Buying Supplies
To deal with the millipedes, we went to Shimachu HOME’S in Yokosuka to buy supplies.
Attaching edge trim (mikiri) to the building foundation and the block wall could help keep millipedes from getting in. However, because it is made of resin, we have concerns about its durability.
It would also need to be fixed to the concrete with screws, which makes the installation work cumbersome.
The price is reasonable. Millipedes cannot climb smooth surfaces such as plastic. However, since the trim is resin, once moss grows on it or dirt builds up, there will be enough friction that they may be able to climb it.
This time, taking advantage of the fact that millipedes dislike lime, we decided to buy slaked lime and spread it around.
Checking the Current Situation
The mass outbreak of millipedes is still going on.
There are many in the bathroom as well. They seem to like the damp environment around the drain.
Many dead millipedes can be seen in the living room.
This is how many of them end up dying.
There was barely anywhere to step, so we gathered the dead millipedes in the LDK (living/dining/kitchen) into one pile.
The outside of the building is covered in dead millipedes, too.
Many live millipedes can be found in the soil.
There is also illegally dumped garbage in the adjacent woodland, which spoils the scenery (we cleaned it up later).
The source of the millipedes is clearly the adjacent woodland. Our property is on the receiving end of the damage.
Taking Action
We spread slaked lime over the areas with exposed soil, using one 20 kg bag.
A Change of Pace
Worn out from the millipede work, we went for a run to Hayama Marina.
The sunset was beautiful.
It would be a lovely environment if it weren’t for the millipedes, but between the millipede problem and the trees encroaching from the neighboring land, it is exhausting both physically and mentally.
We consulted the local government, but did not receive any concrete support. With this many millipedes getting inside, the house is hard to live in.
