Centipedes and millipedes are two of the most often misidentified insects. Many waves of panic when they encounter centipedes or millipedes in gardens, not understanding that both may be advantageous.
Centipedes and Millipedes
Millipedes are typically black and have two pairs of legs for each body segment, while centipedes are flatter and have well-developed antennae on their heads. Centipedes have one set of legs for each segment of their bodies and come in various colours.
Millipedes decompose dead plant matter in the garden and often move considerably more slowly than centipedes. As predators, centipedes will consume insects that do not exist in your garden. Both like moist environments and may be useful in gardens if their populations are kept under control.
How to Control Garden Millipedes
If millipedes become overpopulated, they may cause harm to your vegetation. Although millipedes mostly consume organic debris that has decomposed, they sometimes consume plant material such as leaves, stems, and roots. Although they do not bite, they may release a substance that can irritate the skin and, in rare cases, trigger an allergic response.
Remove anything where moisture may accumulate in the garden if there are too many millipedes there. Their numbers should decrease if you maintain the region as dry as possible. Additionally, garden baits include carbaryl, often used to manage millipede populations that have gone out of control in gardens. However, only use pesticides if required.
Control for Centipedes in Gardens
Centipedes are more active than millipedes, feed on tiny insects and spiders, and use poison to immobilise their prey. However, their jaws are too weak to harm people, save a little swelling, like with a bee sting.
Like millipedes, centipedes like wet habitats; therefore, removing leaf litter or other things that absorb moisture can help reduce their population. Outdoor centipede treatment should not be a problem, but if it is, clearing away any debris they may hide behind can help keep them away.
Centipedes often do not harm your plants, while millipedes may. Since centipedes often consume insects that may harm your plants, they can be very helpful in gardens.
It is preferable to find centipedes and millipedes in your garden area than inside your house, so do not be alarmed if you encounter a few of them. Only if you believe their population is out of control should you take action to control it. If not, take advantage of the fact that centipedes are still another means of limiting the number of dangerous pests.