Do millipedes bite?

Do millipedes bite?

No. Their mouthparts are designed to chew decaying leaves and plant fibers; they cannot break human skin.

Millipede defense mechanisms

When threatened, they do not attack but use passive defense:

• Curl up and play dead, remaining motionless for minutes to tens of minutes.
• Millipedes live relatively long (1-2 years), so once established, they persist.
• Or release a foul-smelling fluid to repel predators.
• This is passive defense, not active attack.
• Completely different from centipedes (which actively bite).

What harm can millipedes cause?

• Their secretion may cause skin irritation—red spots or itching.
• You may be startled when moving flower pots or stones and suddenly encountering them.
• Curious pets may bite them and experience oral irritation.
• If secretion gets into eyes, rinse with water for at least 15 minutes.

How to handle safely?

• Sweep them up with a broom or pick up with tissue and discard.
• No need to crush or spray unless numbers are large.
• Wash hands with soap and water after handling.
• Keep pets away from them.
• For many indoors, spray bifenthrin in corners.