Millipedes are black, grey, brown or creamy-white insect-like animals that feed below or at soil level. They have two pairs of legs on each segment, unlike beneficial centipedes, which only have one pair. Millipedes feed on decaying or soft vegetation, such as young seedlings, strawberry fruits and potato tubers; however, the damage caused is rarely serious.

Control

Millipedes are encouraged by soils that have a high organic content, and may be controlled by good garden hygiene and thorough soil cultivation. Use inorganic fertilizers rather than organic ones, especially around affected plants.