How to identify it
Work down these in order — the first one is usually enough on its own.
- Two pairs of legs per body segment — the decisive check against a centipede
- Rounded, cylindrical body rather than flattened
- Moves slowly, the legs rippling in waves
- Curls into a tight spiral when disturbed, and when dead
What it gets mistaken for
Most people arrive at a pest name by ruling things out. These are the ones that genuinely look similar, and the detail that separates them.
Where you will find it
- Mulch beds, leaf litter, compost and under stones
- Damp crawlspaces and garages
- Along foundation walls, especially after heavy rain
- Indoors at ground level, usually already dying
Signs it is already there
You will nearly always see the evidence before you see the pest itself.
- Large numbers appearing at once after heavy rain or during drought
- Dead millipedes curled into spirals along garage floors and thresholds
- Activity concentrated on the damp or shaded side of the building
Low. Nuisance rather than hazard.
Why it is harder to deal with than it looks
Indoors they are nearly always already dying, because a house is far too dry for them. The migrations that bring dozens to a threshold are driven entirely by conditions outside, so indoor treatment addresses a problem that has already resolved itself.
What actually works
Reduce the damp organic layer against the house: thin the mulch, clear leaf litter, move compost and firewood away from the wall, and fix drainage that keeps the perimeter wet. Seal door sweeps, thresholds and weep holes. Sweep or vacuum the ones that get in.
Common questions
How do I tell a millipede from a centipede?
Centipedes have one pair of legs per segment, a flattened body, move fast, and do not curl up.
Where are millipede usually found in a home?s
Mulch beds, leaf litter, compost and under stones Damp crawlspaces and garages Along foundation walls, especially after heavy rain.
Is a millipede dangerous?
Harmless. They do not bite or sting. Some species release a defensive fluid that can stain and irritate skin, so move them with a dustpan or gloves rather than bare hands.
Identification guidance only. Under Texas law, applying pest control treatments for hire requires a licence from the Texas Department of Agriculture. This page describes what a pest looks like — it is not a diagnosis of your property or a treatment recommendation for it.