Millipedes invade Perth homes

by Luke Williams

May 1, 2008

RAIN and cool weather has stimulated millions of millipedes to invade residential Perth.

Named Black Portuguese Millipedes, the imported insects have been seen across the city, frequently as unwelcome, if harmless, guests in people’s homes.

South Perth resident Kane Blay said the multi-legged creatures were nowhere to be seen seven weeks ago, but suddenly appeared at his front door as WA wettest recorded March drew to an end.

“I’d just killed all the ants from the back yard,” Mr Blay said, “but I came back on Saturday night and they were everywhere.”

Mr Blay said most millipedes collected outside his front door, but many made their way inside and died quickly due to lack of food.

“We’ll sweep out a dozen dead millipedes a week,” Mr Blay said, “but there’s still 15 other ones alive for every dozen dead.”

WA Insect Society president Otto Mueller says the number of millipedes is normal for this time of year, due to generally wet conditions.

“The seasonal rain causes a lot of leaf litter,” Mr Mueller explained. “This makes them come out for food.”

Mr Blay said the number of millipedes around his home was beginning to decrease, and that he did not kill the insects.

“They’re pretty inoffensive and unorganised,” he sympathised, “and they don’t seem to have a very good sense of direction.”

Accidently introduced to Port Lincoln, South Australia, in 1953, Black Portuguese Millipedes have spread across Australia, including Tasmania.

Attracted to light and herbivorous, the insects are harmless to people but capable of destroying seedlings and fruit and vegetable crops. Mr Mueller said only one person was studying the millipedes in Australia.