Should I be concerned that these baby millipedes are living in my majesty palm? I just bought it a week or two ago, but I don’t want them possibly contaminating other plants.
Should I be concerned that these baby millipedes are living in my majesty palm? I just bought it a week or two ago, but I don’t want them possibly contaminating other plants.
Millipedes mostly eat dead material kinda like rollie pollies do. I wouldn’t think they’d be harmful. If you handle them, wash your hands after because they can secrete cyanide. It won’t hurt you unless you get it in your mouth.
3 likesThank you!
0 likesWait what?!?!? Millipedes secrete cyanide?!?
2 likesAmongst other chemicals. It’s to make them taste bad. They don’t have many defenses otherwise. We used to have some as pets. They’re pretty cool!
3 likesAs far as getting millipedes out of your house goes: they're not affected by most pesticides. Physically remove any adults you find (shaking or tapping the pot can scare them out if you don't want to handle them directly) and change out your soil for new to deal with any hidden eggs. Remove any decaying plant material (dead leaves and stuff) and remove any small moist hiding spots between or under pots. Improve air flow to help things dry out between waterings. Also if you ever feel like keeping millipedes as pets, flat-backed millis are among the prettier species and can live 7-10 years
5 likesWow, thank you!
1 like