Have a pest problem? Save $75 on your first recurring service today with code 75OFF

Do I have to live with wire bugs in my basement?

Question: I recently bought a townhouse (no basement) and I have killed 12-24 "wire bugs" or millipedes in the past week.

I've only seen them on the main floor at night. My neighbors in the same structure all have the same problem, but they have never looked into the cause of the problem. Is this something that I will just have to live with?

The man at the local hardware store said that these bugs can be an indicator of water damage and rot to either the foundation or walls. Is this true? I'd like to know if this is just a nuisance or an indication of a larger problem. Because I just bought the place and moved in, I do not know if there has been previous water damage. The townhouse is 15 years old in Eagan, Minn.

Answer: The local hardware store fellow is ... mostly wrong.

Millipedes live outdoors in organic material that is mostly moist and decaying: dead leaves, garden mulch, sometimes turfgrass.

Their numbers can increase quickly if their environment gets too wet. Then they may move somewhere drier or warmer, such as the sides of houses. They can get inside homes by going under door thresholds or around windows.

Be sure to remove any moist mulch near doors. Be sure that doors are sealed tight. The good news is that they usually die after they enter your house because it is too dry for them.

For further assistance, contact your local Orkin Branch Office to set up an inspection by a highly trained Orkin Pro. Your Pro will develop a customized treatment plan backed by science that best meets your needs.

Ask Orkin

Get More Answers from Orkin

How do I get rid of tiny red bugs in my bathroom?

Q

I looked online, and it sounds like they are chiggers. If this is what they are, is there something that can be done?

How do I get roaches out of my car?

Q

How do I get roaches out of my car?

How do I kill house lizards?

Q

How do I kill house lizards?

How to Identify Voles vs. Moles | Rodent Control

Q

Moles and voles are both rodents but differ in appearance and behavior. Learn how to identify voles vs. moles and get rid of them with help from an Orkin Pro.

Bird Mite Removal Questions: Bird Mites in Laundry Room

Q

Bird mites in laundry rooms. Orkin answers your bird mite removal questions. Get infestation help today. Call for services available in your area.

Should I buy a house with beam damage from insects?

Q

Could it be ants instead of termites causing the damage?

Long, brown, hard shell bug that jumps

Carpenter Ant Infestation in the House

Q

Large carpenter ant infestations can cause structural damage to your home. Make sure your home is protected from carpenter ants with Orkin.

How do you get rid of fleas in home?

Q

Our house is infested with fleas. What does Orkin do to get rid of them? Is there anything we have to do in preparation for your treatment?

Spraying for bed bugs did not work

Q

If the neighboring unit has bed bugs, am I looking at being sprayed every three months?

Connect with Us

Our customer care team is available for you 24 hours a day.

877-819-5061

Find a Branch

Our local Pros are the pest experts in your area.

Get a Personalized Quote

We will help you find the right treatment plan for your home.

THE BEST IN PESTS.™

SERVICES

Pest ControlTermite ControlPrevent and Protect

PEST LIBRARY

Browse All Pests

CUSTOMER CARE

My AccountPay BillFind My BranchContact UsProduct Labels

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

© 2024 Orkin LLC

Terms of UsePrivacyAccessibility StatementCareers

Your Branch  

Call Now