Millipedes are medium to large-sized invertebrates, arthropods of the class Diplopoda. They are also some of the oldest animals known to live on land, their first appearance in historical sources being traced as far back as the Silurian period. There are approximately 12,000 recognized species of millipedes (in reality, numbers are estimated to be around 15,000 – 20,000 and can go as high as 80,000), classified into 2 subclasses, 16 orders, and 140 families.
Millipedes are medium to large-sized invertebrates, native to all continents except Antarctica. These arthropods are generally harmless to both humans and pets, but they can be considered local household and garden pests when it comes to certain crops. Millipedes enjoy humid environments and live primarily outdoors, on forest floors, under rocks, in leaf covers, dead wood and even soil.
To be able to avoid a millipede infestation, you need to take into consideration several methods that will help you prevent such an occurrence. Be aware of the fact that millipedes prefer humid and chilly environments, so make sure you control this aspect inside and around your house as much as possible. People find millipedes under mulch, piles of dead leaves, or under piles of grass clipping.
Millipedes are medium to large-sized invertebrates, arthropods of the class Diplopoda. There are approximately 12,000 recognised species of millipedes, classified into 2 subclasses, 16 orders, and 140 families. Although similar, millipedes can be easily distinguished from the distantly related centipedes (belonging to the class Chilopoda), which move more rapidly, are carnivorous, and only have one pair of legs on each body segment. They can be considered local household and garden pests, especially when it comes to greenhouses, where they are known to cause severe damage.