Millipedes In Compost

Members of the Myriapoda class -- meaning many legs -- millipedes are arthropods with segmented bodies and anywhere between 100 and 400 legs. Millipedes live all over the world. People sometimes keep the "giant" tropical variety of the bug -- which is generally the size of the average person's hand -- as a pet. Many gardeners may have noticed or purposely placed these critters into their compost. Pet owners and others who come across millipedes should use caution as some varieties can excrete a toxic liquid capable of burning the skin or causing a rash.

  1. Raising Millipedes in Compost as Pets

    • Pet owners typically house their millipedes in fish tanks, around 18 inches long and 12 inches wide. It is important that the tank is large enough for the millipede to stretch its body -- at least twice as long as the millipede. Line the bottom of the tank with around 4 to 5 inches of compost. You can make the compost by mixing 70 percent sphagnum peat and 30 percent medium-grade orchid bark. Many gardening supply stores and nurseries carry these materials. The compost needs to be damp, but not wet, at all times. You can keep it damp by spraying the compost with water on a regular basis. Millipedes need a warm climate; if you choose to heat your tank, remember that the compost closest to the heating device will dry out much faster than the rest of the tank. You can line the lid with a plastic bag and poke holes in the bag to trap humidity in the tank. Since millipedes eat the compost in the tank, you will need to change it out regularly.

    Reasons to Use Millipedes in your Compost

    • Millipedes are an organic method of caring for your soil. They perform many functions, such as soil turnover, aeration, conversion of nitrogen and phosphorus and incorporation of organic matter into the soil. Because the millipede is able to till and mix the soil, while drawing litter pieces deeper into the soil and bringing organic matter up to the top soil, they create a moder type of humus. Millipedes can only thrive in warm, damp climates and soil that is covered with organic matter and shade. They will not be successful with grasslands or plains.

    Preparing Compost for Millipedes

    • Keep the compost pile in a shaded area, preferably under a tree that will release many leaves and other organic matter. Check the compost pile regularly to ensure it is adequately moist. If it seems dry, you can spray the pile with water. Avoid making puddles or overwatering the pile, as your millipedes may fall in them and die. Litter the pile with organic materials, like raked-up leaves, rotting food and pulled-up weeds to provide the millipedes with plenty of nutrients.

    Other Care Tips

    • You can sprinkle the millipede's soil with fish food or rabbit pellets to ensure your pet is getting all the vitamins and minerals it needs. You may also add cuttlefish bones to the soil; these bones are an important source of calcium for the bug. Millipedes can drink from wet cotton balls placed throughout the cage.