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All About Millipedes

Millipedes: The Moisture-Loving Crawlers
Millipede

Quick Facts about Millipedes

Scientific Class
Diplopoda
Number of Known Species
Over 12,000
Common Habitat
Moist, decaying environments

Millipedes Identification Guide

Physical Characteristics

Millipedes are elongated, cylindrical arthropods with two pairs of legs per body segment. Their coloration ranges from dark brown to black, sometimes featuring lighter stripes or patterns. Unlike centipedes, they move slowly, using their numerous legs in a coordinated, wave-like motion. When disturbed, millipedes curl into a tight spiral as a defense mechanism.

Common Species

  • Narceus americanus (North American Millipede)
  • Oxidus gracilis (Greenhouse Millipede)
  • Spirobolida spp. (Common Garden Millipedes)

Millipedes Behavior and Biology

Millipedes are detritivores, meaning they feed on decaying plant matter, fungi, and other organic material. They thrive in moist environments like leaf litter, mulch beds, and under rocks or logs. During wet seasons, millipedes may migrate in large numbers, sometimes entering homes through foundation gaps and basement cracks. Unlike centipedes, they do not bite or sting but can release a foul-smelling liquid when threatened.

How We Treat for Millipedes

Inspection and Identification

Our service professionals conduct a thorough inspection of your home, focusing on damp areas like basements, crawl spaces, and exterior landscaping. Entry points such as foundation gaps, door thresholds, and cracks are identified.

Treatment Application

  • Interior Treatment: A repellent insecticide is applied along baseboards and other high-activity areas to prevent millipedes from spreading indoors.
  • Exterior Perimeter Treatment: If millipedes are an ongoing issue, a granular insecticide is applied around the home’s foundation and mulch beds to target them at the source.
  • Moisture Control Recommendations: Our technicians provide guidance on reducing excess moisture—one of the main attractants for millipedes. This may include improving drainage, adjusting irrigation, or removing excessive organic debris.

Common Questions about Millipedes

Are millipedes harmful to humans?

No, millipedes do not bite or sting. However, they can secrete a defensive fluid that may cause mild skin irritation in some individuals.

Why are millipedes coming into my home?

Millipedes migrate indoors when outdoor conditions become too wet or dry. They seek moisture and shelter, often entering through foundation gaps, doors, and basement cracks.

What can I do to prevent millipedes from getting inside?

Sealing entry points, reducing moisture around the home, and clearing out leaf litter or mulch from the foundation can help minimize millipede activity.

How long does treatment last?

Our treatment is designed to provide long-term prevention. Quarterly service ensures that millipedes and other pests stay under control. If millipedes return between treatments, our Free Unlimited Callbacks policy means we’ll come back at no extra cost.

Will millipedes die on their own indoors?

Yes, millipedes require high moisture to survive. When trapped indoors in dry conditions, they often die within a few days.

What if I see millipedes after treatment?

It is normal to see some activity immediately after treatment as millipedes move out of treated areas. However, their numbers will decrease significantly over time. If you continue to see them, we will retreat as needed.

Find Local Millipede Control Services

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