Content Updated: November 18, 2025

Key takeaways

  • Millipedes thrive in moist environments such as gardens and yards, where they help decompose organic matter, enrich soil, and promote healthy plant growth.
  • They often invade homes during the fall as they migrate from their feeding areas. They can squeeze through small cracks and openings, commonly found in lower floors, basements, and bathrooms.
  • Millipedes do not bite or sting and are generally harmless to humans. However, some species can secrete a mild toxin as a defense mechanism, which may cause skin irritation or allergic reactions.
  • To keep millipedes out of your home, minimize clutter, seal foundation cracks, ensure windows and doors fit tightly, and use dehumidifiers in damp areas.

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The name “millipede” comes from Latin, meaning “1,000 feet.” However, the typical millipede possesses far fewer feet than that, with most species sporting between 40 and 400 pairs of legs. Millipedes are arthropods, but because they have more than 6 legs, they are not insects. In fact, their relatives are centipedes and pillbugs.

Millipedes are unique and fascinating creatures. There are currently 7,000 species of millipedes that cover the globe, of which 1,400 varieties live in North America alone. Millipedes are native to all 50 states as well. They can be black, brown, or red in color, and one species in California's Sierra Nevada Mountains actually glows in the dark. So, where do millipedes come from? Learn all about where millipedes live and their habitat.

Preferred millipede habitats

Millipedes play a crucial ecological role in their habitats, primarily through their activities as decomposers. By feeding on decaying leaves, dead plants, and organic matter, they contribute to nutrient cycling within the ecosystem. Their digestion of this material helps to break it down, enriching the soil and promoting healthy plant growth.

While a millipede's habitat must be moist, it’s important to note that they cannot survive in standing water. They prefer habitats that maintain a certain level of humidity, allowing them to avoid desiccation while still needing access to air. You will most commonly find them in gardens or yards, especially in areas with loose thatch (a layer of grass, roots, and stems between the grass blades and soil), which provides both food and shelter.

Millipede upclose

How do millipedes end up in homes?

Millipedes can become household pests during the fall months, feeding on decaying organic matter like plant leaves and compost found inside. As temperatures cool and the ground begins to harden, they may migrate from their normal feeding areas and invade your home. Millipedes can squeeze through the smallest cracks and crevices, including foundation cracks, doorways, window screens, and ventilation openings. Because they crawl, millipedes are most commonly spotted on lower floors, in basements, and in bathrooms. The majority of millipedes that stray into your home eventually die from a lack of moisture. In wetter basements, however, it’s possible for them to survive for longer periods of time.

Are millipedes a threat to humans?

Millipedes do not bite or sting and are not poisonous. Although they are generally docile creatures, some species take other defensive measures when they feel threatened. These millipedes may secrete a mild form of pungent hydrochloric acid to deter predators. This toxin can burn and discolor bare skin and may be dangerous to your eyes. Some individuals may experience an allergic reaction to this substance as well. Therefore, exercise caution with millipedes and do not handle them with your bare hands.

What are the best ways to keep millipedes out of houses?

Although millipedes do not usually live long once inside your home, you may still need to take some preventive measures. No matter where millipedes come from, help keep them out of your home with these steps.

  • Remove as much clutter as possible (especially empty or disintegrating cardboard containers) from your basement and garage.
  • Remove piles of leaves, mulch, compost, and other litter from the immediate vicinity around your home’s exterior.
  • Make sure your doors and windows fit tightly. Have any foundation cracks repaired, and be sure any gaps above your home’s foundation are sealed. Likewise, caulk any cracks and crevices that may permit millipedes to enter your home.
  • Place a dehumidifier in damp areas and remove any millipedes you locate inside your home using a broom or vacuum cleaner.

If these steps aren’t enough to provide proper peace of mind, or you'd just like professional help from the start, call Terminix and let our millipede control professionals help you address your millipede problem.

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