millipede

Millipede. Photo: Joseph Berger, Bugwood.org

Updated: March 1, 2023

About millipedes

  • Millipedes are cylindrical in shape, have 2 pairs of legs per body segment, and short antennae. They vary in length from less than an inch to more than two inches.

  • The most common millipedes that invade homes are brown and 1 to 1 1/2 inches long.

  • Millipedes live outdoors and feed on decaying organic material or plants.

  • They occasionally enter homes but cause no damage.

Management

  • Prevent them from coming in by eliminating gaps around doors and screens.

  • Remove decaying vegetation, leaf litter, or mulch, and reduce moisture around the foundation.

  • Sweep up and return outdoors any millipedes found indoors. Chemical control is not necessary.

Additional resource

NC State Extension - Controlling Millipedes in and Around Homes. Provides good information on management, but the use of insecticides for millipede control or prevention is not recommended. Rev. 2020

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