Millipede

Category:

Actual Size: ½ to 6 ½”

Characteristics: Elongated and cylindrical bodies with brown or grayish coloration.

Legs: Common species have between 34 and 400 legs

Antennae: Yes

Wings: No

Habitat: Attracted to damp areas and are often found in basements, beneath rocks, and under flowerpots.

Habits:

  • Nocturnal and requires moisture to survive.
  • Generally do not survive indoors for more than a few days.
  • Usually avoid bright lights.

Millipedes in North Jersey

Also occasionally called “thousand leggers”, millipedes are a common household pest here in North Jersey. While they normally live outdoors in damp areas surrounded by decaying plants or wood, they may end up in your basement or crawl space – especially if you have a leaky faucet or other moisture issue. Though millipedes are not known to bite, sting, or cause property damage, they can emit an unpleasant and musty odor. Since they often infest in large numbers and are capable of moving really quickly, it can be unnerving to discover them inside of your home or business.

Millipede Habitat

Millipedes usually stay outside and scavenge beneath rocks, decaying wood, or other organic matter. They are nocturnal and require lots of moisture to survive, which is why they rarely go out into the sunlight and generally stay in covered areas outside. At night, they may come out and crawl across sidewalks, patios, and foundations. Particularly when temperatures drop in the fall, large groups millipedes may also wander indoors in search of warmth and shelter. However, they often don’t survive long when inside.

Millipede Behaviors, Threats, or Dangers

Though millipedes are not harmful or dangerous, they are unpleasant to encounter. Their numerous legs and speed make them disturbing to deal with, and since they often invade in large numbers, an infestation can be unnerving to discover in your basement. An ongoing infestation is also a big indication of a moisture problem in your home or building, as they require dampness to survive for more than a few days.

Whether you’ve discovered millipedes inside of your home or you keep coming across them outside, the experts at Eastern Pest Services are here to help! Our licensed exterminators can help you get rid of the millipedes once and for all by pinpointing the root cause of your infestation. Ready to say goodbye to your millipede problems? Give us a call today!