| Scientific name | Oxidus gracilis |
|---|---|
| Group | Centipedes, Millipedes & Crawlers |
| Size | 20–40 mm (up to about 1.6 in) |
| Colors | Brown and Black |
| Legs | many legs (30 or more) |
| Wings | No (as usually seen) |
| Where found | Basement or garage and Garden or plants |
| Most active | Spring and Fall |
| Bites | No |
| Stings | No |
| Risk level | Nuisance |
How to identify it
The millipede is a large member of the centipedes, millipedes & crawlers group. Wingless ground crawlers, many with far more than six legs. Check for these three features:
- Rounded, segmented body with many short legs
- Curls into a tight coil when disturbed
- Slow, gliding movement
About this bug
A slow-moving, cylindrical arthropod with two pairs of legs on most body segments. Millipedes eat decaying leaves and often migrate indoors after heavy rain.
You'll usually find millipedes in basements and garages and in gardens and on plants. They are most active in spring and fall.
Is it dangerous?
Millipedes don't bite; some release a fluid that can stain or irritate skin.
Our rating: Nuisance, meaning it is a nuisance pest but not a health threat to most people.
When you'll see millipedes
Millipedes are most active in spring and fall. In spring, overwintering adults become active and many species lay their first eggs. In fall, many bugs look for shelter, and some move toward or into buildings.
Typical places to check: basement or garage and garden or plants.
About centipedes, millipedes & crawlers
The millipede is one of the centipedes, millipedes & crawlers. This group gathers wingless crawlers that people often lump together: centipedes, millipedes, silverfish, earwigs, springtails, booklice and pill bugs. Most need high humidity to survive and dry out quickly in dry air.
Because moisture is the common thread, a dehumidifier and fixed leaks often do more than any insecticide.
What to do about it
- Rake mulch and leaves back from the foundation
- Fix drainage so soil near the house dries out
- Seal door thresholds and low foundation cracks
Bugs that look similar
Size: Millipedes are larger, reaching 40 mm, while house centipedes top out around 35 mm.
Size: Millipedes are larger, reaching 40 mm, while pill bugs top out around 14 mm.
Frequently asked questions
What does a millipede look like?
Rounded, segmented body with many short legs. Adults measure 20–40 mm (up to about 1.6 in).
Does the millipede bite or sting?
It does not bite. It does not sting. Millipedes don't bite; some release a fluid that can stain or irritate skin.
Where do millipedes live?
Millipedes live in basements and garages and in gardens and on plants.
When are millipedes most active?
Mostly in spring and fall.