Portuguese Millipedes Control

Portuguese Millipedes belong to the family of Myriapoda (meaning many-legged). They were introduced to Australia from south-western Europe in the late nineteenth century. Their common African name is Shongololo.

Portuguese Millipedes have a smooth, cylindrical, body which is segmented with multiple pairs of legs and are dark grey to shiny black in colour. Juveniles are light brown with a darker stripe along each side.

When disturbed, a Portuguese Millipede will curl up into a tight spiral or otherwise try to escape with thrashing snake-like movements. They are one of the few millipede species that are attracted to lights at night. They are not harmful to humans, however they can be a severe nuisance when hundreds invade your property and home. They also can cause damage to plants and vegetables similar to snails.

A perimeter treatment application around your home or business leaves a residual that is very effective against millipedes. Also cleaning up decaying leaves, bark chips and other garden refuse will reduce areas of shelter for the millipedes.