Introduction
Millipedes are common occasional pests that sometimes invade buildings particularly when the weather turns hot and dry. While millipedes sometimes enter in large numbers, they do not bite, sting, or transmit diseases, nor do they infest food, clothing or dry, structurally sound wood. Millipedes vary in both color and size. The most common species that invades buildings is the" garden millipede," which is brownish-black in color and about one inch long (Figure 1). Although millipedes are often called "thousandleggers," they actually have far fewer legs, but each body segment has two pairs of very short legs. When disturbed, millipedes often curl up into a "C" shape and remain motionless. They crawl slowly and protect themselves by secreting cyanide-like compound that has an unpleasant odor. Some people confuse millipedes with centipedes, which look somewhat similar. Centipedes have only one pair of legs per body segment (Figure 2) and the legs are usually longer than those on millipedes. Centipedes also tend to move about more quickly than millipedes.
Figure 1. Garden millipede on house siding.
M. Waldvogel - NC State Entomology & Plant Pathology
Figure 2. Centipedes have one pair of legs per body segment. Millipedes have two pairs of legs per segment.
Matt Bertone - NC State Entomology & Plant Pathology
Life Cycle and Habits
Millipedes pass the winter primarily as adults and lay their eggs in moist organic material in the spring. Individuals may live for several years. Millipedes are attracted to dark, cool, moist environments that are rich in organic matter such as compost piles, heavily mulched shrub or flower beds (Figure 3), rotting logs, or the soil under logs and stones. They usually go unnoticed because they live in these relatively hidden habitats. Millipedes are scavengers, feeding primarily on decomposing vegetation, but occasionally they will damage soft-stemmed plants in gardens. Major nuisance problems usually occur when the conditions become too hot and dry and the millipedes move in search of moisture. Large numbers of them may congregate in wet areas such as around in-ground swimming pools where they may crawl (and fall) into the water (Figure 4). Extremely wet conditions where soils become water-saturated will also force them to the surface and higher ground where they often end up on concrete slabs, foundations and siding. Millipedes may also migrate in the fall, presumably in search of overwintering sites. All of these activities result in millipedes invading crawl spaces, basements and other areas of buildings. Common points of entry include door thresholds (especially at the base of sliding glass doors, garage doors), expansion joints, and through the voids of concrete block walls (Figure 5). Frequent indoor sightings of these pests usually means that there are large numbers breeding outdoors in the lawn, or beneath mulch, leaf litter or debris close to the foundation. Millipedes do not survive indoors for more than a few days (more likely just a few hours) unless they can find suitable moist conditions.
Figure 3. Moist-wet mulched garden beds are attractive breeding grounds for millipedes. Mulch and thick vegetation touching the foundation and/or covering siding allow millipedes easy access to the house and can make chemical treatment difficult.
M. Waldvogel - NC State Entomology & Plant Pathology
Figure 4. Dead millipedes floating in swimming pool.
M. Waldvogel - NC State Entomology & Plant Pathology
Figure 5. Millipedes at a door threshold.
M. Waldvogel - NC State Entomology & Plant Pathology
Management
Pesticides are typically a short-term solution to a long-term problem. Emphasis should be placed first on reducing conditions and access points favorable to millipede invasions.
Minimize moisture, remove debris - The most effective, long-term measure for reducing entry of millipedes (and many other pests) is to reduce excess moisture and hiding places, especially near the foundation.
- Remove leaves, grass clippings, heavy accumulations of mulch, wooden boards, stones, boxes, and similar items laying on the ground beside the foundation. This does not mean you can't have mulch around the foundation; simply keep it 6-12 inches away from the wall. Use inorganic mulches such as gravel which will drain better (Figure 6).
- Prevent water from accumulating near the foundation, in basement walls or in the crawl space. Keep gutters and downspouts free of debris and use either splash guards or perforated pipe to reduce puddling. Homes with poor drainage may need to have foundation drains installed, or the surrounding ground contoured or sloped to redirect surface water away from the foundation.
- Repair leaking exterior water spigots and prevent water from puddling where there are drip lines from air conditioning units. Reduce the humidity in crawl spaces and basements by providing adequate ventilation, sump pumps, polyethylene soil covers, dehumidifiers, etc.
- Since millipedes thrive in the moist, dense thatch layer of poorly maintained turf, de-thatching the lawn and keeping the grass mowed close should make the lawn less suitable for millipedes. Over-watering may also contribute to millipede problems.
Seal pest entry points - Seal cracks and openings in the outside foundation wall (Figure 7), and around the sills of doors and basement windows. Install door sweeps on all exterior entry doors, and apply caulk along the bottom outside edge and sides of door thresholds. Seal expansion joints where outdoor patios, sunrooms, and sidewalks abut the foundation. Expansion joints and gaps should also be sealed along the bottom of basement walls on the interior to reduce entry of pests and moisture from outdoors.
Chemical control
Application of insecticides along baseboards and other interior living areas of the home do not really stop millipede invasions. Once indoors, millipedes end up in kitchens, living rooms, etc. and soon die from a lack of moisture. Remove them with a vacuum cleaner or broom. Applications of insecticide outdoors may help to reduce inward invasion of these and other pests. Treat along entryways, around crawl space doors, foundation vents and utility openings, and up underneath siding. Insecticides applied along the interior foundation walls of damp crawl spaces and unfinished basements may help temporarily. However, correcting such moisture problem is far more important in preventing millipede and other problems. Dust formulations may work well in some areas, but they will wash away easily during heavy rains and should not be used in areas where children and pets will come into contact with the chemical (Figure 8). Perimeter sprays (Figure 9) may also help but are rarely 100% effective in stopping the millipedes. The key to successful chemical control is spray volume, i.e., that amount of diluted chemical that you apply over an area. The spray must penetrate the soil, not simply lightly coat the surface. The best means of application for homeowners is a garden hose attachment. Treat a 2-5 foot wide area of ground along the foundation in mulched, ornamental plant beds and grassy areas, as well as an 18-24 inch wide vertical band of the foundation wall. Spraying higher up on the house, such as treating soffits, overhangs, around windows, etc., may help; however, you need to watch but for chemical drifting down on to you. When treating outdoor areas, remember these important points:
- Spraying mulch is ineffective because the chemical can bind to the mulch and not penetrate to the soil. Heavy accumulations of mulch and leaf litter should be raked back from the foundation first to expose millipede hiding areas and allow the pesticide to penetrate the soil more readily.
- Keep children and pets away from treated areas until the chemical dries (or longer if specified on the product label).
- Watch out for pesticide drifting and contaminating toys, swimming pools, and other objects, such as grills.
Consult your county Cooperative Extension center or the North Carolina Agricultural Chemicals Manual for a list of some appropriate pesticides for millipede control.
Figure 6. Use a gravel border 6-12" out from foundation walls to allow for better drainage.
M. Waldvogel - NC State Entomology & Plant Pathology
Figure 7. Caulking and sealing gaps in foundations and around windows and doors can help keep out millipedes.
Figure 8. Insecticidal dusts can be somewhat effective against millipedes but they should never be spread in areas where children or pets can come into contact with them.
M. Waldvogel - NC State Entomology & Plant Pathology
Figure 9. Perimeter spraying an insecticide.
M. Waldvogel - NC State Entomology & Plant Pathology
Some information contained in this publication was taken from the University of Kentucky, and the Ohio State University.
Publication date: Sept. 1, 2018
Revised: June 3, 2019
Recommendations for the use of agricultural chemicals are included in this publication as a convenience to the reader. The use of brand names and any mention or listing of commercial products or services in this publication does not imply endorsement by NC State University or N.C. A&T State University nor discrimination against similar products or services not mentioned. Individuals who use agricultural chemicals are responsible for ensuring that the intended use complies with current regulations and conforms to the product label. Be sure to obtain current information about usage regulations and examine a current product label before applying any chemical. For assistance, contact your local N.C. Cooperative Extension county center.
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