A special group of experts is meeting this week to find ways to deal with a large number of Portuguese millipedes invading homes in Wellington’s southern suburbs. Residents have reported seeing hundreds of the creepy-crawly insects in their houses and on the streets this autumn.
The millipedes, which are shiny and black, often appear in large groups during the cooler months. Locals have found them in shoes, bags, and even beds. While some areas are seeing fewer millipedes now, scientists say they are hiding in the soil most of the year, feeding on old plant material.
Wellington City Councillor Nureddin Abdurahman called for quick action, and now a Technical Advisory Group, which includes scientists and government officials, has been formed to find answers.
One possible solution includes using a tiny parasitic worm, called a nematode, that enters the millipede’s body and kills it from the inside. While this might sound like a science-fiction story, it’s a natural way to control pests. Experts say the method is safe for people and animals like frogs and birds, but it may affect other garden insects.
Professor Phil Lester, an insect expert, says the millipedes have been in New Zealand for about 20 years and could spread more if nothing is done. He hopes this week’s meeting will help set up better ways to control them and support worried homeowners.
