Did you know that a millipede isn’t an insect at all?! They are arthropods that feed on dead and decaying plant matter. Millipedes overwinter in homes which means they enter when the temperatures drop and come out when the temperatures rise. This is why you see millipedes around your home in warmer months…they’ve been there; they’ve just been “resting”. Well, they’re not always “resting”, sometimes they are mating which can be a pain because they can lay up to 300 eggs at a time. This is usually when you discover a millipede infestation. In the right situation, a millipede can live 5-7 years.
The best way to keep millipedes out of your house is to stop them from getting in.
Seal any cracks and/or crevices in the foundation, around wiring, and plumbing where millipedes, or other pests, could enter.
Millipedes require high humidity. Use dehumidifiers to keep the air dry or use fans in rooms that done have good air flow.
Repair any leaks. Leaky faucets or pipes can attract millipedes.
Clean out and remove debris from gutters. Gutter build up can cause water from draining correctly.
Keep your yard clean by removing dead plant matter. Remove piled up mulch or woodpiles that store moisture and attract millipedes.
Wednesday marked the first day of Spring. For many of us that means one thing…Spring Cleaning! We often think about all the things to do indoors but what about outdoors? It’s time to spring clean your lawn as well.
Here are some Spring Cleaning Tips for your Lawn:
Clean up lawn debris – Remove trash, animal debris, dead grass, leaves, pine cones, sticks, etc from your lawn. Debris removal will not only make your lawn look better but it also eliminates hiding and feeding areas for pests and rodents.
Rake Leaves – If you have piles of leaves left over from fall or some stragglers that have come down more recently, rake those up and dispose of them. Raking up leaves and removing debris will eliminate hiding spots for occasional invaders like millipedes, ants, and other pests.
Check leftover firewood – Check under any leftover firewood for signs of pests that often hide between and underneath wood. Make sure that wood piles are located as far away from your home as possible. The last thing you want is termites next to your structure.
Remove standing water – Standing water is a breeding ground for pests, especially mosquitoes. Dump water from bird baths or install drains that will aid in water flowing from your yard rather than gathering.
Trim Bushes – By trimming your bushes you are not only making your lawn look aesthetically pleasing but you’re also reducing the risk of pests near the structure of your home.
Apply pre-emergent – Now is the perfect time to prevent weeds from popping up in your lawn. Call a lawn care professional for the most effective products and treatment options for your lawn.
There’s no better time than now to trust Northwest’s Lawn Care experts to prepare your lawn to be healthy and green for the upcoming months so you can enjoy the outdoors!
There are few things more important to us at Northwest than protecting the Earth. In today’s world, there is no excuse not to go green – especially, when it comes to pest control. NorPest Green is an all-around Eco-friendly program that utilizes what nature has given us to protect homes, and businesses from pests.
NorPest Green is a customized program that utilizes only the most innovative and advanced products and equipment available. Our products’ active ingredients are derived from flowers, plants, and natural elements from the earth. Our green pest control doesn’t use harsh chemicals and is just as effective as traditional pest control.
NorPest Green Highlights:
Kind to your natural surroundings
Uses botanicals and earth-based products
Enhances the health of living and working environments by keeping pests out
While the environment is crucial on our list of priorities, our customers are number one! That’s why we think home and business owners should… Trust the Mouse!
