Shongololo Millipedes Migration hits the Boland
Shongololo Millipedes(Duisendpoot) Migration hits the Boland
Certain areas in Paarl has been hit by, what appears to be, a Shongololo infestation. Although the Shongololo (Millipede) is not a dangerous pest as such it can become quite a nuisance and it is a problem that needs to be addressed. Andre Nieuwoudt from Boland Pest Control explains why this happens and what you can do if your home is affected.MILLIPEDE BIOLOGY
There are over 1000 species of millipedes in Africa but the most common one in South Africa is the Shongololo.
They are slow crawling, appear to have hundreds of legs and are generally gray to light brown to black in color.
Most species take 1-2 years to reach reproductive maturity and can live 5-10 years.
Shongololos live in decomposing thatch, leaves and mulch.
They will get nutrition from these locations and may choose a root system of a nearby plant on which to feed. When they breed, the eggs hatch larva which will feed right where they emerge. This leads to large populations or nests which can number in the hundreds. They will remain feeding as long as there is a food supply to support the nest. This could be for a year or two but at some point you can expect a migration.
MILLIPEDE MIGRATION
Excessive rain, drought or lack of food will cause them to migrate. This phenomenon can occur at any time of the year and may result in several thousand moving in a direction that is in line with your home. The author has dealt with several infestations of millipedes that have numbered in the hundreds of thousands.
One customer had so many that he used a gas powered blower to round up all the dead ones and 14 hefty bags to haul them away! This happened over a three day period.
If he didn’t have the right materials or know how to use them, he would have had a mess in his home.
Other infestations have lead to thousands stacking up or climbing the side of a house.
The migrating millipedes will reach a certain height and simply stop. It is unsure why they do this but it will lead to huge numbers accumulating and a nasty smell when they die.
MILLIPEDE CONTROL
Controlling millipedes involves a series of steps.
The first is identifying nest sights. This will allow you to minimize the conditions these pests need which will lead to less getting inside. Look to see where they are invading. In most cases, you will find them along one side or wall of your home. Look around the side of the property. Inspect nearby mulch, compost piles, wood piles, large rocks, sheds, cracks in cement walkways or driveways and stoops. Any of these locations can breed, feed and shelter these pests.
If you know where they are coming from, you will be able to treat the area precisely and even remove excessive organic matter available for them.
Clean up leaves. Move log piles away from the home. Seal cracks in cement which allow water to gather. Rake thatch build-up from your lawn. By reducing these conditions, you take away food and harbourage these pests need for survival.
The use of micro granual pesticides that stays in the treated area for up to 21 days is recommended for Shongololo treatment. Treatment must be continued for up to a minimum of 2 months until the infestation is gone. If an infestation at a neighbouring property has not been treated you can expect a re-infestation in your home and garden.
It is advisable to rather get professional help than try to do it yourself.
Information was supplied by Boland Pest Control
Contact Andre Nieuwoudt on 021 872 4583 or 079 331 9699 for more information.
Email: info@bolandpest.com