Millipedes are creatures often encountered in gardens and sometimes indoors. These elongated, multi-legged organisms are arthropods belonging to the class Diplopoda, distinguishing them from insects and their relatives, centipedes. Unlike centipedes, which possess one pair of legs per body segment, millipedes have two pairs of legs on most of their body segments.
Millipedes are detritivores within ecosystems. They feed on decaying organic matter such as leaves, wood, and plant material. Their feeding habits play a role in breaking down plant debris and recycling nutrients back into the soil, contributing to environmental health. They are harmless and beneficial to outdoor environments.
Millipede Reproduction and Egg-Laying Habits
Millipedes do lay eggs, but their reproductive habits are primarily confined to outdoor environments. They seek out moist, dark, and secluded locations to deposit their eggs, like beneath decaying logs, within leaf litter, or directly in the soil. These conditions provide humidity and protection for the eggs to develop successfully.
Female millipedes typically lay small, spherical eggs, often in clusters. The number of eggs can vary widely depending on the species, ranging from dozens to several hundred. After laying, the female may sometimes cover the eggs with soil or other debris, creating a protective chamber.
Houses generally lack the environmental conditions required for millipede egg development. The indoor climate is typically too dry, and decaying organic matter for the young to feed on is often absent. Consequently, millipedes do not typically lay eggs indoors.
Why Millipedes Enter Homes
Millipedes typically enter homes as accidental invaders, not as a deliberate attempt to establish a new habitat or lay eggs. Their presence indoors is often driven by environmental factors outside.
Millipedes require high moisture levels to survive, as their bodies are prone to drying out. During periods of drought or unusually dry weather, millipedes may seek refuge in damper areas, and a house, particularly a basement or crawl space, can offer such conditions. Conversely, heavy rains can saturate their outdoor habitats, forcing them to move to higher, drier ground, which might include entering structures. They are also known to seek shelter from extreme temperatures, whether it is excessively hot or cold outdoors.
Millipedes gain entry through various small openings in a home’s foundation or exterior. Common entry points include cracks in foundations, gaps under doors, unsealed windows, or openings around pipes and utility lines. Their flattened or cylindrical bodies allow them to squeeze through surprisingly small crevices. Once inside, they often become disoriented and wander, eventually being discovered by residents.
Preventing and Managing Millipedes Indoors
Preventing millipedes from entering your home involves managing moisture and sealing potential entry points around the exterior. Begin by ensuring proper drainage around your home’s foundation, directing rainwater away from the structure. Clearing leaf litter, mulch, and decaying organic debris away from the foundation can also reduce attractive habitats for millipedes close to your house.
Addressing moisture issues in basements, crawl spaces, and other damp areas within the home is also important. Utilizing dehumidifiers can help reduce humidity levels, making these areas less hospitable for millipedes. Sealing cracks and gaps in the foundation, around window and door frames, and where utilities enter the home can effectively block their access.
If millipedes are found indoors, simple removal methods are typically sufficient. Since they are harmless and do not bite or sting, they can be swept up with a broom and dustpan or vacuumed. Releasing them outdoors in a suitable, moist environment away from the house is a viable option. Consistent preventative measures will help reduce future occurrences.