Portuguese millipedes are a familiar nuisance in parts of Werribee and the wider west. They are shiny, dark grey to black, and curl into a tight spiral when disturbed. They live in leaf litter, mulch, compost and damp soil, and after autumn or spring rain they can move in huge numbers, often at night, climbing walls and crawling under doors.
They do not bite or sting, but they give off a strong smell and can leave yellow stains when squashed. They are also drawn to lights, so they gather around doorways, windows and outdoor globes. Homes next to open paddocks, reserves and heavily mulched garden beds tend to see the worst of it, and new estates on former farmland often have large numbers moving through.
- Barrier treatment around the base of the home and slab edge
- Treatment of door thresholds, weep holes and window frames
- Treatment of garden beds and mulch closest to the house
- Advice on door seals and gaps under doors
- Tips on outdoor lighting and mulch placement
A barrier treatment works well before the numbers peak, so many households book in early autumn. Between visits, pull mulch and leaf litter back from the walls, fit seals to the bottom of doors, and turn off outdoor lights at night or swap to yellow globes. A broom and dustpan is still the easiest way to clear any that make it inside.
Tell us when the millipedes appear and how many you are seeing. We will give you upfront pricing and book a local crew. Call 03 7053 9833 to book millipede control in Werribee.