Dark Brown invasive worms - Ask Extension
Every fall we are bombarded with hundreds of these approximately 1" dark brown worms that get into the garage and house. Attached is a photo. I put ...
Knowledgebase
Dark Brown invasive worms #374433
Asked November 02, 2016, 12:26 PM EDT
Every fall we are bombarded with hundreds of these approximately 1" dark brown worms that get into the garage and house. Attached is a photo. I put mouse sticky pads down by the garage door and get hundreds of them. They curl up when they are not moving.
What are they and where do they come from. They get in the tiniest cracks all around the house but are the worst on the north side in front of the garage doors. All the neighbors have them.
Otter Tail County Minnesota
Expert Response
This is a type of millipede: http://www.extension.umn.edu/garden/insects/find/sowbugs-millipedes-centipedes/
Note the above publication indicates they are found in damp areas and feed on organic matter (leaves, dead plant material, etc.) They are likely on the northside of the building because it is cool and damp. Be sure you remove organic matter like maple seeds, leaves, etc. from the area. Maybe use a shop vac to suck up the insects and remove the organic materials from cracks. Calk up any cracks in foundations, etc. to prevent them (and other critters) from entering your house.
Note the above publication indicates they are found in damp areas and feed on organic matter (leaves, dead plant material, etc.) They are likely on the northside of the building because it is cool and damp. Be sure you remove organic matter like maple seeds, leaves, etc. from the area. Maybe use a shop vac to suck up the insects and remove the organic materials from cracks. Calk up any cracks in foundations, etc. to prevent them (and other critters) from entering your house.
Where do they come from since it fall when we notice them? They are so bad this year that we can't take it. We have no dead foliage around to warrant all this. They do everything to get in the house. They must come from somewhere. There is a slough about a block north of our house. We live in town and a row of houses is across the street on the north side. Could the be coming from that slough?
Where do they come from since it fall when we notice them? They are so bad this year that we can't take it. We have no dead foliage around to warrant all this. They do everything to get in the house. They must come from somewhere. There is a slough about a block north of our house. We live in town and a row of houses is across the street on the north side. Could the be coming from that slough?
I'm not sure whether they live sloughs. They are likely seeking refuge and our longer growing season may have allowed for a larger population this year. Insect populations rise and fall with weather conditions, predator populations, and changes in their environment (housing and development, habitat such as plant removal, pesticide application).
It's likely the best defense is to check for entry points such as door seals, cracks, etc. that may be creating an opening, leaking warm air and letting in dampness. They should eventually stop when we finally get steady cold that kills them. In the mean time, vacuum them up and dispose of them, or contact an licensed exterminator for assistance.
It's likely the best defense is to check for entry points such as door seals, cracks, etc. that may be creating an opening, leaking warm air and letting in dampness. They should eventually stop when we finally get steady cold that kills them. In the mean time, vacuum them up and dispose of them, or contact an licensed exterminator for assistance.
