of house centipedes and more identifying facts.

centipede

How Many Centipedes Can A Centipede Produce?

Ready for another WHOA? The house centipede can live its complete life span indoors. According to Ohio University Extension, They overwinter as adults and lay eggs in the spring. Females deposit as many as 60 eggs and often wind their bodies around their eggs to protect them from other predators. Eggs will hatch around 3 months later. Larvae, or newly hatched centipedes, are very seldom seen.

If you believe “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” give Environmental Pest Management a call at (952) 432-2221.

Free Estimates For All Pest Control

It’s getting cold outside, which means all kinds of other pests are trying to get inside. Environmental Pest Management has developed some helpful ways to keep a host of these bugs outside. This blog post provides a good starter list.

Environmental Pest Management provides services to east-central Minnesota including the greater ten county metro area of the Twin Cities and surrounding suburbs. We also service several communities in Western Wisconsin.

We customize our pest control programs with considerations for your safety and budget. An initial inspection will include a chance to go over your concerns and expectations. You will find a full description of Environmental Pest Management residential services right here.

Let us help you get rid of the “WHOA” and reclaim your home!

How to Get Rid of Bees

The bee pollinates the lavender flowers. Plant decay with insects
The bee pollinates the lavender flowers. Plant decay with insects

The sound of bees buzzing might make you think of delicious honey and flourishing gardens. If the buzzing is coming from inside your home, though, your thoughts may turn to panic. You may quickly start thinking about how to get rid of bees.

While these industrious little creatures are a huge benefit to the ecosystem and so much more, having them in your house is an unwelcome situation.

Bees are a necessary part of nature and have an essential role in our world. Nevertheless, the risk of getting stung can be scary. Many people are allergic to various types of bees, and no one likes the pain of being stung.

Having a bee infestation inside your home can be a worrisome experience. While harming honey bees is not something anyone wants to do, it is necessary to keep them outside where they belong.

If you are having bee trouble, or any issues with other insects invading your home, you can count on the experts at Environmental Pest Management to help find a solution. At Environmental Pest Management, we strive to be aware of our environment and surroundings.

From the health of your family to the care of the ecosystem and nature, we focus on safe pest-removal methods. Removing pests from your home is our priority, and we work to do so through prevention and removal with environmentally conscientious products.

You might be a big fan of what bees are doing for the environment, but you still want to practice safety when they are around. Staying safe around bees includes keeping your home safe and bee-free. Take a look at how bees are fantastic members of society but can become pesky household invaders.

bees flying next to wall

Bees and the Ecosystem

Do you love honey? Whether in your tea, on your toast, as a sweetener, or any other delicious application, honey is fantastic. We all know that this sticky yet yummy substance comes from our friends the bees. Without bees, we wouldn’t have honey, but we also wouldn’t have fruits and vegetables or flowers.

Bees work hard to pollinate our crops. While other insects and animals also pollinate, honey bees are one of the most important groups of pollinators

When it comes to many of the fruits and vegetables we enjoy daily; pollination is essential to their growth.  Citrus fruits, cherries, avocados, peaches, kiwis, melons, and almonds are just some of the plants that require pollination.

Not only is pollination of food crops critical to these plants, but bees also help pollinate other crops, like cotton and alfalfa. Without bees, many of these delicious fruits and vegetables wouldn’t be able to thrive. You can see that bees have a significant impact on our ecosystem.

Since bees work so hard to help keep nature running smoothly, we must treat them with respect. We don’t want to harm these buzzing critters, but we also want them outside doing their job.

bees flying next to wall

Bees in Your House

With all of the beauty outside and options for plants for food sources, why would bees enter your home? Areas in your home such as your chimney, wall voids, or your attic may attract bees. Because these areas are dark and seem safe to the bees, they might think it’s the perfect place to build a nest or hive.

While most often bees won’t sting without provocation (unlike many wasps and hornets), you still run the risk of being stung or damage occurring to your home. Stumbling upon their hive or nest in your home could lead to many painful stings even if you aren’t trying to harm the bees.

If the bees can build a hive in your walls or crawlspace successfully, the honey they produce could eventually cause rot. In this unfortunate event, other insects could infiltrate your home in search of the spoiled honey, and further damage could happen to the structure of your home.

Honey bee covered with yellow pollen collecting nectar from dandelion flower. Important for environment ecology sustainability. Copy space

How to Get Rid of Bees

If you are dealing with the misfortune of having bees inside your home, you likely have some valid concerns. Figuring out how to get rid of bees can be tricky. It’s essential to let the professionals deal with this situation.

Staying safe is a priority, and if it’s possible to remove the bees without harming them, a professional service like Environmental Pest Management will know how to proceed.

One thing to keep in mind about bees is that prevention is vital. Taking time and care to seal your home and eliminate any problem areas will ensure that bees can’t find their way into your home.

In addition to bees inside your house, sometimes even having bees near and in your yard can be problematic. A swarm of honey bees in a tree near your home can raise the alarm.

If you stumble upon a swarm, don’t be afraid. Many swarms will move on to find the right home. If your swarm seems to be setting up house in your yard, contact a professional pest service like Environmental Pest Management and let them help.

bees flying by house

Environmental Pest Management is Your Eco-Friendly Pest Solution

If you are dealing with pests of any type, Environmental Pest Management is ready to keep your family and home safe. From prevention to removal, we focus on treating your home safely, with sensitivity to the surrounding environment.

Our team of experts is knowledgeable, highly trained, and ready to keep your home pest-free. We offer exceptional service and create a custom plan for each of our clients. We are here to service all of your residential and commercial needs.

If you are ready to protect your home from infestations in the safest and most environmentally conscientious way possible, contact us today. We look forward to working with you and keeping your home pest-free.

Don’t stress about damage to your home and creepy crawlies hiding throughout; work with a responsible pest control company who you can trust.

Japanese Beetles and What You Need to Know

Japanese Beetle eating raspberry leaves
Japanese Beetle eating raspberry leaves

You have likely seen these annoying pests, whether or not you knew the name. These flying beetles with green bodies and brown wings seem to invade when the weather gets warm, and plants are blooming.

But what do you do if you see these insects destroying your plants and eating everything in your garden? Before buying Japanese beetle traps, speak with a pro. Environmental Pest Management is here to help rid you of pests around your home, whether they be inside or out. Check us out for a free quote today!

Japanese beetle

Japanese Beetle Facts

Japanese beetles are relatively easy to spot. As an adult has a body that is a metallic green color with brownish, almost copper, wings.

These beetles can’t resist your plants, especially ones growing in the warm sunshine. They will descend upon your yard and devour sweet-smelling fauna.

Certain plants are more attractive, like apple and black walnut trees, or plums and grapes. It is hard to miss their work. Your once luscious yard might take on the look of a haunted patch. Japanese beetles eat the flesh of plants, leaving skeletons behind.

Thankfully, Japanese beetles prefer to be outside in the fresh air and don’t often enter homes. That doesn’t mean you will never see a stray that accidentally slipped inside, though.

Just because they aren’t inside doesn’t mean you want them on your property. Anyone with a green thumb will take particular offense to the presence of these pests. Even if you don’t consider yourself a gardener, you likely enjoy your green yard and don’t want to see the wreckage of the plants left behind.

A pressing problem with Japanese beetles is that some years there seems to be a surge in population. You might go a year or two and hardly notice them, and then the next year your yard is destroyed by a vast number.

There are four stages to the life cycle of a Japanese Beetle.

  1. Eggs- The eggs are small and white, and shaped like an oval.
  2. Larvae- These white grubs are incredibly damaging to yards.
  3. Pupae- This stage is where the transformation to a full-grown beetle takes place.
  4. Adult- The adult beetle is no more than ½ inch long and lives for up to 50 days.

To reproduce, Japanese beetles dig small holes or burrows in the ground.  A female will lay anywhere from 40 to 60 eggs throughout her lifetime. Larvae are called grubs, and they eat roots and other food in the soil leading up to winter, then are dormant during cold months.

When the weather warms up, the grubs wake up and begin eating and growing. In the late spring and summer, adults dig out of the ground to mate. Of course, this is when they attack your yard, as well.

Japanese Beetle on leaf

Japanese Beetle Behavior

Japanese beetles likely originated in Japan, hence the name. They were first found in the United States on the East Coast in the early 20th century. A common belief is that they arrived on our shores through trade and other forms of commerce.

As previously mentioned, they thrive in areas with plentiful vegetation. Whether you have a lush, green lawn, and vegetable garden, a fruit orchard, or just abundant trees, Japenese beetles will likely find your yard.

Japanese beetles are considered transient, meaning they rarely stay in one place. They can travel miles, depending on wind and availability of food. They tend to stay close to areas with an abundance of food, however.

You are most likely to notice these hungry pests in the early summer when the weather is getting nice and warm, and your plants are most fragrant. They peak anywhere from late June to early September. The colder temperatures of the fall will begin to kill them off, however.

japanese beetle flying

How to Get Rid of Japanese Beetles

Because Japanese beetles are dangerous at both the larvae, or grub, and adult stage, it is essential to fight them on both fronts. You will likely need to utilize a variety of methods to effectively exterminate a population of Japanese beetles in your yard and keep them out.

You will want to be on the lookout for signs of Japanese beetles and be taking steps to prevent them. Japanese beetles can travel miles, as previously mentioned, so you might not realize you have a problem until they have done a bit of damage.

The first critical step is to apply a soil insecticide at the correct time. Besides treating your soil to prevent grubs from thriving, you will want to make changes to your yard to prevent Japanese beetles from settling. 

Replacing plants and trees they are attracted to with strands they stay away from is an excellent way to keep these pests out of your yard. If they don’t want the food, they won’t settle as your um-wanted neighbors.

If you physically see Japanese beetles in your yard, attack them when they are at their weakest, i.e., early morning. These beetles are sluggish and lazy in the early morning hours. Taking a few minutes to shake the branches of the trees they are in and catching the falling beetles in buckets of water will take care of a good part of the population.

Japanese beetle traps use pheromones to attract the beetles and then kill them. The problem here is that the traps do their job, attract beetles. This likely means you will end up with more Japanese beetles in your yard than before.

If you prefer using chemicals, there are a variety of products aimed specifically for Japanese beetles. A quick trip to your local nursery will yield you a variety of results. As always, be extremely cautious using any chemicals and ensure you read the entire label before use.

A close-up of a small Japanese beetle standing alone on a green leafy plant

Call the Professionals at Environmental Pest Management

If you have noticed Japanese beetles in your yard, give us a call at Environmental Pest Management. We will tackle the problem on all fronts, ensuring that the larvae and adult stages are addressed. Unlike Japanese beetle traps, we won’t attract more pests to your yard.

We are aware that families, along with their kids and dogs, live in homes, and ensure we use safe methods. We have families of our own and only use products and practices that we would use around our own homes. You can feel safe letting us into your home and yard.

Don’t tackle this problem alone! Let the experts at Environmental Pest Management help.