The female millipede lays eggs in a cocoon to protect them. Inside the cocoon, the eggs grow and hatch into young millipedes. The females lay eggs in a cocoon. Eggs go through growth inside the cocoon. Eventually, the eggs hatch into young millipedes. Some species of millipedes give birth to live young instead of laying eggs! From the Egg stage where new life begins, to the larval, pupal and adult stages – each one offers insights.
When threatened, a millipede coils its body into a tight spiral, protecting its belly. Millipedes are nocturnal, wandering out of their hiding places. They eventually crawl back into holes or cracks to escape the dryness of the impending daytime. When disturbed, millipedes often curl up into a “C” shape and remain motionless. Their round head, unlike the centipede’s flat head, curls into this stance.
The nervous system of the millipede comprises a brain and a nerve cord surrounded by branches and tracheal trunks. Approximately 12,000 millipede species have been described. Estimates of true species range from 15,000 to 80,000. Few species are widespread; they have poor dispersal abilities, depending on locomotion and humid habitats. These factors have favoured isolation and speciation, producing lineages with ranges.
If you find a millipede, observe it from a distance. Do not try to touch or pick it up, as some species can be harmful if they contact skin. Identify the species and research its habitat. If it isn’t native or might not survive, try to relocate it. Ensure the new location has the right conditions. If unable to relocate, leave it and observe from a distance.
Millipedes are common in North America. For homes with gardens or grass, they can almost surely be found. Millipedes are about two to four centimeters long with a dark brown appearance, though some take on a more reddish tone. Some may appear two-toned or striped, but this is just color variation on their body. Small millipedes are under three inches. Large millipedes can be up to a foot or more. Popular giant pet millipedes are from Africa, America and Asia. More common small millipedes are throughout America, Asia, and Europe.
Are millipedes good or bad in the house?
Millipedes are in the “uncertain” pest category. If alarmed, they secrete an irritating substance. But millipedes don’t harm or damage houses or occupants. They are an inconvenience as high humidity and rainfall cause invasions.
Seal any house cracks where millipedes or pests enter. Repair leaks. Clean gutters. Remove debris.
Millipedes live in compost piles, flower beds, rotting logs, under logs and stones. They go unnoticed in these hidden habitats. Millipedes are harmless. They don’t lay eggs in houses. They lay eggs under leaves and rocks. If found indoors, sweep them up and release them outside.
Millipedes hide during the day. They come out when humidity is higher. They are often mistaken for centipedes. They have worm-like bodies with legs on each segment. They are brown to black and about 1 inch long. When disturbed or dead they curl into a spiral.
It is uncommon to find them in a house. They cannot reproduce indoors. They may enter during extreme wetness or to overwinter.
Remove millipedes with a vacuum cleaner. Spot treat them with plant-based insecticides. This will kill them.
Millipedes do not generally lay eggs in houses. They stay in damp, dark outdoor places. If in a house, they likely came in from outside. Reduce moisture in and around a house to keep them away.
Remove millipedes with a vacuum cleaner or shop-vac. Or spot treat them with plant-based insecticides. This will kill them.
Millipedes invade buildings when the weather turns hot and dry. But they do not bite, sting or transmit diseases. Excess rain and drought make outdoor habitats less favorable, so you see them indoors then.
Millipedes are NOT harmful to humans. They cannot bite or sting. They can help compost piles by breaking down contents.
They are attracted to moist environments with organic matter. The yellow-banded millipede secretes an irritating substance. But monkeys rub them on their fur as an insect repellent. An ingredient in their secretion is used in pest control products. So they have benefits.
Excess weather conditions make outdoor habitats less favorable for millipedes. So they come indoors. Reduce moisture in and around a house to keep them away. Remove them with a vacuum cleaner or spot treat them. This will kill millipedes.
Are millipedes poisonous?
Millipedes are not venomous. Some species produce irritating fluids from body glands. These fluids can cause minor irritation if contacting sensitive skin of someone crushing millipedes. Use gloves when handling millipedes. Never handle with bare hands. Always wear hand coverings when touching millipedes. Never rub eyes after handling millipedes; defensive fluid is extremely irritating to eyes.
If concerned millipedes may squirt harmful fluids around pets, try controlling them. It is hard to distinguish poisonous ones. So control all millipedes. Caulk home entrance crevices and cracks to control population. Though not lethal, poisonous fluids can be dangerous.
Millipede species worldwide are not poisonous to humans. Millipedes won’t bite you, but some species’ toxins can cause skin symptoms from handling them. Still, handle any animal carefully.
Both centipede and millipede symbolize good luck, energy and healing. Although their bite is poisonous, the 1000 leggers carry a positive symbolism.
Outdoor millipedes and centipedes are prey to shrews, toads, badgers and birds. Ground beetles, ants and spiders may hunt young ones.
Some millipedes produce toxic secretions while others don’t. Millipedes have two defense modes when threatened: curling into a ball and emitting chemicals. The chemical secretions released by some millipedes can cause Millipede Burn, a skin condition that can irritate and blister skin. In some cases, the toxin is also dangerous to children and pets.
Centipedes are poisonous. Millipedes aren’t poisonous or don’t bite. They release irritating fluid when threatened. This fluid causes skin irritation. Between a millipede and centipede, choose the millipede. It’s less dangerous.
Millipedes in backyards and gardens are typically about two to four centimeters long with a dark brown appearance. Millipede toxins often don’t harm humans but can trigger allergic reactions in some people. Millipede toxin contains chemicals triggering certain allergies.
What to do if a millipede is in your house?
Kill the millipedes on sight. As soon as you spot a millipede in your house, stomp or squish it. Do this every time you see a millipede. A professional pest control company will set you up with a multi-layered approach to keeping millipedes out of your house, including sealing off gaps and cracks.
There could be many reasons millipedes are getting into your house, but most of those reasons are because they are seeking shelter from undesirable elements outside. Millipedes usually won’t invade your home in a large swarm. Maintaining your house and doing basic care will help you block not only millipedes but a variety of other pests from getting inside.
If you have a heavy millipede infestation in your house, there are likely millipedes breeding in your lawn or under mulch, leaf litter or debris near your foundation. Preventing millipedes from entering your home is the best approach to millipede control. Remove moisture from foundation or crawl space. Here are a few ways for how to get rid of millipedes: Remove them with a vacuum cleaner or shop-vac or spot treat them with an effective plant-based insecticide, like Maggie’s Farm Home Bug Spray.
Seal any cracks and crevices in the foundation, around wiring, and plumbing where millipedes could enter. If you find millipedes in your house, it is important to first identify the infestation. Because millipedes have a long lifespan, if left unchecked, they can easily become an infestation in your house. Start by inspecting the inside and outside of your house for any entry points. Keep your house clean and dry to make it less hospitable for millipedes.
Additionally, millipedes can live for a long time without food or water, so if there is a moisture source somewhere in your home, this could also attract them. The presence of millipedes in your home is not a cause for alarm, as they help to regulate decaying matter. Follow prevention tips to keep your house millipede-free: Caulk, weatherstripping, check for leaks and repair them, store food in airtight containers, and use insecticide to eliminate millipedes. While not poisonous, you do not want millipedes inside.
Get rid of millipedes using commercial and natural remedies. Create a barrier that keeps millipedes from trying to enter, with either natural repellents or poisons. Methods depend on whether you want to repel or kill. Natural barriers include essential oils and cayenne powder. If you have millipedes in your yard, tidy up debris, mow frequently, replace gutters and use outdoor pesticides.