Why Millipedes Come Inside in the Fall
Millipedes live outdoors in damp places — under mulch, pine straw, leaves, and rotting wood — where they feed on decaying plant material. In the fall, cooling temperatures, heavy rain, or a dry spell can send large numbers of them on the move looking for better conditions. Homes with mulch beds against the foundation, clogged gutters, or damp crawlspaces are the first places they end up.
Are Millipedes Dangerous?
No. Millipedes don't bite or sting, and they don't damage your home, furniture, or food. Some can release a defensive fluid with an unpleasant odor that may stain or irritate skin, so it's best to pick them up with a paper towel or vacuum them rather than handling them. Millipedes also dry out quickly indoors, so most die within a few days — but if you keep seeing new ones, more are getting in.
Millipede or Centipede? How to Tell
- •Millipedes: slow-moving, rounded bodies, two pairs of short legs per body segment, and they curl into a spiral when disturbed.
- •Centipedes: fast-moving, flatter bodies, one pair of longer legs per segment, and they can bite.
How to Get Rid of Millipedes Inside
- •Vacuum them up — it's the fastest, cleanest way to remove the ones already inside.
- •Lower indoor moisture with a dehumidifier in basements and crawlspaces.
- •Don't bother spraying indoors — the ones inside are a sign of the problem outside.
How to Keep Millipedes Out for Good
- 1Pull mulch and pine straw back. Keep a dry, bare strip of 6–12 inches between mulch beds and your foundation.
- 2Clear leaf piles, grass clippings, and firewood away from the house.
- 3Fix moisture problems: clean gutters, extend downspouts away from the foundation, and repair leaky outdoor faucets.
- 4Seal entry points: caulk gaps around doors, windows, and utility lines, and add door sweeps — especially on garage and basement doors.
- 5Water in the morning so soil near the house can dry out before evening, when millipedes are most active.
When to Call a Professional
If you're still seeing millipedes after taking those steps — or you're finding them by the dozens — a professional perimeter treatment stops them before they reach your walls. Our 8-Step Pest Protection Service includes a foundation treatment, a 10-foot repellent barrier, and a 15-foot perimeter bait treatment, so millipedes and other crawling pests are stopped outside instead of in your living room.
Millipede FAQ
Why do I suddenly have so many millipedes?
Millipedes often move in large groups in the fall or after heavy rain. A sudden wave usually means conditions outside your home — moisture, mulch, or leaf litter — are attracting them.
Will millipedes infest my home?
No. Millipedes can't survive long indoors because it's too dry, and they don't breed inside your home. But a steady stream means they're finding a way in.
Do millipedes damage plants?
Occasionally they'll feed on seedlings or soft fruit touching the ground, but they mostly eat decaying plant material.
