Independent guides — we are not an exterminator. If someone has trouble breathing after a sting, call 911. Safety basics

Spiders & Crawlers · Pest guide

Millipedes control

Harmless but alarming when hundreds migrate indoors after rain.

When to call a pro

Millipedes at a glance

Scientific name
Class Diplopoda
Size
1 to 1.5 inches (25–38 mm)
Appearance
Slow, round, many short legs; curl into a coil
Where found
Mulch, leaf litter, basements and garages after rain
  • Health riskLow
  • Property damageLow
  • Do it yourself?Usually DIY
When millipedes are active Peak: Sep–Oct
  1. Jan Rare
  2. Feb Rare
  3. Mar Low
  4. Apr Active
  5. May Active
  6. Jun Active
  7. Jul Active
  8. Aug Active
  9. Sep Peak (this month)
  10. Oct Peak
  11. Nov Low
  12. Dec Rare

Low Active Peak This month

Signs to look for

  • Dozens crawling into garages or basements after rain
  • Dead coiled millipedes along door thresholds

Call a professional when

  • Mass migrations every year despite habitat changes
How to choose a pest control company

Quick prevention

  • Pull mulch back 12 inches from the foundation
  • Fix gutters and grading that keep soil wet
  • Install door sweeps

Our millipedes guides are being researched. Meanwhile, the profile above covers the signs, the risks and when to call a professional.

Keep millipedes out

  1. Pull mulch back 12 inches from the foundation
  2. Fix gutters and grading that keep soil wet
  3. Install door sweeps

Often confused or found together

All spiders & crawlers
Centipedes Fast house centipedes are a sign of damp and of other insects to eat. Silverfish Moisture-loving insects that eat paper, glue and starch. Ants Trails in the kitchen, mounds in the lawn and carpenter ants in damp wood.
Photo credits

Thank you to Syrio and Nahushraj for sharing these beautiful photographs and helping bring this guide to life.

Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0