Removing moisture sources and excess mulches will prevent rapid buildup of these pests. Picking berries before they become overripe will reduce damage to fruit. Sowbugs and pillbugs sometimes enter homes in the fall. While they cause no damage in the home, their presence is resented by most home owners. Refer to NebGuide G77-342 for information on control of sowbugs and pillbugs as household pests.
Most body segments have two pairs of legs.
The total number of segments varies according to age and species. Millipedes overwinter as adults and immatures in debris and sheltered areas. In the spring, adult females deposit up to 300 eggs in the soil and these hatch in about 3 weeks. Young resemble adults but are smaller, have fewer segments, and only three pairs of legs. As they grow they shed their skins several times, with additional segments and legs added at each molt.