Millipedes are common invertebrates often encountered in gardens, under rocks and leaf litter, or sometimes indoors, prompting many to wonder about their potential danger. Despite their numerous legs and sometimes startling appearance, these creatures are generally harmless to humans. This article will explore whether millipedes are dangerous, detailing their defense mechanisms and distinguishing them from other arthropods.
Are Millipedes Poisonous?
Millipedes are not considered poisonous if ingested, nor are they venomous. They do not possess fangs or stingers, and they do not bite or sting as a defense mechanism. Instead, their primary defense involves secreting various chemical compounds from glands. These secretions are a deterrent to predators, not for offense.
What Happens When You Touch a Millipede?
When threatened, a millipede may release defensive secretions. These compounds can include hydrogen cyanide, quinones, phenols, and organic acids. While typically not severe, contact with these substances can lead to mild skin irritation, temporary discoloration, or a burning sensation. Some individuals might experience itching or, in rarer cases, allergic reactions such as blisters or hives. It is advisable to wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling a millipede, as rubbing eyes with contaminated hands can cause significant irritation.
Millipedes Versus Centipedes
Distinguishing millipedes from centipedes is important for understanding potential risks. Centipedes are venomous arthropods that can deliver a painful bite using specialized front legs.
Visually, millipedes have rounded, cylindrical bodies with two pairs of legs on most body segments. Centipedes, conversely, possess flattened bodies and only one pair of legs per segment, which extend out from their sides. Millipedes typically feed on decaying plant matter, while centipedes are predators. When disturbed, a millipede often curls into a tight coil, whereas a centipede is more likely to quickly flee.
Handling Millipedes and Prevention
If you encounter a millipede indoors, you can safely relocate it by sweeping it onto a piece of paper or by picking it up with a gloved hand. Avoiding direct bare-hand contact is recommended due to their defensive secretions.
To prevent millipedes from entering your home, focus on reducing moisture and sealing entry points. Repairing leaky plumbing and using dehumidifiers in damp areas like basements. Sealing cracks and gaps in foundations, around windows, and under doors. Additionally, clearing leaf litter, mulch, and other decaying organic matter away from your home’s foundation helps eliminate outdoor habitats.