You can eliminate millipedes with bleach.
However, it is important to note that applying undiluted bleach can cause damage to the surface on which it is sprayed.
Therefore, diluting the bleach before using it to kill millipedes is recommended.
Although a diluted bleach spray may not kill the millipedes immediately, it will gradually break down their exoskeleton, leading to their death within a few seconds.
I typically observe millipedes crawling around my basement and garden in late spring and early summer.
I’m unsure of how to get rid of them and don’t have many chemicals available, except for bleach, which I use for disinfecting.
I tried bleach, as well as other alternatives, to find the best solution.
If you are considering using bleach to deal with a millipede infestation, it’s important to know how to dilute it properly for maximum effectiveness against the millipedes without causing damage to the surrounding areas.
Additionally, I can provide alternative methods that are more effective in killing millipedes if you prefer not to wait for the bleach to work.
Related Reading: Does Bleach Kill Spiders?
Table of Contents
To Eliminate Millipedes with Bleach, How Much Do I Need?
It is possible to eliminate millipedes with bleach.
However, it is crucial to dilute the bleach correctly before using it.
Bleach contains sodium hypochlorite, which can damage surfaces and skin.
Thus, wearing gloves while diluting the bleach is recommended to protect your skin.
Additionally, ensure that you are working in a well-ventilated area.
To eliminate millipedes with bleach, it is important to dilute bleach with one part bleach and ten parts water.
For example, if you use one tablespoon of bleach, mix it with a gallon of water.
I recommend mixing it in a large bucket and pouring it into smaller spray bottles.
This will allow you to spray the areas around the baseboards of your house where the millipedes are entering.
Millipedes thrive in damp places, so it’s best to focus on spraying those areas in your home first.
However, when it comes to your garden, pouring a whole bucket of diluted bleach in the soil may not be the best solution.
This is because the bleach could potentially harm your plants and other organisms in the soil.
After you spray the areas of your home where you notice the millipedes with your bleach solution, you only have to wait.
The millipede’s exoskeleton breaks down when bleach is applied, leading to dehydration and death due to moisture loss.
Soon, you won’t see those insects scurrying around your basement anymore.
Instead, their bodies will be littered around the baseboards, and you can sweep them up and dispose of them in the trashcan.
How to Eliminate Millipedes in Soil
I understand that you take pride in maintaining your lawn and garden and wouldn’t want to ruin all the hard work you’ve put into it just because of some pesky millipedes.
Therefore, you probably would not consider pouring a bucket of diluted bleach into your lawn to get rid of them.
To eliminate millipedes with bleach would not be the best solution.
However, I did some research and found out that there are alternative methods to eliminate these creepy crawlers.
Carbaryl: registered for use since 1959 in pesticides, this man-made pesticide is toxic to insects. Used to ward off spiders, aphids, fleas, ticks, fire ants, and other insects.
Permethrin-based pesticides: One of the oldest and most widely used insecticides, sometimes used under the name Nix. It can kill a wide range of insects including mosquitoes, flies, fleas, and ticks.
If you are concerned about using harsh chemicals and their impact on your health and environment, natural alternatives are available.
Keep reading to find out about some less-toxic methods.
Eliminate Millipedes Naturally
1. Wood Ash
If you prefer not to eliminate millipedes with bleach, you can buy a special type of ash from hardware and specialty stores that can do the trick.
The ash works by absorbing excess moisture in your soil once it is mixed in.
This makes the soil less attractive to millipedes for laying their eggs, resulting in fewer millipedes.
2. Cayenne Pepper
I have used this remedy against ants and millipedes with success.
Spread the powder around entry points of your home, such as doorways, foundations, and cracks.
I also found this to prevent certain animals from eating your garden flowers.
I bought a large pepper container and spread it throughout the garden.
Note: This works more as a repellent than an insect killer.
3. Sulfur Powder
This is a solution that might have an unpleasant odor to it. However, it is effective as millipedes dislike sulfur. You can buy pure sulfur at most industrial supply stores. Sprinkle the powder around the entry points, and the millipedes will avoid crossing it.
Note: This is also a repellent and not a pesticide. Also, don’t spray it where you plan to spend much time due to the odor.
4. Millipede Trap
This method involves a few extra steps and equipment, but it doesn’t require sprinkling or spraying anything in your house.
To execute this method, you will need a bottle, bait, and a small tube that is big enough for the millipede to crawl through, but still fits inside the bottle.
To make a trap for millipedes, get some ripened fruit as bait. Place the bait inside a bottle to attract the millipedes.
Next, insert a tube into the bottle’s opening, ensuring it doesn’t touch the sides of the bottle.
You can use tape to secure the tube if needed.
Finally, place the trap where you notice a lot of millipede activity.
The objective is to lure the millipede into the bottle using a tube.
However, one must remember that the tube should not touch the sides of the bottle.
This is because if the millipede climbs in, it won’t be able to climb out.
Although no monitoring is required, you should be prepared to dispose of the bottle filled with millipedes.
5. Dehumidifier
Millipedes are attracted to moist environments, which is why they can be found in soil and damp areas of your home.
To reduce their presence, consider using a dehumidifier to regulate the moisture levels in your home.
This will make your home less appealing to millipedes and reduce their population.
6. Get a Chicken Coop
This option may require the most effort as you will be responsible for caring for a live animal.
However, if you keep chickens, they will naturally help remove millipedes from your soil by eating them.
Additionally, you will get fresh eggs from them, which is a bonus.
Remember that once you have chickens, they become your responsibility.
Continue Reading: Using Bleach to Kill Weeds? Debunking the Myth and Examining Its Effectiveness
Final Thoughts
Millipedes serve as natural decomposers of dead leaves and decaying wood in your garden.
However, they can also find their way into your home seeking damp areas when the outside environment becomes too hot and dry.
This is why they are commonly found around window sills, crawlspaces, porches, and patios inside the house.
Millipedes are docile and do not sting or bite. They will nibble on fruit and vegetables if they have access.
You should avoid touching millipedes as they can secrete a toxic substance that may irritate your skin.
This substance can be sprayed up to three feet, so keep your pets away as well.
There are various methods to get rid of millipedes, and while bleach is one of them, it is not the safest option.
In light of this, you can choose from the tips mentioned above and select the one that fits your requirements and the severity of the millipede invasion.
Good Luck!
Enjoy living the outdoor life!!!