Can a White Footed Mouse Spread Hantavirus, Lyme & Other Diseases in Richmond, UT? How to Get Rid of Mice Infestations!

The white-footed mouse is a rodent native to North America and is found widely throughout. They measure half a foot in length including their tail and weigh less than one ounce. They have small, black eyes and thin ears. As their name implies, they have white feet and white fur on their bellies, with the rest of their fur reddish-brown in color. They have an excellent sense of sight and hearing and a strong sense of smell that helps them locate food. Cooler temperatures will bring them inside for food and shelter and can lead to food contamination. They can also carry Hantavirus.

Can a White Footed Mouse Spread Hantavirus & Transmit Lyme Disease?

Hantavirus, as the name, applies, to the pathogen that causes the rare and potentially deadly disease known as hantavirus cardiopulmonary syndrome (HPS). It’s transmitted via rodent feces, urine, and saliva. The most common way it’s passed to humans is through inhalation when nesting areas are disturbed and the virus becomes airborne. Avoid touching your nose or mouth after coming into contact with contaminated items. Common places that these mice are found are in vacated homes and crawlspaces. When searching your home for possible infestations, special care needs to be taken to avoid being exposed. Early symptoms of HPS include muscle aches and pains, fatigue and fever. You may also experience chills, dizziness, nausea, headaches and abdominal pain. More severe symptoms, after four to ten days, can include difficulty breathing as the lungs can be filled with fluid, coughing and shortness of breath. There is no known cure, vaccine or treatment, making early detection of symptoms key. The hantavirus kills approximately 30 % to 40% of those that become infected. White-footed mice also help transmit Lyme disease when an infected tick passes the bacteria on to them.

Signs of a Rodent Infestation

White-footed mice can be a nuisance when they feed on seeds and search for nesting areas. They will cause damage when they gnaw at siding, insulation, woodwork, packaged food, and furniture to name a few! White-footed mice can chew on electrical wires that can lead to a fire. In your garden, they will ruin the growth of new crops as they dig them up for food. You might have rodents in your home if you hear scampering and squeaking in the walls or basement, droppings in kitchen cabinets, stored food areas and around your sink. Larger amounts of droppings mean large infestations.

White Footed Mouse Prevention

Exclusion is the best way to avoid an infestation of white-footed mice. Look around the outside of the home and look for any holes or gaps mice might use to get in, and seal them off. Wire mesh or concrete should be used as they will chew through just about anything else. Place mouse traps along runways or anywhere you suspect activity. Mice are smart, so you should use different kinds of traps and continue using the traps until you’re no longer catching them.

Rodent Control

The last thing you want is mice running around your home. Removing large infestations can be challenging and professionals will be able to make a positive identification and use the best methods to eliminate the problem. Contact Rentokil to get a handle on any issues you might be having with white-footed mice or other pests.

Vole Extermination in Hyrum, UT; How to Get Rid of Lawn Damaging, Disease Spreading & Parasite Hosting Voles!

Voles are small rodents that are a relative of the mouse. They are shorter, with a hairier tail and they have a slightly rounded head with smaller ears and eyes. They are 4 to 8 ½ inches in length, weigh 1 to 3 ounces and can be brown to gray in color.

Damage Caused by Voles

The tunneling habits of voles are what cause the most damage. They construct surface runways and underground tunnels with many entrances to the burrow that will also damage gardens and interfere with irrigation systems, damaging lawns and golf courses. Girdling seedling and mature trees occur when voles eat away at the bark in a continuous ring around the trunk of the tree. This will deprive the tree of water and nutrients and cause the tree to die. They will also girdle the roots of trees and shrubs. If voles continue to eat away at the roots of a tree, it can cause the tree to suddenly fall over without warning. This is caused by the damaged root system.

How to Get Rid of Voles in Your Yard

Voles are busy day and night and all year round but you can reduce damage by modifying their habitats via exclusion, trapping, and poison grain baits. Voles can kill as much as 50 % of a lawn over a winter! Any rodent infestation should be dealt with by using more than one method.
Habitat modification. Infestations of voles only happen when food is available to them so remove weed ground over and tall grasses by regular mowing, tilling and herbicide application. These steps will provide long-lasting control by reducing vole population numbers.
Vole Exclusion. Surround young trees and shrubs with ¼-inch mesh hardware cloth or plastic mesh. This should be 18 inches above the ground and 3 to 6 inches below the ground. This method can also be used with vegetable and flower beds.
Vole Repellents. There are some repellents that will deter voles and can be applied to trees, shrubs and vegetable crops.
Vole Trapping. Fall and winter is the best time to start trapping. This is when food sources are dwindling also when damage caused by voles is the worst. Mousetraps work to get rid of small populations. Traps need to be placed perpendicular to runways with bait like rolled oats, apples or peanut butter. Place the traps along runways, hiding places and around areas you suspect activity; and also around burrow entrances. If there’s a large infestation of voles, then trapping may not be practical. Check traps regularly, reset and re-bait as necessary until there are no more voles being trapped. You might need to cover traps to protect pets and children. You can use boxes or inverted pans.

Professional Vole Control

Voles are common which makes it hard to get rid of them. They aren’t physically dangerous to people but can be dangerous as they can spread harmful diseases through their feces and urine. They can also introduce parasites onto your property. Contact Rentokil at the first signs of voles.

Where Do Deer Mice Live & What Diseases Does a Deer Mouse Infestation Transmit in Brigham City, UT?

Late fall is the time of year where rodents will find their way inside our homes to spend the winter, and deer mice are no exception. Deer mice are one of the most abundant and widely distributed mammals in North America. They measure 3 to 4 inches in length and have pointed noses with large black eyes. Their ears have a little fur on them and they have bicolored bodies that are light brownish-red on the top with white bellies.

Deer Mice Habitat & Diet

Deer mice like to live in forests, grasslands and agricultural crops. They are nocturnal, spending most of their day in nests or other sites of refuge. Their nests are made up of leaves, twigs, stems, and grassroots. They will also use fibrous materials, fur, feathers or shredded clothes to line the inside of their nests. These nests will be found inside hollow trees stumps, roots, under rocks and logs. They will also take advantage of abandoned squirrel or bird nests. If they find their way inside your home they won’t hibernate over the winter but will become dormant if the weather gets very cold, nesting in family groups until the spring. Deer mice are omnivores, eating a wide range of animal and plant matter that depends on what’s available. They like to eat a range of seeds, as well as fruits, fungi, invertebrates, and some vegetation. In the fall, when tree seeds and nuts are abundant, they will cache their food and store it around their nesting site. They will not reproduce over the winter but if they have large food supplies stored, they can and will.

Deer Mice Damage

The seeds that deer mice eat in the forest can prevent the trees from growing back. They will raid stored grains and other food supplies. Deer mice will gnaw at away at fabric and boxes along with gnawing through electrical wiring, and that can lead to fires. It can also lead to freezer, clothes dryer and other appliance and electrical failures.

Deer Mice Diseases; Hantavirus

Deer mice are the most common carriers out of all rodents to carry hantavirus. Hantavirus is transferred to humans from deer mice and can lead to a deadly disease known as hantavirus pulmonary syndrome and breathing problems that can become fatal. Transmission usually occurs through breathing the dust from the mouse’s feces, urine or saliva.

Signs of a Deer Mouse Infestation; Droppings, Chewed Boxes, Sounds & More

Know the signs of a deer mouse infestation so you can take action immediately. You can hear them at night in the walls or the ceiling above but the first indication will most likely be their droppings that are usually found on the floor, in drawers, and under the sink. You might find chewed openings in the wall, cabinets and cardboard boxes as well.

Rodent Control

Leaving these rodents unchecked can lead to trouble and danger. If they happen to make their way into your home, removal can be difficult. Professional pest control is required to take care of existing deer mouse infestations. If you think you’re having issues, you should contact Rentokil & Lawn Services today!

Are Boxelder Bugs Harmful? How to Control & Get Rid of Insect Pest Infestations in Smithfield, UT

Eastern Boxelder Bug in Springtime at Rentokil in Northern Utah and Southern IdahoBoxelder bugs are insects that are black with orange or red lines on the thorax and sides. They have flat wings and are ½ an inch long as adults. Outdoors, they make their homes in boxelder, maple, and ash trees. They aren’t pests in the summer as they go unnoticed, but are a problem in the fall as they search for a place to spend the winter. They are generally inactive in the winter but if the day is sunny and warm, they can become mobile in the walls and attic. An infestation may not occur all at once at the same time, as they will be in different parts of the home and the warmth will not reach them all equally. Any boxelder bug you see inside your home in the winter and spring made its way inside the previous fall.

Signs of a Boxelder Bug Infestation

Homes that are attractive to the boxelder bug are ones with a large and sunny southern or western exposure. Buildings that stand taller than those around them are also attractive and color makes no difference as they are attracted to all colors. Boxelder bugs will come inside through small cracks and crevices. They do not bite people and are pretty much harmless. They cannot cause damage to your home but large numbers can stain walls, curtains, and other sources with fecal matter. This fecal matter is also unsightly. Some boxelder bugs will look for moisture and be found around houseplants and windows.

Prevention of Boxelder Bugs

The adult boxelder can stay well hidden in the bark of trees with their reddish-brown color. Removing the host tree(s) that surround your home will prevent boxelder bugs from multiplying but they may still fly into your yard from neighboring trees. Exclusion is an effective treatment. They will be harder to deal with if they make their way inside, so keeping them out is imperative. They will enter your home through windows and doors so make sure they close tightly and that screens don’t have any rips in them. Door sweeps can be installed along with sealing off holes and gaps around areas where cables, wires, or plumbing enters the house.

Boxelder Bug Control

If it’s not possible to use methods of exclusion or there is a history of boxelder infestations or large numbers are currently present, then the use of professional pest control will be needed. We can treat crevices and cracks to kill them and to act as a barrier to prevent more boxelder bugs from getting in. You can also use a strong, sealed vacuum to suck them up inside your home but try not to squish them as they are stinky. You can also use traps to catch stragglers that are hiding. Boxelder bugs are more of an annoyance than a danger but you still want them gone, so if you need help controlling these pests, contact Rentokil today.

Signs of a German Cockroach Infestation in Hyde Park, UT. How to Get Rid of Roaches & Other Pests

Seeing a cockroach scurry across your floor will most likely send you into a frenzy. If the cockroach you see is light brown or tan in color with two black horizontal stripes behind its head; it’s a German cockroach. They are commonly found indoors and have wings but rarely fly. They crawl around on the kitchen counters, floors and other areas that are humid and warm inside your house. German cockroaches have been called the cockroach of nightmares. They are the most destructive and hardest to get rid of. They also reproduce faster and in larger numbers than any other species of cockroach. They can trigger asthma symptoms and transmit harmful bacteria, so do not take a possible infestation lightly. Taking steps right away to get rid of them is imperative, otherwise, they will wreak havoc in your home.

What to Do if You See a Cockroach; Signs of a German Cockroach Infestation

1. If you notice activity during the day you most likely have a big problem.
2. If you’re noticing an oily and musty smell it could be German cockroaches as they secrete a variety of odorous chemicals.
3. Droppings left behind look like ground coffee or pepper grounds. The most likely spot you’ll notice them is in the drawers or on the countertops and it can even cause dark stains in the corners within your home.
4. Finding dead cockroaches means there are more around; but alive and well! Look for pieces of skin that have shed also.
5. Kitchen and bathrooms are hot spots as there are ample moisture and food needed for survival and they also eat soap and toothpaste!
6. Egg capsules will be found in areas that female cockroaches are hanging out.

Cockroach Prevention & Control Tips in Homes & Apartments

Make sure you take care of any issues in your kitchen or bathroom that might be providing them with the moisture German cockroaches need. Clean up food crumbs in the kitchen, cover the soap in the bathroom and put the cap back on the toothpaste tube! German cockroaches are most active at night so it’s a good idea to put your pet’s food away so they don’t help themselves. Because roaches do extremely well in humidity, consider using a dehumidifier to send them in another direction. You may not consider items in your cupboards edible, but cockroaches will. The tiniest crumb can invite them into your kitchen so clean your cupboards regularly to ensure they don’t have a meal in there. Make sure all your trash containers are sealed tightly because they love trash. Food items in bags should be placed in tightly sealed plastic containers once they’ve been opened to avoid cockroaches for dining on it. Before climbing into bed at night check around to make sure there aren’t any dripping faucets or standing water in bathtubs, sinks, and showers. This just gives German cockroaches what they need if you don’t.

German Cockroach Control

If you’ve taken steps to prevent these pests and they’ve still managed to make your home theirs too, you’ll need professional pest control. German cockroaches reproduce at alarming rates, making it very difficult to get rid of them. Give Rentokil a call to help you out. We have the best methods and products to send German cockroaches packing!

How to Get Rid of Raccoons in Orem, UT; Signs of Paw Prints & Poop, Raccoon Damage, Diseases & More

Raccoons are opportunistic omnivores who have adapted well to living in urban settings especially in areas where food and water sources are abundant. Raccoons are well known for their mischievous and curious nature and will eat out of trash cans which they either tip over or pull open. They are adept at stealing pet food which is a particular favorite and will often enter homes through pet doors to gain access. Raccoons are nocturnal so most often the damage is done at night. It is not uncommon for home and business owners to wake up and find trash strewn across driveways and yards. Raccoons are easily identified by their distinctive black masks and ringed tail.

Raccoon Damage to Homes, Yards & Gardens

In the wild, raccoons will build their homes in hollowed out trees and logs close to streams. They are not afraid to enter into populated areas to forage around for food and will build dens in attics, chimneys, outbuildings and under porches. The raccoon’s diet varies depending on the season. During spring and summer, a raccoon will eat frogs, fish, and insects. They are also known to destroy lawns and flower beds digging for worms. During the fall months, raccoons will forage for grains, nuts, and berries along with stealing from garbage cans and dumpsters. Raccoons will also eat small rodents and birds eggs, stealing chicken eggs from hen houses when they have the opportunity.

Signs You May Have Raccoons; Poop, Paw Prints, Noises & More

Other than the obvious signs that raccoons are present such as overturned trash cans or partially eaten food, you should also be on the lookout for structural damage caused by raccoons entering your homes such as damage to the roof and attic. Other signs of raccoons include scat (fecal matter), tracks, and noise coming from the roof or attic late at night.

Raccoons Carry & Transmit Disease

Raccoons carry a long list of diseases many of which can be transmitted to pets and humans. Raccoons are carriers of the rabies virus which is fatal if left untreated. If you or a family member comes in contact with a raccoon and is bitten or scratched, seek the advice of your primary care physician or health care professional immediately. You will be given a series of vaccines that will stop the virus from becoming active in your system. Raccoons also carry canine distemper which is a disease that can be contracted by both dogs and cats and has similar symptoms to the rabies virus. Consult with your veterinarian to ensure that your pets receive the required vaccines. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that your pets are fully protected should they ever come in contact with a raccoon that has been infected with canine distemper or rabies. Raccoon dropping is also extremely dangerous, especially to children that play outside. The list of harmful diseases includes raccoon roundworm, giardia, salmonella, and leptospirosis. The bacteria and parasites spread by raccoons can be extremely dangerous to humans; some can even be fatal. If you or a family member comes into contact with raccoon droppings, make sure hands are washed immediately.

Raccoon Wildlife Removal

The knowledgeable professionals at Rentokil can customize a solution to deter raccoons by minimizing access to food, water, and shelter. To prevent damage to your property, your Rentokil professional will set traps to remove the animals along with other measures to ensure than your home is protected by preventing and excluding raccoons from gaining further access to your property. If you are experiencing a problem with nuisance wildlife in your home or business, contact the experienced professionals at Rentokil today and ask about our comprehensive wildlife control, exclusion and removal services today.

How to Identify & Get Rid of Sawtoothed Grain Beetles, Indian Meal Moths & Other Pantry Pests in Lehi, UT

Pantry pests or stored product pests such as beetles, weevils, and moths infest and attack food containing grains along with many other everyday food items that are stored in your kitchen and pantry. If you are experiencing a problem with these types of pests and you are feeling overwhelmed and unsure how to proceed, your Rentokil pest control technician is available to assist you. We can offer you the safeguarding you need from unwanted pests with our comprehensive maintenance and service plans that are designed to provide protection from new and reoccurring pest problems.

Where Do Pantry Bugs, Beetles & Other Pests Come From

Many pests including beetles, weevils, and moths can be transported into your home from food items purchased at your local grocery store. The most common pantry pests that can be found and brought into your home include the sawtoothed grain beetle, the Indian meal moth, and the confused flour beetle. It is not uncommon for food products to contain the eggs of these insects. Food including cereal, pasta, dried beans, cookies, chocolate, cake mix and even decorative items such as dried flower arrangements are considered the number-one culprits. If you keep these items stored in your pantry or kitchen there is a good chance that the eggs will hatch and begin their lifecycle before you are even aware that you have a problem.

Tips to Controlling an Active Infestation of Pantry Pests

If you find evidence of beetles, weevils or moths in or around food items, empty all of your drawers and cabinets. Identify all items of foodstuff that are infected. Discard any food items that you suspect of being a source of contamination. If you are not sure and you don’t want to throw the item away, place it in a sealed container. Inspect the container approximately one to two weeks later for any signs of activity. Alternatively, you can place the food in an airtight bag and freeze it for 48 hours to destroy any pests and eggs. Carefully inspect the bottom of any canned items for possible nesting sites along with the lids of jars and bottles.

Are Pantry Pests Harmful if Eaten?

Although pantry pests do not spread disease and are generally harmless, they can produce allergic reactions in individuals who are susceptible. Symptoms include respiratory issues and skin rashes. And if we are completely honest, there is a certain queasy feeling associated with consuming bugs in our morning cereal or oatmeal.

How Can I Prevent Food Bug & Pantry Pest Infestations?

Pantry pests can be difficult to prevent because they are brought into the home with the food that we purchase from grocery stores and markets. While getting rid of any long term items in your cupboards can help prevent the pests from infesting the surrounding food items, it is a short term solution. A Rentokil monthly service plan will ensure that your home is free of annoying pests by providing pest control solutions that are designed to continually protect both the inside and outside of your home or business. If you are interested in learning more about residential and commercial pest control, prevention, removal, and exclusion in Northern Utah and Southern Idaho contact the knowledgeable professionals at Rentokil and speak with a friendly customer service provider regarding your pest control needs.

How to Get Rid of Damaging Common Brown Norway Street & Sewer Rats in Salt Lake City, UT

The Norway rat (rattus norgegicus) is also commonly known as the brown rat, street rat, sewer rat, Hanover rat, common rat, Norwegian rat, and wharf rat. As the many names imply, the Norway rat is one of the most common and well-known rats found in North America.

When Did Norway Rats Come to America?

It is believed that the Norway rat arrived in North American on ships coming from Europe as early as 1775. Today the Norway rat inhabits many areas across the entire United States. In its natural setting, the rat will aerate soil when digging burrows as well as ensuring the livelihood of many plant species by scattering seeds. In urban settings, the rat can damage structures and spread disease when moving into homes and outbuildings.

Brown Norway Rat Identification

The Norway rat is generally nocturnal but may be seen during the day if food sources are scarce. The fur is typically coarse in appearance and can appear brown, reddish or gray in color with whitish-grey fur on the underbelly. They are known to reach lengths of seven to ten inches (not including their five to eight-inch tail), making them one of the largest species of rats found in residential homes.

Diet & Habitat of the Norway Rat Rodent

The diet of the Norway rat includes plants, seeds, and insects along with small mammals such as mice. Once established in a home, they will hunt for grains, meat, fish, nuts, and fruit than can be found in pantries and kitchens along with items of food that have been discarded in trash cans in and outside the home. The natural habitat of the Norway rat includes fields that are close to water sources such as streams or creeks. Residential homes have the ability to provide shelter, warmth, water, and food; all in one convenient location. Once in the home, the Norway rat prefers to reside on ground floors, garages, and basements.

Rodent Proofing Your Home from Rat & Mice Damage

Norway rats have an extraordinary sense of smell which makes residential homes an easy target. Norway rats are extremely pliant and can enter buildings through spaces as small as half an inch in diameter. They can also burrow and chew through any existing cracks in walls, floors, doors and window sills. The Norway rat is responsible for millions of dollars in damage to residential homes and commercial buildings each year including structural damage to foundations, damage to electrical wires, water pipes, and insulation.

Bacteria & Disease Spread by Rats & Mice to Humans

Norway rats are known carriers of disease and they can easily contaminate food and food preparation surfaces. Their waste products also carry diseases including typhus, leptospirosis trichinosis, and food poisoning illnesses.

Rodent Prevention & Exclusion Tips

To prevent Norway rats from taking up residence in your home, contact the knowledge experts at Rentokil for professional rodent prevention, exclusion, trapping and removal services. Your rodent control specialist will educate you on sealing holes and creating a barrier around your home along with providing information about a Rentokil comprehensive lawn care service to remove tall weeds and long grass around the perimeter of your home. This will minimize the Norway rat’s ability to hide close to your home before attempting to gain access.

Need for Bird Control Methods in Preston, ID; Roof Damage Caused by Droppings & Diseases Humans Can Catch

Nuisance birds are responsible for causing literally millions of dollars in property damage each year along with the spread of parasites and diseases which can present a major health issue within the affected community. Utah has a large bird population and some of the most common nuisance birds include woodpeckers, magpies, pigeons, sparrows, starlings, swallows, Northern flickers, nuthatch, Canadian geese, and seagulls.

Roof Damage Caused by Bird Droppings

Bird droppings by nature are extremely acidic and can eat away at a variety of the materials used in roofing production. If droppings are allowed to accumulate and roofing materials destroyed, it can lead to leaks and other damage. According to roofing experts, the life expectancy of a commercial roof can be diminished by up to 50% by the continuous pollution of bird droppings. Bird droppings are also responsible for damaging air conditioning equipment and building siding and insulation.

Bird Nests & the Potential for Fire

Starlings, sparrows, and pigeons are renowned for building nests in drains and rain gutters. Commercial buildings, in particular, can experience extreme damage which may result in a collapsed roof if drainage systems are blocked and standing water rises and has nowhere to drain. Birds have a tendency to build their nests from items including straw, twigs, pieces of twine, human hair, animal fur, and dried bird droppings. All of these materials can be extremely flammable increasing the potential for fire exponentially especially when nests are constructed inside electric business signs. Insurance companies pay out millions of dollars per year as a result of these types of fires. Bird nests built in chimneys can also cause fires along with the spread of disease.

Bird Diseases Humans Can Catch

The three most common nuisance birds found in Utah include the pigeon, starling and house sparrow. All three examples have adapted to living in urban environments. Not only have they become a nuisance, but they are also responsible for the spread of diseases which pose a serious health risk for those individuals infected.
Some examples of transmissible diseases that are associated with pigeons, starlings and house sparrows include:
Histoplasmosis – a respiratory disease that is caused by a fungus found in bird droppings
Candidiasis – a fungus infection spread by pigeons that can affect the skin, mouth, intestines and female genitals.
Cryptococcosis – a fungus infection which first begins as a pulmonary disease which can also affect the central nervous system
St. Louis Encephalitis – inflammation of the nervous system which may result in paralysis, coma or death spread by mosquitoes which have fed on infected pigeons, finches, and house sparrows.
Salmonellosis – a form of food poisoning caused by bacteria found in contaminated bird droppings that can enter air conditioning units and contaminate food and cooking surfaces.
E.coli – a form of food poisoning transmitted through infected bird droppings which can contaminate food and water supplies.

Bird Control

Apart from being carriers of disease, nuisance birds are known to carry over 50 kinds of disease-causing parasites including lice, fleas, bed bugs, chicken mites, and yellow mealworms (beetle parasites). If you are concerned about nuisance birds, the damage they can cause to your property or the spread of disease in Utah, contact the knowledgeable professionals at Rentokil today and speak with a friendly customer service provider about nuisance bird removal, deterrents, and exclusion today!

Compare & Contrast of Occasional Pest Invader Centipedes & Millipedes in Park City, UT

Millipedes and centipedes may look the same at first glance but there are differences between them. Neither will damage your home, but both may leave a stain if crushed. During the late summer and fall, they will leave the soil and leaf litter outside and crawl into our homes looking for shelter over the winter. Centipedes and millipedes will stay inside until spring where they will emerge from the cracks and crevices where they spent the winter. They do not carry diseases that affect people, animals or plants.

Differences in Appearance, Diet & Habitat of Centipedes & Millipedes

Centipedes and millipedes are both thin and long arthropods with lots and lots of legs. Centipedes move quickly, have mandibles that can give a venomous bite and only have one pair of legs per body segment while millipedes move slowly, do not have a venomous bite and have two legs per body segment. Both centipedes and millipedes resemble insects but are classified as arthropods because they have many sections whereas, insects have three body segments. Centipedes are carnivores and kill their prey by injecting them with venom. They feed on soft-bodied insects like worms, spiders and other arthropods. Millipedes are scavengers and prefer to feed on organic matter like decaying leaves and wood. Centipedes can be found under stones and boards, under moist wood, sticks and leaf litter while millipedes prefer areas where there are mulch, leaves and moist wood chips.

Defensive Behavior of Centipedes & Millipedes

The bite of a centipede can kill small prey but is not usually life-threatening to humans. Millipedes do not have stingers but will use secretions that are produced in order to protect themselves. Millipedes will also curl their bodies as a defense mechanism. Centipedes will on occasion bite humans, but a severe reaction to their venom is rare. That being said, anyone who has allergies, the elderly or small children should be monitored after a centipede bite. If there seems to be a reaction or you are concerned, you should contact a medical professional.

Centipede & Millipede Prevention

Preventing and controlling both of these pests is pretty much the same. Killing or capturing them when you see them is one way to control them. You can also use a spray to kill them or simply step on them. Sticky traps work well too. Because centipedes will feed on other insects, you need to eliminate them from your home. Keeping your house dry will prevent them from finding a home inside yours, so the drier you keep your home, the better. All entrances to your home should be sealed off, so walk around with a caulking gun in hand to seal up any cracks and check around any plumbing, cables, and wires that enter your home. It’s also a good idea to install door sweeps as this will not only keep centipedes and millipedes out but other pests as well.

Professional Centipede and Millipede Control

If you find yourself spotting more of these pests than you would like, Rentokil can help. Give us a call today.