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Occasional Invaders

Millipedes

Diplopoda class

Danger Level: 1/5Updated September 2026 · Boise, ID

IdentificationHow to Identify Millipedes

Quick Answer

Millipedes have cylindrical, segmented bodies with two pairs of legs per segment (unlike centipedes' one pair). They curl into a spiral when disturbed.

Full identification notes

They move slowly and cannot bite. Most are dark brown or black with a hard, shiny exoskeleton.

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Millipedes Behavior & Habits

Understanding how millipedes behave helps prevent infestations

Millipedes are detritivores that eat decaying plant material and are typically found outdoors in mulch, leaf litter, and soil.

More about their habits

They invade homes in fall seeking moisture or shelter, or when populations explode after wet conditions. They cannot survive long indoors due to low humidity.

Millipedes Risks & Dangers

What millipedes can do to your health and property

Health Risks

Millipedes don't bite or sting.

Property Damage

No property damage.

Full health and property details

Health Risks

Some species secrete defensive fluids that can cause minor skin irritation or staining but aren't dangerous.

Property Damage

They don't eat wood, fabric, or food. They're purely a nuisance when they invade in large numbers and die indoors.

Signs of Millipedes Infestation

Look for these indicators in your home

Signs You Have Millipedes

What homeowners spot first

  1. Slow-moving, curling creatures near foundations
  2. Dead millipedes on basement or garage floors
  3. Mass migrations during wet weather
More signs to look for
  1. Concentrations under mulch or debris near home

Millipedes in Boise & the Treasure Valley

Millipedes are common fall invaders in the Boise area, especially in neighborhoods with mature landscaping and heavy mulch use.

More on what we see locally

They often invade en masse after wet weather in late summer and early fall. Basement apartments and ground-floor units are most affected.

Our Solution

How We Handle Millipedes

What our approach looks like

Millipede control focuses on exterior treatment and habitat modification.

Our full approach

We apply barrier treatments around the foundation, treat mulch beds and hiding areas, and recommend landscaping changes to reduce moisture near the home. Interior treatment removes current invaders and deters entry.

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How to Prevent Millipedes

Steps you can take to reduce the risk of infestation

  1. Reduce mulch depth (keep under 2 inches)
  2. Create dry zone (gravel strip) next to foundation
  3. Remove leaf litter and debris near home
More prevention steps
  1. Fix moisture issues in basement/crawlspace
  2. Seal cracks in foundation
  3. Reduce outdoor lighting that attracts them

Millipedes Questions Answered

Common questions about identification, prevention, and treatment

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Why are there suddenly hundreds of millipedes?

Quick answerMillipede populations can explode after wet conditions increase decomposing plant material (their food).

When soil becomes saturated or conditions change, masses of millipedes migrate, often toward homes. These invasions are usually temporary.

What's the difference between millipedes and centipedes?

Quick answerMillipedes have two pairs of legs per segment, move slowly, curl when threatened, and eat decaying plants.

Centipedes have one pair of legs per segment, move quickly, don't curl, and are predators that can bite.

Will millipedes damage my home?

Quick answerNo.

Millipedes don't eat wood, fabric, food, or anything in your home. They can't survive indoors due to low humidity. They're nuisance pests only: unsightly but harmless.

Think You Have Millipedes?

Call and we'll talk through your options. We usually get out within 24 to 48 hours.

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