Millipede Infestation? Here’s How to Get Rid of Them for Good

Millipedes are generally harmless, but when they start invading your home in large numbers, they become a nuisance. These moisture-loving arthropods prefer dark, damp environments and often appear in basements, crawl spaces, and gardens. Understanding why millipedes enter homes and how to prevent them will help you maintain a pest-free space.

What Are Millipedes?

Millipedes belong to the class Diplopoda and are often mistaken for centipedes, but they have key differences. Unlike centipedes, which are fast and venomous, millipedes move slowly and do not bite. The most common species found near homes include:

✔ Common Millipede (Narceus americanus) – Dark brown or black, these millipedes curl up when disturbed.
✔ Greenhouse Millipede (Oxidus gracilis) – Smaller, light brown millipedes often found in potted plants.
✔ Bristly Millipede (Polyxenus spp.) – Tiny, hairy millipedes that prefer damp areas with decaying organic matter.

Why Do Millipedes Invade Homes?

Millipedes primarily live outdoors, but they sometimes migrate indoors due to:

✔ Excess Moisture: They thrive in damp environments and enter homes after heavy rain.
✔ Shelter from Extreme Weather: Drought or cold temperatures may drive them indoors.
✔ Food Sources: Decaying leaves, mulch, and organic debris attract them.

Are Millipedes Dangerous?

Millipedes do not pose serious threats to humans, but they can cause minor issues, including:

✔ Unpleasant Odor: When disturbed, some millipedes release a defensive fluid with a strong smell.
✔ Garden Damage: Large populations may feed on young plants and seedlings.
✔ Indoor Nuisance: They tend to invade in large numbers, especially in humid conditions.

How to Get Rid of Millipedes

If you’re dealing with a millipede invasion, take these steps to eliminate them:

Step 1: Remove Moisture & Shelter

✔ Use a dehumidifier: Reduce indoor humidity, especially in basements and crawl spaces.
✔ Fix leaks: Repair any dripping pipes, faucets, or roof leaks.
✔ Improve ventilation: Ensure good airflow in damp areas to prevent moisture buildup.

Step 2: Eliminate Outdoor Attractants

✔ Remove mulch & leaf piles: Keep garden beds tidy and free from excessive organic debris.
✔ Store firewood away from the home: Stack firewood at least 20 feet away from your foundation.
✔ Trim vegetation: Reduce overgrown plants near entry points to eliminate hiding spots.

Step 3: Seal Entry Points

✔ Inspect doors and windows: Install weather stripping and door sweeps to block gaps.
✔ Seal cracks and crevices: Use caulk to fill cracks in walls, foundations, and basement windows.
✔ Check vents and drains: Ensure proper screening to prevent millipedes from crawling in.

Step 4: Use Millipede Control Methods

✔ Sweep or vacuum: Physically remove millipedes from your home when they appear.
✔ Diatomaceous earth: A natural, non-toxic powder that dehydrates and kills millipedes on contact.
✔ Insecticide barrier treatments: Apply outdoor perimeter sprays around your home’s foundation.

Preventing Future Millipede Infestations

Once you’ve eliminated millipedes, follow these steps to keep them from coming back:

✔ Reduce humidity in and around your home.
✔ Keep landscaping tidy to eliminate hiding spots.
✔ Seal cracks and gaps to prevent entry.
✔ Monitor for millipede activity, especially after heavy rains.

Need Professional Help?

If millipedes continue to be a problem, Mosquito Hunters offers expert pest control solutions to keep them away for good. Our treatments target problem areas and help prevent future infestations.

✔ Fast & Effective Millipede Control
✔ 100% Satisfaction Guarantee

Say goodbye to millipedes—contact Mosquito Hunters today for a free