Millipede Identification & Prevention

Segmented, worm-like arthropods and millipedes are common invaders of homes and other structures. Millipedes have many legs. Their number of legs vary between 30 and 90 depending on their size and species. Each of their body segments has two pairs of legs. Despite having many legs millipedes are not speedy creatures and instead protect themselves by curling into a tight coil. Millipedes have a cylindrical, segmented, rigid body that is worm-like. Their coloring is dark brown to black, with some species having orange-colored markings or mottled patterns.

Millipedes secrete a liquid that may cause skin irritations on some people, making it best to never try to handle these arthropods. However, they are not dangerous pests and in most cases cause people no harm. However, millipedes can invade our homes in large numbers and once inside are tricky to get rid of.

Millipedes will live on any property that offers them access to the cool, damp environments they thrive in. The soil located near homes, gardens, and under bushes and shrubs often make great habitats for millipedes. During periods of either very hot and dry weather or extremely rainy weather, they will look for indoor shelter. Millipedes often move inside of homes and other buildings through cracks in the foundation or spaces under doors, especially basement doors.

Preferring to live in cool damp places, millipedes live under rocks, logs, woodpiles, mulch, and under trash cans or compost. Those millipedes that have found their way inside of our homes hide in places that mimic their dark, damp outdoor environments. Crawl spaces, laundry rooms, bathrooms, and basements are examples of the millipede’s typical indoor retreats.

Professional home pest control experts are key in eliminating nuisance pests like the millipede and, just as importantly, keeping them from returning. The highly trained technicians at Albemarle Termite & Pest Control are dedicated to exceeding your expectations and providing safe, affordable, and effective pest control in Elizabeth City for a range of common pests. If you are looking to eliminate millipedes or other pests from your property once and for all, call Albemarle Termite & Pest Control today!

Stop problems before they start by avoiding millipedes with the help of the following prevention tips.

• Keep the soil around the foundation of your home as dry as possible.
• Cut bushes, shrubs, and other landscaping plants away from the exterior of your home.
• Make sure gutters are working to direct rainwater from the outside of your home.
• Remove piles of leaves, grass, tree limbs, and other debris from your property.
• Keep garbage cans, compost bins, and wood piles up off of the ground and away from the outside of your home.
• Seal cracks in the foundation and place door sweeps on exterior doors.
• Use dehumidifiers to keep your basement dry.
• Fix leaky pipes and fixtures.