black centipedes

sal · Posted: Wed Apr 20, 2011 7:58 pm Post subject: black centipedes

hi,i keep finding black centipedes in my raised beds inside my polytunnel as i`m weeding,they are in the earth,are they a problem to my plants?

56K Natas · Posted: Wed Apr 20, 2011 8:28 pm Post subject:

I have loads of these as well their body is more round than flat if you know what I mean.
As far as I know most of our centipedes are good to have around the place but I could be wrong ?
I'll have to get a pic up to be sure...

medieval knievel · Posted: Thu Apr 21, 2011 8:55 am Post subject:

do you mean millipedes?
any centipede i usually see is red.

simonj · Posted: Thu Apr 21, 2011 9:08 am Post subject:

Are millipedes good for the garden ?

Sive · Posted: Thu Apr 21, 2011 10:00 am Post subject:

I once read that anything that moves quickly is beneficial as it is a predator. Whereas something that moves slowly. such as a snail/slug will be less attractive to the gardener, as it will eat vegetation.
I have never really spent any time working out if that is actually true....but in very general terms it may well be !

medieval knievel · Posted: Fri Apr 22, 2011 8:44 am Post subject:

http://www.garden.ie/gardeningtroubles.aspx?id=642

James Kilkelly · Posted: Fri Apr 22, 2011 11:43 am Post subject:

The Centipede poses no noteworthy threat to plants or the gardener.
They just feed on insects, spiders, and most importantly the eggs and larvae of that troublesome pest, the vine weevil..
More here............ Centipede - Lithobius forficatus.

sal · Posted: Fri Apr 22, 2011 6:11 pm Post subject:

yhanks for the replies,it must be millipedes i have,so as they are pests i will let my chickens in the tunnel while i weed,they will soon get rid of them,

kindredspirit · Posted: Fri Apr 22, 2011 8:41 pm Post subject:

Poor little millipedes. Crying or Very sad

You could always buy this T-Shirt. Laughing