Are There Millipedes in Your Home? IPB University Expert Suggests Not Using Insecticides

The presence of millipedes in homes often causes residents to feel uneasy. However, according to young researcher Nadzirum Mubin, SP, MSi, from the Department of Plant Protection, Faculty of Agriculture, IPB University, the use of synthetic insecticides is not necessary to deal with these insects.

“There is no need to use synthetic insecticides to kill millipedes; simply perform sanitation or cleaning, drying, and sealing entry points,” Nadzirum stated in his explanation.

He explained that millipedes play an important role as natural decomposers in ecosystems. These insects consume organic waste such as leaves, branches, and decaying wood, thereby helping to return nutrients to the soil.

However, due to land use changes, the natural habitats of millipedes have been disrupted, causing them to frequently enter residential areas. If they are massively eradicated using synthetic chemicals, this could negatively impact the balance of soil microorganisms and disrupt the natural process of organic matter decomposition.

“The improper use of insecticides can reduce soil biodiversity. Therefore, the management of millipede presence should be done naturally and preventively,” he added.

To get rid of millipedes, simply sweep them up and move them outside the house. If there are many of them, Nadzirum suggests identifying sources of moisture such as floor cracks, leaking water pipes, or piles of organic waste, and then addressing them. (dh) (IAAS/LAN)