Millipedes

Millipedes aren’t the most attractive pests, but they’re usually more of a nuisance than a danger. Understanding these arthropods can help you feel more confident about managing them while also knowing what risks they pose. Bizzy Bee Exterminators has the details you need about millipedes, what they eat, where they live, if they’re harmful, and how to handle them on your Metro Atlanta property.

What Are Millipedes?

Millipedes (Oxidus gracilis) are worm-like arthropods with anywhere from 30 to 90+ pairs of legs, depending on the species. Most are brown or black, though some may display red, orange, or mottled patterns along their cylindrical bodies.

Nocturnal by nature, millipedes scavenge primarily for decaying plant matter but may also eat dead insects if necessary. In the fall, large numbers of millipedes often migrate to moist areas to hibernate.

Millipede Identification

Size & Appearance

• 1/16- 4 ½ inches long
• Black or brown in color; may have red, orange, or mottled markings
• Many sets of legs
• Cylindrical, worm-like bodies
• One set of antennae

Behavior & Habits

• Nocturnal
• Scavengers that feed primarily on decaying plants
• Sometimes eat dead insects
• Migrate in large numbers in the fall
• Prefer moist environments
• Rarely survive indoors for more than a few days

Signs of Infestation

• Millipedes seen indoors
• Millipedes around the exterior of your house
• Damage to plants
• Unpleasant odor

Why Millipedes Are a Problem 

Millipedes don’t bite, spread disease, or damage structures, but they aren’t completely harmless. They secrete a foul-smelling fluid that can be toxic to small pets and may cause mild blisters on human skin. It’s best to avoid handling them or their secretions.

Common Millipede Hiding Spots

Outdoors

• Moist areas
• Under leaf piles
• In decaying vegetation or grass clippings
• Under landscaping elements, in flowerbeds, or mulch

Indoors

• Damp areas like basements, crawl spaces
• Bathrooms and kitchens
• Under clutter

How to Prevent Millipede Infestations

Keeping millipedes off your property is straightforward with some simple steps:

• Keep grass trimmed
• Water plants and the lawn early in the morning to let surfaces dry
• Reduce moisture indoors and around your home
• Seal entry points
• Remove debris such as leaves and grass clippings

How to Eliminate Millipedes

Finding millipedes indoors or outdoors can signal moisture issues and pose risks to pets. Bizzy Bee Exterminators offers a recurring home pest control plan that protects your property from millipedes and other pests all year round.

FAQs About Millipedes

Are millipedes dangerous?

Their excretions can be toxic to small animals and may cause small blisters on humans. Millipedes are not known to spread diseases, and they won’t damage your house.

What attracts millipedes to your house?

Millipedes may get inside in search of shelter or food. Weather events that disrupt their normal habitats can drive them inside. However, because most homes do not have the moisture levels necessary for them to survive, most millipedes will only last a few days indoors.

What do millipedes eat?

Millipedes are scavengers that feed on decaying organic matter. They mostly eat decaying leaves and plants, but will also eat dead insects, wood, and fruit.

Contact Our Local Pros for Pest Control

If you find millipedes around your house, either inside or outside, it’s time to contact Bizzy Bee Exterminators for the best pest control in the area! Our local business has been solving pest problems for Atlanta home and business owners since 1972. You can trust our experienced technicians to get the job done right. Contact us today.