Why Are Millipedes in Your House and How Do You Get Rid of Them?

If you have ever flipped on a light and spotted a long, many-legged creature scurrying across the floor, you are not alone. Millipedes in your house are a common surprise for homeowners, especially during certain times of the year. While they may look alarming, millipedes are generally harmless. That said, no one wants uninvited guests crawling around their living space. Understanding why millipedes come indoors and how to get rid of them is the first step toward keeping your home pest-free.

What Are Millipedes and Why Do They Exist?

Millipedes are arthropods closely related to insects but technically belong to a different group. They have long, cylindrical bodies and dozens of short legs, with two pairs of legs per body segment. Contrary to popular belief, millipedes do not have a thousand legs, but some species can have over a hundred.

In nature, millipedes play an important role. They feed on decaying organic matter like leaves, wood, and plant debris, helping break it down and enrich the soil. Outdoors, they are beneficial decomposers. Problems arise when millipedes wander from their natural habitat and end up inside your home.

Why Are Millipedes in Your House?

Millipedes in your house are usually there by accident, not because they want to infest your home. The most common reason they enter is moisture. Millipedes thrive in damp, dark environments, and when outdoor conditions change, they may seek shelter indoors.

Heavy rainfall is one of the biggest triggers. When the soil becomes overly saturated, millipedes are forced out of their underground habitats. They often move toward foundations, crawl spaces, basements, and garages in search of drier ground. Unfortunately, once they get inside, they rarely survive long because indoor environments are too dry for them.

Another major factor is seasonal change. In late summer and early fall, millipedes may migrate in large numbers as temperatures drop. Similarly, during spring, increased moisture from rain and melting snow can drive them indoors.

How Do Millipedes Get Inside?

Millipedes enter homes through very small openings. Cracks in the foundation, gaps around doors and windows, and openings around utility lines all provide easy access. Basement windows, sliding doors, and garage thresholds are especially common entry points.

They may also hitch a ride inside through items brought indoors, such as firewood, potted plants, or stored boxes that were kept outside. Once inside, millipedes tend to stay near ground level, which is why they are often found in basements, laundry rooms, bathrooms, and kitchens.

Are Millipedes Dangerous to Humans or Pets?

One of the biggest concerns people have when finding millipedes in their house is whether they are dangerous. The good news is that millipedes do not bite, sting, or spread disease. They are not aggressive and pose no serious threat to humans or pets.

Some species can secrete a defensive fluid when handled, which may cause mild skin irritation or staining. This is generally only an issue if millipedes are crushed or handled directly. For most people, the problem with millipedes is not safety, but discomfort and nuisance.

Signs You Have a Millipede Problem

Seeing one millipede indoors does not necessarily mean you have an infestation. However, repeated sightings can indicate an underlying issue. Common signs include finding multiple millipedes along baseboards, near doors, or in damp areas. You may also notice dead millipedes, as they often die shortly after entering dry indoor environments.

Outdoor signs can include large numbers of millipedes around your foundation, under mulch, or in leaf piles near your home. These outdoor populations often precede millipedes in your house.

How to Get Rid of Millipedes in Your House

Getting rid of millipedes requires a combination of removal, moisture control, and prevention. Since millipedes do not survive long indoors, immediate removal is often enough to handle the short-term issue.

Vacuuming is one of the easiest and most effective methods. Simply vacuum up any millipedes you see and dispose of the bag or contents outside. Avoid crushing them, as this can leave stains and odors.

Sticky traps placed along walls and near entry points can also help monitor and reduce numbers. These traps are especially useful in basements and garages where millipedes tend to congregate.

Reducing Moisture Indoors

Because moisture attracts millipedes, reducing indoor humidity is critical. Use dehumidifiers in basements and crawl spaces to keep humidity levels low. Repair any leaky pipes, dripping faucets, or condensation issues that may be creating damp conditions.

Ensure proper ventilation in bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms. Running exhaust fans and opening windows when the weather permits can help reduce excess moisture that might attract millipedes in your house.

Outdoor Prevention Strategies

Long-term control starts outside your home. Remove leaf litter, grass clippings, and mulch from around the foundation. These materials hold moisture and provide food for millipedes. Keep mulch thin and avoid piling it directly against the house.

Trim back shrubs, plants, and tree branches that touch your home, as these can create shaded, damp areas along the foundation. Make sure gutters and downspouts are working properly and directing water away from your home.

Sealing cracks and gaps is another crucial step. Use caulk or weather stripping to seal doors, windows, and foundation openings. Installing door sweeps can significantly reduce the number of millipedes that wander indoors.

Do You Need Chemical Treatments?

In most cases, chemical treatments are not necessary for millipedes in your house. Since they do not reproduce indoors and usually die quickly, pesticides often provide limited benefit. However, if you are dealing with large outdoor populations, perimeter treatments around the foundation may help reduce the number that reach your home.

Always follow label instructions carefully or consider working with a professional pest control service. A targeted approach focused on moisture management and exclusion is usually more effective and environmentally friendly than widespread chemical use.

When to Call a Professional

If millipedes continue to appear despite your best efforts, it may be time to call a pest control professional. A trained expert can identify moisture issues, entry points, and environmental conditions that are contributing to the problem. They can also recommend customized solutions to prevent future invasions.

Persistent millipedes in your house may indicate drainage problems, hidden leaks, or foundation issues that require professional attention beyond basic pest control.

Final Thoughts on Millipedes in Your House

Millipedes in your house can be unsettling, but they are more of a nuisance than a danger. Their presence usually points to moisture issues or environmental conditions that can be corrected with the right approach. By understanding why millipedes come indoors and taking steps to remove moisture, seal entry points, and maintain your outdoor space, you can greatly reduce the chances of seeing them again.

With consistent prevention and a little patience, you can keep millipedes where they belong, outside in the soil, and enjoy a cleaner, more comfortable home.