Call today for a free quote!  866-437-8171
Millipede against a white background - Keep millipedes out of your home with City Termite & Pest Control in Malvern, AR

Millipede

Actual Size: ½ to 6 ½”

Characteristics: Elongated body that is brown to black, with an intimidating appearance due to their numerous legs. 

Legs: Common species have between 34 and 400 legs

Antennae: Yes

Wings: No

Habitat: Prefer dark and humid spaces, which is why they are often found in basements, crawl spaces, leaf litter, logs, and under stones or debris.

Habits:

  • Nocturnal, preferring to feed during the night when temperatures are cooler. 
  • Their numerous legs allow them to navigate uneven terrain and burrow into soil or leaf. 
  • When threatened, millipedes can secrete defensive chemicals from glands along their body segments. 

Millipedes in Central Arkansas

Millipedes, also known as “thousand leggers,” can be troublesome pests within homes. Typically residing outdoors, they feed on damp, decaying wood, vegetation, tender roots, and fallen leaves. Employing scent glands as a defense mechanism, many millipede species emit unpleasant odors to deter threats. These creatures are widespread throughout the United States, including Alaska and Hawaii, as well as in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Millipede Habitat

Millipedes are primarily scavengers in natural ecosystems, feeding on decaying organic material. While they may occasionally nibble on young plants, the resulting damage is typically minimal. These creatures have a strong preference for moist environments and typically seek shelter under objects during daylight hours. Nocturnal by nature, millipedes often emerge from their hiding spots at night, venturing onto sidewalks, patios, and building foundations. During certain seasons, particularly in autumn, they may migrate into buildings in large numbers.

Millipede Behaviors, Threats, or Dangers

Although millipedes may occasionally invade buildings in large numbers, they are harmless creatures, lacking the ability to bite, sting, or transmit diseases. They do not infest food, clothing, or wood. Their presence is typically considered a nuisance, particularly when they infiltrate crawl spaces, damp basements, and ground-level areas of structures. The frequent appearance of these pests indoors often signifies a significant outdoor breeding population. They are commonly located beneath mulch, leaf litter, or debris close to the foundation. Because millipedes depend on moisture, they seldom survive indoors for more than a few days unless exposed to exceptionally damp conditions.

If you are dealing with excess millipedes in your Central Arkansas property, contact your local exterminators.