- Millipedes are crustacean scavengers that feed on organic residue in the soil.
- Millipedes occasionally cause damage to emerging corn and soybeans.
- Prevent millipede population build-up by managing crop residue, making sure seed slots are closed, and using row cleaners.
Description
Millipedes, sometimes incorrectly called wireworms, are related to centipedes, pill bugs, and other terrestrial crustaceans. They have brownish tubular shaped bodies with two pairs of legs per body segment. Body segments and legs are added as the millipedes mature from nymphs to adults. Size ranges from ¾ to 1-½ inches. (See Images 1 and 2).
Life Cycle
Millipedes have a multiple year life cycle. Millipedes are generally scavengers, feeding on organic materials, such as crop and weed residue. Millipedes are favored by moist soil conditions, heavy weed growth, and high residues. We occasionally get reports of millipedes feeding on germinating soybeans or corn, often in no-till or reduced till scenarios. This usually happens when the seed slit doesn't close or when crop residue gets hair-pinned into the seed slit. Millipedes will feed on any underground portion of the seed or seedling, tunneling in roots and stems and hollowing out seeds.
Management
No thresholds or management guidelines have been established for millipedes in crops, because they are rarely of economic significance. As farming practices gradually move toward higher soil residues and weather patterns result in more consistently wet spring conditions, the millipede problem could become more commonplace. Some soil-applied insecticides may provide control of millipedes, but the product labels typically do not list these pests as controlled insects. No rescue insecticides are available. Monitor populations and modify crop residue levels through selective tillage, use of row cleaners, and similar practices. Avoid hair-pinning crop residue in the seed slit and be certain that the seed slit closes properly.
Contact your FS Crop Specialist for your agronomic information.