Do millipedes crawl into homes?

Do millipedes crawl into homes?

Yes, especially in ground-floor houses or those with basements. Millipedes, ranging from 2-10 cm in length with 20-60 body segments, each with two pairs of legs, can enter through door gaps, window edges, and floor drains. However, once indoors, they cannot survive long in dry environments and will dehydrate and die within days to a week. They do not reproduce indoors.

Reasons for invasion

• Millipedes prefer dark, damp environments and will seek shelter when outdoor conditions become too wet.
• Bathrooms, kitchens, and storage rooms are the most common indoor sites.
• After rain or in humid weather, they may enter in large numbers seeking shelter.
• Peak activity is in spring and summer (May-August), especially after rain.
• Ground-floor residents and basements are at highest risk.

Preventive measures

• Seal gaps under doors (millipedes are flat and can squeeze through gaps over 5 mm; use thick weather stripping).
• Install screens on windows and repair any damage promptly.
• Replace floor drains with insect-proof types to prevent entry from pipes.
• Check air conditioner pipes and wall cracks; seal with expanding foam or cement.
• Keep the foundation dry and free of debris and leaves.

What to do if found indoors

If you find millipedes indoors, spray bifenthrin directly in the corners and floor cracks where they appear. Millipedes crawl close to the ground; their abdomens contact the treated surface and they die quickly. Keep indoor areas dry and ventilated to discourage them.