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Millipedes in New Jersey Homes: Causes, Risks & Control

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What Are Millipedes?​

Millipedes are slow-moving arthropods belonging to the class Diplopoda. Unlike centipedes, which are predators, millipedes are detritivores, meaning they primarily feed on decaying organic matter. They are commonly found outdoors in damp areas but often invade homes in large numbers, especially during periods of heavy rain or seasonal changes.

Are Millipedes Harmful?​​

  • Not Dangerous: Millipedes do not bite or sting humans or pets.

  • Nuisance Pests: Their presence in large numbers indoors can be alarming.

  • Defensive Secretions: Some species release foul-smelling fluids that can irritate skin or stain fabrics.

  • Garden Impact: While most feed on decaying matter, heavy populations may damage seedlings or soft plant growth.

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Millipedes Control​​

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  • Since millipedes thrive in moist environments, management focuses on reducing moisture and entry points.

  • Inspection: Identify damp areas around foundations, basements, or crawl spaces.

  • Moisture Reduction: Use dehumidifiers, improve drainage, and fix leaks.

  • Exclusion: Seal cracks, gaps, and install proper door sweeps.

  • Habitat Modification: Remove mulch, leaf litter, and wood piles close to buildings.

  • Professional Treatments: Apply perimeter insecticides and residual dusts in high-activity areas when infestations are severe.

Types of Millipedes in NJ

  • Common Millipede: Brown to black, cylindrical body, most frequently found indoors.

  • Greenhouse Millipede: Often found in gardens, mulch, and damp soil.

  • Flat-Backed Millipedes: Flattened body shape, common in wooded or damp areas.

Millipedes Appearance​​

  • Size: Usually 1–2 inches long, though some species are smaller.

  • Color: Dark brown, black, or reddish.

  • Body: Cylindrical, segmented, with two pairs of legs per body segment.

  • Movement: Slow-moving, curl into a coil when disturbed.

Millipedes Habitat​

  • Outdoors: Gardens, mulch beds, under rocks, leaf litter, and rotting logs.

  • Indoors: Basements, crawl spaces, and garages, especially during wet weather.

  • Conditions: Prefer damp, dark, and humid environments.

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Millipedes Diet​​

  • Primarily feed on decaying plant material, fungi, and organic matter.

  • Occasionally feed on seedlings and soft plant growth in gardens.

Millipedes Life Cycle​​​​

  • Millipedes undergo simple metamorphosis:

  • Eggs: Laid in soil, hatching in a few weeks.

  • Young (Juveniles): Hatch with fewer legs, gain more with each molt.

  • Adults: Fully developed with multiple body segments and reproductive ability.

  • Life cycles can take several months to years depending on species.

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