If you’re a gardener, you know that dealing with pests is just part of the job. One pesky problem that can often pop up in houseplants is millipedes. While they may not do much damage, they can be unsightly and can quickly multiply if not dealt with. So how to get rid of millipedes in houseplants? Keep reading to find out!
What Are Millipedes
Millipedes, often confused with their segmented cousin the centipede, are a type of invertebrate that can typically be found in damp and cool environments. These critters have cylindrical bodies with numerous legs – around 40 to 400 pairs to be exact – giving them their namesake of “thousand leggers.” While they do have many legs, millipedes don’t actually have a thousand because their leg pairs aren’t counted as individual legs.
In colors ranging from browns to blacks, millipedes also possess two pairs of antennae on their head and defend themselves by either curling up or secreting a foul-smelling liquid made up of hydrogen cyanide and benzoquinone. When it comes to diet, millipedes primarily feed on decaying plant matter and occasionally fungi or algae.
These creatures can actually be quite helpful for gardeners as they assist with breaking down organic material and improving soil quality through their burrowing and waste deposition.
So remember: next time you come across a wriggling mass of legs, it’s probably just a harmless little millipede going about its business.
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What’s The Reason For Millipedes Growth On Plants
While they may appear to be harmless, a millipede infestation on outdoor potted plants can quickly become a nuisance. So, what attracts millipedes to your plants in the first place? One of the main reasons is their diet. Millipedes feed on decaying organic matter, like dead leaves and wood chips, which can often be found in the soil of potted plants.
This is why millipedes can often be found near young plants, as they provide a convenient source of food and moisture. In addition, millipedes also enjoy damp, humid environments and tend to lay eggs on moist soil surfaces or leaf litter.
Therefore, regularly remove any dead plant matter from the soil surface and use fresh potting soil. Additionally, keeping plant debris cleared away can also benefit the overall health of your plants.
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How To Control Millipedes Growth In Potted Plants And House Plants
There are many ways to get rid of millipedes in potted plants & plant roots, but the most important thing is to take preventive measures to keep them from coming back. Here are a few tips:
Use Tea Tree Oil
Mix tea tree oil with water and spray it on the affected plants. Tea tree oil is a natural repellent for millipedes and other pests.
Diatomaceous Earth Powder
This is a natural, non-toxic powder that you can sprinkle around the base of your plants to keep all the millipedes away. Neem Oil Neem oil is another effective repellent for millipedes and other pests. You can mix it with water and spray it on the affected plants.
Keep Your Garden Clean
One of the best ways to prevent millipede infestations is to keep your garden clean. Remove dead plants, leaf litter, and decaying plant matter. These items attract millipedes and other pests. You should also regularly inspect your plants for signs of millipedes or their eggs. fresh potting soil can also help keep millipedes away.
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Boric Acid
This is a common household pesticide that is effective against millipedes. You can sprinkle it around the base of your plants or on the soil surface.
Insecticidal Soap
This is another common household pesticide that can be used to kill millipedes. You can mix it with water and spray it on the millipedes or their eggs.
Essential Oil
There are many essential oils that can be used to repel millipedes. Eucalyptus and citronella are all effective. You can mix these oils with water and spray them on the affected plants.
Hopefully, these tips will help you get rid of millipedes in potted plants. Remember to take preventive measures to keep them from coming back.
Spray Chemicals
One method of controlling millipedes is to spray chemicals on them. There are many different types of chemicals that can be used to kill millipedes. Some of these chemicals are toxic to humans and pets, so be sure to wear gardening gloves before applying chemical pesticides.
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Peppermint Oil
Another method of controlling millipedes is to use peppermint oil. Peppermint oil is a natural repellent for many insects, including millipedes. To use peppermint oil, mix 1 teaspoon of peppermint oil with 1 cup of water. Add this mixture to a spray bottle and spray it on your plants. Reapply the mixture every few days as needed.
Plastic Bottle Trap
You can also make a trap for millipedes using a plastic bottle. Cut the top off of a plastic bottle and invert it so that the bottom half is pointing up. Burying the bottle in the soil so that the opening is level with the ground. The millipedes will crawl into the bottle and will be unable to get out.
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FAQs
How Can I keep Millipedes Away From My House?
There are several things you can do to keep millipedes away from your house. First, make sure that there is no food or moisture available for them. You should also seal any cracks or holes in your foundation and around doors and windows. You can also use chemical repellents such as insecticidal soap or diatomaceous earth to keep millipedes away.
Do Millipedes Eat Plant Roots?
Yes, millipedes will eat plant roots if they are available. This can damage your plants and make them more susceptible to other pests.
What Do Millipede Eggs & Baby Millipedes Look Like?
Millipede eggs are small and brown. They are often found in moist, dark places such as under rocks or leaves.
Baby millipedes look like miniature versions of adults. They are typically 1-2 cm long and have the same number of legs as adults.
Conclusion
There are many methods that can be used to control millipede growth in house plants. Some methods are more effective than others.
Be sure to read the labels carefully before using any type of chemical on your plants. Test different methods and find the one that works best for you and your plants.
