How to Handle Millipedes in House

Published on May 3, 2025 by Stella
Featured

Introduction

Finding millipedes in house can be an extremely scary situation for many homeowners. These creatures commonly get into basements, restrooms, and crawlspaces, after heavy rain. While their presence may bring even a jolt of fear, awareness about millipedes in the house. The necessary measures to control them can help you live in your home being very comfortable and completely pest-free.

What Are Millipedes?- Know about Millipedes in House

Millipedes-In-House

Not insect but arthropods, millipedes in house are close relatives of centipedes. Their bodies are round and made of numerous segments, with two pairs of legs each. Therefore, another name for them is the “hundred-leggers”. Millipedes are dark brown or black in color and are 1/16 of an inch to more than 4 inches long. They have the ability to move like a wave.

What Environments Do Millipedes Prefer?

It is possible that your finding of millipedes indoors is due to the fact that your house or garden is creating the right environment for them. Here is what makes millipedes come indoors:

  • Moisture: Millipedes in house love to be around moisture the most. They must have the humidity for the existence of the newt, thus damp places like basements, washing rooms, bathrooms, and crawl spaces are the most suitable for them.
  • Decaying Organic Matter: Not only are millipedes decomposers, but they also attract dead leaves, mulch, compost, and other partly decayed plant materials from both inside and outside your home.
  • Shelter: The tall grass, heaps of leaves, mulch, and rocks bordering your house are good places for millipedes to hide and to stay cool and moist.
  • Weather Changes: Heavy rain, drought, or cold temperatures can drive millipedes indoors in search of more suitable environment.

Do Millipede Bite?

Millipedes-In-House

A question asked by people is, “Do millipede bite?” The answer is actually that millipede do bite, but there is nothing to worry about. The fact is that centipedes come with a pair of legs that are capable of injecting venom. Whereas millipedes do not have such an adaptation and are not poisonous.

However, if they feel threatened, they can initiate a mechanism that will release a production of an offensive fluid. This will have a sharp smell but may also cause skin irritation or discoloration to people with sensitive skin. Washing your hands remains essential after millipede contact because their liquid substance is non-hazardous yet skin reactions may occur. The news about millipede bites may seem concerning but these creatures pose no threat to humans or animals. The real issue with millipedes in house is their nuisance factor, not any health threat.

Conclusion: Millipedes in House

Millipedes in a house is a very common issue that occurs mostly in places where there is dampness, darkness, or changes from the weather.

Even though their site may be a bit scary, they are not a health threat, and millipede bite is no longer a concern to you. In any case, these harmless beings are just after the water and shelter they need. You can maintain their presence at a low level by eliminating standing water, clearing away rotting organic matter, and sealing the entry points. If the problem is persistent, you can opt for professional pest control that will make your home full of comfort. Always remember that while millipedes in house can be a pest, they are not life-threatening.