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Millipede (class Diplopoda)
Identify it, prevent it, and know when to call. A South Florida guide from Pro-Spray.
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What Are Millipedes?
Millipedes are slow-moving decomposers that feed on decaying plant material. They're helpful in the garden, but after heavy rains, large numbers can crawl onto patios, into garages and through gaps under doors. In South Florida, a few species, including some non-native ones, can show up in large numbers.
How to Identify Them
Long, rounded bodies with many short legs, two pairs per segment. They move slowly and often curl into a coil when disturbed. Some give off a smell or fluid that can stain or irritate skin.
Common look-alikes:
- Centipedes: flatter, faster, one pair of legs per segment and can bite. See house centipede.
Life Cycle and Habits
Millipedes lay eggs in soil and decaying organic matter. Young add segments and legs as they molt. They feed on leaf litter and decaying wood, and need moisture to survive.
Signs
- Many millipedes on patios, driveways or garage floors after rain
- Dead millipedes along door thresholds
- Millipedes under pots and in mulch
Is it dangerous?
Nuisance; some secrete irritating fluids; don't bite.
Why They Come Inside
Flooded soil after heavy rain, as well as very dry spells, drive them to move. They wander into homes through door gaps and garages, but they dry out quickly indoors.
Prevention Tips
- Reduce mulch and leaf litter near the foundation.
- Fix drainage problems and adjust sprinklers.
- Seal gaps under doors and garage doors.
- Sweep up millipedes rather than crushing them.
How Pro-Spray Treats Millipedes
We treat the perimeter, mulch beds and entry points, and recommend habitat changes. Perimeter treatment reduces how many reach the home.
Why Some Years Are Worse Than Others
Millipede invasions in South Florida tend to follow the weather. A long stretch of heavy rain soaks mulch and soil, and millipedes climb out to escape the wet. Then, as surfaces dry, they wander in search of moisture and can end up on patios, garage floors and inside sliding door tracks. Neighborhoods with mature landscaping, deep mulch beds and lots of leaf litter often see the most. After a big flush, it's common to sweep up many dead millipedes for a few days. That usually settles down as conditions return to normal.
Landscaping Changes That Help
Because millipedes live in decaying organic matter, the biggest long-term improvement comes from the yard. Keep mulch to a thin layer and leave a gap of bare ground or gravel directly against the foundation. Rake up leaf litter, remove grass clippings, and don't pile compost near the house. Move firewood, boards and stacked pots away from walls. Make sure gutters and downspouts carry water away from the foundation, and check that irrigation isn't soaking beds next to the house.
Pets and Kids
Millipedes don't bite, but some produce defensive fluids that can irritate skin or eyes and stain surfaces. If a pet mouths one, it may drool for a bit. Have kids wash their hands after picking them up.
When Millipedes Keep Coming Back
If you're sweeping up millipedes daily for more than a couple of weeks, the source is probably very close to the house, such as a deep mulch bed, a compost pile or soggy soil near a downspout.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why are millipedes coming in my house?
Do millipedes bite?
Will they infest my home?
How do I clean them up?
Reviewed October 2026 by Pro-Spray's family-run team
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