Millipedes are becoming an increasingly common problem for homeowners, especially in regions with high humidity and abundant moisture.
Millipedes are attracted to dark, damp, and moist environments, particularly areas with abundant organic matter and shelter.
These multi-legged arthropods can quickly transform from beneficial decomposers in your garden into unwelcome intruders in your home.
This comprehensive guide will teach you everything you need to know about millipede identification, prevention, and effective control methods to keep your home millipede-free.
Garden millipedes are elongated arthropods with distinctive segmented bodies that make them easy to identify once you know what to look for.
Each body segment of a millipede contains two pairs of legs, which distinguishes them from centipedes that have only one pair of legs per segment. This key difference is crucial for proper identification and treatment planning.
Most common species of millipedes measure between 1 and 4 inches in length and display brown or black coloration.
Their bodies are cylindrical and divided into numerous segments, with mature millipedes potentially having up to 750 legs.
When disturbed, millipedes exhibit a characteristic defensive behavior - they curl into a tight spiral to protect their vulnerable undersides.
Millipedes are nocturnal creatures that prefer to remain hidden during daylight hours. They move slowly and deliberately through their habitat, unlike their faster centipede cousins. These arthropods are detritivores, meaning they feed primarily on decaying organic matter such as fallen leaves, rotting wood, and decomposing plant material.
A water-damaged or moist crawl space can attract millipedes.
Understanding why millipedes thrive in certain conditions is essential for effective millipede control. These arthropods are highly dependent on moisture and cannot survive in dry environments for extended periods.
Excess moisture around your home's foundation creates ideal conditions for millipede populations.
Common moisture sources include:
Leaking air conditioning units and condensation buildup
Poorly maintained flower beds with standing water
Dense accumulations of grass clippings and yard debris
Areas with inadequate drainage near foundations
Crawl spaces with high humidity levels
Millipedes seek out protected hiding places during daylight hours.
Popular locations include:
Under stones, rocks, logs, and landscape timbers
Within mulch layers and compost piles
Behind sliding glass doors and door thresholds
Around utility openings and expansion joints
In dense thatch layers of overgrown lawns
Millipedes enter homes through various access points, particularly during heavy rains or drought conditions when they seek more suitable environments.
Once inside, their crawling across floors and carpets can become a significant nuisance, especially as they move throughout indoor spaces in search of moisture.
Cracks and gaps in the foundation wall
Spaces around utility openings where pipes and cables enter
Worn weather stripping around doors and windows
Expansion joints in concrete foundations
Gaps beneath sliding glass doors
Ventilation openings in crawl spaces
Areas around sump pumps and basement drains
Millipede invasions typically occur during spring and fall when outdoor conditions drive them to seek shelter. After heavy rains, millipedes may migrate in large numbers from waterlogged soil into drier areas, including your home.
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Diatomaceous earth is one of the most effective natural methods for millipede control. This powdery substance works by damaging the exoskeletons of millipedes, causing them to dehydrate and die.
Application Methods:
Sprinkle around room perimeters and entry points
Apply to crawl spaces and basement areas
Dust around potted plants and flower beds
Create barriers along foundation walls
Safety Note: Always wear a dust mask when applying diatomaceous earth to avoid respiratory irritation.
For immediate results, physical removal remains highly effective:
Use a vacuum cleaner to collect live millipedes - dispose of the bag immediately in a plastic bag
Sweep millipedes with a broom and dustpan into soapy water
Avoid crushing millipedes, as they may emit a foul odor
When natural methods prove insufficient, consider these chemical approaches:
Insecticidal soap applications around entry points
Perimeter treatments with approved insecticides
Dust applications in wall voids and crawl spaces
The most effective long-term strategy involves creating conditions that millipedes cannot tolerate.
Repair leaking air conditioning units and plumbing fixtures
Improve ventilation in crawl spaces and basements
Install sump pumps in chronically wet areas
Redirect water away from foundations with proper grading
Remove grass clippings and leaf debris from around foundations
Eliminate dense thatch layers through regular lawn maintenance
Keep mulch at least 6 inches away from foundation walls
Trim vegetation that touches exterior walls
Seal cracks in foundations and expansion joints
Install proper weather stripping around door thresholds
Screen utility openings and ventilation points
Repair damaged screens and door seals
Potted plants can harbor millipedes and their eggs.
To prevent infestations:
Inspect soil before bringing plants indoors
Use well-draining potting mixes
Avoid overwatering to prevent excess moisture
Apply diatomaceous earth to the soil surface as a preventive measure
These areas are particularly vulnerable to millipede invasions:
Install dehumidifiers to maintain low humidity
Seal utility openings and expansion joints
Improve ventilation with fans or vents
Regular inspection and maintenance of sump pumps
Yes, millipedes are beneficial in outdoor environments where they help decompose organic matter and improve soil health. They break down dead plants, leaves, and other debris, returning nutrients to the ecosystem.
Millipedes do not bite or transmit diseases
They are generally harmless to humans and pets
Some species may cause mild skin irritation when handled
Unlike many other pests, millipedes don't damage structures or food
Consider professional intervention when:
DIY methods fail to control large numbers of millipedes
Infestations recur despite preventive measures
Structural modifications are needed to eliminate entry points
Millipede problems persist across multiple seasons
Professional pest control services can provide:
Comprehensive property inspections
Targeted treatment applications
Long-term prevention strategies
Structural modification recommendations
Clean gutters and improve drainage
Remove accumulated mulch and debris
Inspect and seal cracks in foundations
Begin monitoring for early millipede activity
Maintain proper lawn care to prevent dense thatch layers
Monitor air conditioning units for excess drainage
Keep flower beds properly watered but not saturated
Regular vacuum cleaner maintenance, if treating active infestations
Clear grass clippings and fallen leaves
Inspect door thresholds and weather stripping
Prepare crawl spaces for winter with proper ventilation
Stock up on diatomaceous earth for preventive applications
Check basement areas for millipede activity
Monitor humidity levels in crawl spaces
Inspect potted plants brought indoors
Plan spring prevention strategies
Successfully controlling millipedes requires a comprehensive approach combining immediate treatment with long-term prevention. By understanding what attracts these pests to your property and implementing proper moisture control, structural maintenance, and targeted treatments, you can keep your house and garden free from unwanted millipede invasions.
Remember that millipedes are generally beneficial creatures in outdoor environments. The goal is not to eliminate them entirely from your yard, but rather to prevent them from entering your home and becoming a nuisance.
With consistent application of the strategies outlined in this guide, you can maintain a comfortable, millipede-free living environment while allowing these beneficial decomposers to continue their important work in your garden ecosystem.
Regular maintenance, proper moisture control, and vigilant monitoring are your best defenses against millipede invasions. By following these proven methods, you can enjoy a pest-free home regardless of the season or weather conditions that typically drive millipedes to seek indoor shelter.
Find answers to all your millipede control questions.
Millipedes are elongated arthropods characterized by their segmented bodies with two pairs of legs per body segment.
While they're beneficial decomposers in garden settings, they become problematic when they invade homes in large numbers, particularly after heavy rains or when seeking moisture.
Although millipedes are harmless and don't bite or transmit diseases, their presence indoors can be unsettling, and some species release a foul odor when disturbed or crushed.
Garden millipedes and other common species typically measure 1-4 inches in length with brown or black coloration. The key identifying feature is their body segments, each containing two pairs of legs, which distinguishes them from centipedes that have one pair of legs per segment.
When disturbed, millipedes curl into a defensive spiral and move slowly across surfaces. They're most active at night and are often found in damp areas like basements, crawl spaces, or near potted plants.
Millipedes thrive in environments with excess moisture and abundant organic matter.
Key attractants include leaking air conditioning units, poorly draining flower beds, accumulated grass clippings and mulch, dense thatch layers in your lawn, and damp soil near your foundation wall.
Heavy rains often drive millipedes from saturated ground into homes through sliding glass doors, expansion joints, utility openings, and cracks in foundations.
Effective millipede control combines several approaches. Diatomaceous earth is highly effective for natural control - sprinkle it around entry points, in crawl spaces, and near potted plants.
For immediate removal, use a vacuum cleaner and dispose of collected millipedes in a sealed plastic bag to avoid foul odor. Insecticidal soap and targeted insecticides provide chemical control options.
Most importantly, eliminate moisture sources, remove leaves and debris, and seal cracks around door thresholds, utility openings, and the foundation wall.
Millipedes are generally harmless to humans, pets, and plants. Unlike many other pests, they don't bite, transmit diseases, or damage structures.
They don't feed on living plants, flowers, or roots - instead, they consume decaying organic matter, making them beneficial decomposers in garden and yard environments.
Some species may cause minor skin irritation if handled, and crushing them can produce a foul odor, but they pose no serious health risks.
Creating a dry environment is the most effective prevention strategy. Seal cracks in your foundation wall and expansion joints, install weather stripping on door thresholds and sliding glass doors, and screen utility openings.
Address moisture issues by repairing leaking air conditioning units and sump pumps, improving ventilation in crawl spaces and basements, and ensuring proper drainage away from your house.
Maintain your lawn to eliminate dense thatch layers, keep mulch and grass clippings away from foundations, and remove leaves regularly from flower beds.
Consider professional help when DIY methods fail to control large numbers of millipedes, when infestations recur despite implementing prevention measures, or when millipede problems persist across multiple seasons.
Professionals can identify entry points around crawl spaces, utility openings, and expansion joints that you might miss, provide targeted treatments using professional-grade pesticides or insecticides, and recommend structural modifications to create conditions where millipedes cannot survive.
When using pesticides or insecticides for millipede control, always follow product label instructions carefully. Diatomaceous earth and insecticidal soap are safer alternatives to chemical pesticides, particularly around pets, children, and plants.
Apply treatments in targeted areas like crawl spaces, along foundation walls, and around entry points rather than broadcasting across your entire yard. Many millipede treatments work best when combined with moisture control and exclusion methods rather than relying solely on chemicals to kill pests.
The easiest way to distinguish these bugs is by counting leg pairs per body segment: millipedes have two pairs of legs per segment, while centipedes have one pair.
Centipedes are predatory insects that move quickly and can bite, whereas millipedes are slow-moving decomposers that crawl deliberately and are harmless.
Centipedes are actually beneficial for controlling other pests, while millipedes focus on breaking down dead plant material and organic matter in soil.
Millipedes struggle to survive indoors long-term because homes typically lack sufficient moisture and food sources.
However, they can persist in damp areas like basements, crawl spaces, and around potted plants with moist soil. Common hiding places include dark corners, beneath containers, near sump pumps, around leaking air conditioning units, and in areas with poor ventilation.
Without access to decaying organic matter and adequate moisture, most millipedes that enter homes will eventually die, though they may survive for weeks in humid conditions.
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