Millipedes are arthropods, meaning that they have an exoskeleton, a body with segments and paired joints. They are easily distinguishable by their rounded bodies, which curl up when they feel threatened, are resting or are dead. It’s a common misconception that they have a million legs, let alone a thousand. Typically, they have around two hundred, but begin their lives with about six. Millipedes are typically brown or black, but some species are orange or red. They greatly vary in size, some are as small as ¼ inch and some are as large as a foot and a half. The millipede’s ancestors were the first creatures to live on land, reaching up to six feet in length! They are typically a nuisance by the sheer number of them, as they are harmless to humans. They are not biters, but have stink glands that can be bothersome to eyes or skin when touched.

Millipedes prefer to be in a damp environment where they can eat damp, decaying wood or plants. They typically are found outside where there is a plentiful amount of decay and wetness. They like places such as trash, mulch, grass clippings and more. They’ll make their way indoors when they cannot satisfy their need for moisture. They’ll only survive a few days after entering a home or shelter unless they’re capable of finding moisture and food. You’ll rarely see a millipede running around during the day, and if you do, it’s typically a sign of infestation and crowding. They’re nocturnal, running around at night to scour an area for decaying food.

If you notice multiple millipedes running around your home or business, the experts at Solidified Pest Control know how to take care of them. Contact us today to request service, and we can find potential entryways of these pests.