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Identify garden pest #869447

Asked May 21, 2024, 12:34 PM EDT

After winter I have found hundreds of these bugs in my raised garden beds. My veggies grown last year (first year for these beds) did exceptionally well with minor pests. My beds were filled with a base of tree & shrub trimmings & topped with organic soil. Can you please help identify these? My best guess from research is symphylans but I’m not positive.

Livingston County Michigan

Expert Response

Hi Larissa, thanks for the question.

Looks like millipedes, symphylans can look similar, but these seem to have two pair of legs per segment. Moisture and partially decaying debris are an invitation. Rain and poor drainage can drive them to the surface.  In most cases, unless their environment becomes dry, they will leave your plants alone.  Symphylans are more likely to damage plants. You can physically remove them (wear gloves) or try some diatomaceous earth to dry them out. Check out the following link:

Centipedes and Millipedes Management Guidelines--UC IPM (ucanr.edu) 

I hope this is helpful.


An Ask Extension Expert Replied May 22, 2024, 9:29 AM EDT

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