Are millipedes poisonous?

Are millipedes poisonous?

Millipedes do not actively attack humans, but they have a defensive mechanism that requires caution.

Millipedes do not bite

Their mouthparts are only capable of chewing decaying plant material and cannot bite humans. They neither bite nor sting, unlike centipedes (which are predatory, bite, and are venomous).

Harm from their secretion

When threatened, millipedes secrete an irritating fluid as a defense (mainly benzoquinones with a pungent odor):

• It has a very unpleasant, pungent smell.
• On skin, it may cause redness and itching (contact dermatitis) in some people, usually resolving within hours to 1-2 days.
• If it gets into eyes, rinse immediately with water for at least 15 minutes.
• It is also irritating to pets.
• The secretion may leave yellowish-brown stains on clothing.

Proper handling

• Do not crush millipedes with bare hands; use a broom or pick up with tissue and discard.
• If secretion gets on skin, wash with soap and water.
• Keep children and pets away from them.
• For large numbers, spray bifenthrin-containing household insecticide—do not step on them (crushing releases large amounts of secretion and odor).