Millipedes
Narceus americanus
Millipedes are long, worm-like bugs with many legs. They move slowly and like damp places with rotting leaves and mulch.
Millipedes Identification Guide
Physical Characteristics
Millipedes have long, round bodies with two pairs of legs on each body section. They range from dark brown to black and may have lighter stripes. Unlike centipedes, millipedes move slowly. Their many legs move in a wave-like pattern. When scared, they curl into a tight ball to protect themselves.
Common Species
-
Narceus americanus (North American Millipede)
-
Oxidus gracilis (Greenhouse Millipede)
-
Spirobolida spp. (Common Garden Millipedes)
Millipedes Behavior and Biology
Millipedes eat dead leaves, fungi, and rotting plant matter. They live in damp places like leaf piles, mulch beds, and under rocks or logs. During wet weather, large groups may move around and enter homes through cracks in the foundation or basement. Millipedes do not bite or sting. However, they can give off a bad-smelling liquid when scared.
How We Treat for Millipedes
Inspection and Identification
Our team inspects your home, focusing on damp areas like basements, crawl spaces, and landscaping. We look for entry points such as gaps in the foundation, door thresholds, and cracks.
Treatment Application
-
Interior Treatment: We apply insecticide along baseboards and other areas where millipedes are active. This stops them from spreading indoors.
-
Exterior Perimeter Treatment: For ongoing issues, we apply a granular product around your foundation and mulch beds. This targets millipedes at the source.
-
Moisture Control Tips: We share tips on reducing moisture, which attracts millipedes. This may include fixing drainage, adjusting sprinklers, or clearing away rotting leaves and debris.
References
Types of Millipedes
Click on any species below to learn more about identification, behavior, and control methods.
Appalachian Mimic Millipedes
Brachoria spp.
Appalachian mimic millipedes are colorful, flat-backed millipedes found in the Appalachian Mountains. They display striking yellow, orange, red, or violet patterns on a black body and produce cyanide as a defense.
View identification guide
Black and Gold Flat Millipede
Apheloria virginiensis
The black and gold flat millipede is a striking flat-backed millipede native to eastern North America. Known for its bold yellow and black bands, it lives in forests and occasionally wanders into homes during wet weather.
View identification guide
Blunt-tailed Snake Millipede
Cylindroiulus punctatus
The blunt-tailed snake millipede came from Europe and now lives in North America. These round millipedes are often found in woodlands and gardens.
View identification guide
Bristly Millipedes
Polyxenus lagurus
Bristly millipedes are tiny bugs with soft bodies covered in tufts of bristles. They feed on algae and lichens and are often found on tree bark, walls, and stone surfaces.
View identification guide
Cherry Millipedes
Xystodesmidae
Cherry millipedes are colorful, slow-moving arthropods found in eastern North American forests. They are named for the sweet, almond-like scent they produce as a chemical defense.
View identification guide
Flat-Backed Millipedes
Polydesmida
Flat-backed millipedes are slow-moving bugs with flat, ribbed body segments. They live in damp places and sometimes come inside during heavy rain or dry spells.
View identification guide
Garden Millipede
Oxidus gracilis
Garden millipedes, also known as greenhouse millipedes, are small dark-colored arthropods that thrive in moist environments and often invade homes during wet weather or drought conditions.
View identification guide
Greenhouse Millipedes
Oxidus gracilis
Greenhouse millipedes are small, dark bugs found in damp places like greenhouses, gardens, and mulch. They come into homes when it gets too wet or too dry outside.
View identification guide
House Millipedes
Oxidus gracilis
House millipedes are small, dark-colored arthropods that commonly invade homes seeking moisture. They are harmless to people but can appear in large numbers during wet weather or drought conditions.
View identification guide
North American Millipedes
Narceus americanus
North American millipedes are large, slow-moving bugs with round bodies and many legs. They live in damp places and sometimes enter homes when it gets too wet or dry outside.
View identification guide
Yellow Banded Millipede
Anadenobolus monilicornis
The yellow banded millipede, also called the bumblebee millipede, is a tropical species with striking black and yellow bands. Native to the Caribbean, it has become established in Florida and the southeastern United States.
View identification guide
Yellow Spotted Millipede
Harpaphe haydeniana
The yellow spotted millipede is a flat-backed millipede found in Pacific Northwest forests. It has a black body with bright yellow spots and releases cyanide gas when scared.
View identification guideCommon Questions about Millipedes
Are millipedes harmful to humans?
+
No, millipedes do not bite or sting. They can release a fluid that may cause mild skin irritation if you handle them.
Why are millipedes coming into my home?
+
Millipedes come inside when it gets too wet or dry outside. They look for moisture and shelter. They often get in through gaps in the foundation, doors, and basement cracks.
What can I do to prevent millipedes from getting inside?
+
Seal cracks and gaps around your home. Reduce moisture near the foundation. Clear away leaf litter and mulch from the base of your home.
How long does treatment last?
+
We offer tri-annual service (three times per year) to keep millipedes away. If they come back between visits, we will return at no extra cost.
Will millipedes die on their own indoors?
+
Yes, millipedes need moisture to live. In dry indoor conditions, they often die within a few days.
What if I see millipedes after treatment?
+
It is normal to see some after treatment. They are moving out of treated areas. Their numbers will drop over time. If you keep seeing them, we will treat again.
More Resources About Millipedes
Explore our guides and articles for more information about millipedes.
- ›Silverfish in Bathroom: Identification, Damage & Prevention
- ›Clover Mites in House: Complete Removal and Prevention Guide
- ›What Causes Silverfish? Tips to Get Rid of Bathroom Invaders
- ›Centipede vs Silverfish: How to Tell Them Apart & Treat Them
- ›What Attracts Clover Mites to DC Homes: Causes Explained
- ›Are Millipedes Poisonous? What DC Area Homeowners Need to Know
- ›Do Millipedes Bite? What Actually Happens When You Touch One
Explore Other Pest Categories
Browse our comprehensive pest library for identification guides and control information.
With five years of hands-on experience in the pest control industry, George Schulz is a registered technician with the Virginia Pest Management Association and a proud third-generation professional in a family business that's been protecting homes for over 57 years.
Find Local Millipede Control Services
We provide professional millipedes control throughout Virginia, Maryland, and the DC Metro area.