Millipedes: behaviour, harmfulness

The fascinating world of millipedes often goes unnoticed, despite their important role in the ecosystem. These inconspicuous arthropods, which in Poland are represented by about 85 species, play a key role in the process of decomposition of organic matter, affecting soil quality. Although their presence is generally beneficial, they can be a threat to plant crops, especially young seedlings. In this article, we will take a closer look at the nature of millipedes, their habits and how to effectively minimise their negative impact on our gardens.

Characteristics of millipedes

Millipedes are a group of arthropods whose characteristic body structure sets them apart from other organisms. These creatures belong to the class of millipedes and are a prime example of segmentation, which means that their body is divided into numerous segments, each of which is equipped with two pairs of legs. It is this feature that distinguishes millipedes from other groups of arthropods, such as insects, and emphasises their uniqueness in the natural world.

Each segment of the millipede acts as an independent locomotor unit, which enables these arthropods to move surprisingly effectively on a variety of surfaces. The segmentation of the millipede’s body, combined with its numerous legs, not only gives it exceptional mobility, but also the ability to adapt to different environments.

The importance of millipedes for the environment

Although often overlooked, millipedes play an extremely important role in ecosystems, having a positive impact on the environment. These inconspicuous arthropods are true heroes in the process of organic matter decomposition. Their ability to efficiently process biological waste contributes to enriching the soil with essential nutrients. Millipedes transform dead plant matter into residues that are extremely valuable for soil health. Thanks to this process, they support plant growth and ensure a better soil structure, which ultimately leads to increased productivity.

The presence of millipedes in the soil is also an indicator of its quality. These arthropods influence its ability to retain moisture and prevent erosion. By appreciating millipedes, we gain new allies in maintaining a healthy environment and protecting our crops from harmful external factors.

Threats to millipedes

Although millipedes play an important role in the ecosystem as decomposers, their presence in gardens and on cultivated land can lead to serious problems. First and foremost, these arthropods can cause damage to crops by becoming pests affecting young plants. In their search for food, centipedes are known to often attack delicate young seedlings, which can lead to significant damage or even destruction. They can effectively penetrate root systems, causing damage that affects plant growth and development.

In addition to young seedlings, millipedes can also be a threat to tubers, which are crucial for many agricultural crops. Their ability to move around in the soil and their versatility in foraging can make them difficult to control when they become a problem in our gardens.

Methods of controlling millipedes in the garden

In order to effectively control centipedes and protect plants in the garden, it is worth using natural and ecological methods that minimise the harmful impact on the environment. The most effective techniques include:

• mulching the soil, which makes it difficult to access young crops,
• the use of traps based on natural pheromones,
• the use of natural enemies such as birds or hedgehogs,
• avoiding heavy chemicals in favour of ecological solutions.