How to Get Rid of Millipedes

Co-authored by Kevin Carrillo and Jessica Gibson

Last Updated: July 17, 2022 References Approved

If you're tired of being surprised by millipedes around your home, work to get rid of them and prevent them from coming back. Physically remove the millipedes that are inside your house and treat your yard with insecticide or natural repellents. Once you've gotten rid of the millipedes, make your home and yard less attractive to them by getting rid of hiding places and keeping the area dry.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Removing Millipedes from Your Home

1
Kill the millipedes on sight. As soon as you spot a millipede in your house, stomp or squish it. Do this every time you see a millipede instead of capturing it and releasing it into your yard.
- Millipedes usually won't invade your home in a large swarm, so killing millipedes when you see them is often effective.
2
Sweep or vacuum up the millipedes if you'd rather not touch them. If you're a little squeamish about killing the millipedes or even getting close to them, sweep or vacuum up the millipedes and dump them in the trash can. Then tie up the bag and throw it in a covered dumpster outside.
- Don't leave millipedes in your indoor trashcan because they can crawl out.
- If you happen to have a large number of millipedes in your home, use a shop vac to suck them up easily.
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3
Spray an indoor pest spray if you don't want to touch the millipedes. If you prefer, purchase an indoor-safe pest control spray that's designed to kill millipedes. Spray it directly onto millipedes as soon as you see them. The spray should quickly kill them. ^{[1]
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University of Georgia Cooperative Extension
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- Always follow the manufacturer's instructions and determine if they're safe to use around children or pets.
4
Set out a millipede trap to catch them in your house. Check the hardware store if you'd like to purchase a simple trap. Most millipede traps are designed with a light in the center that attracts the millipedes and sloped sides. This way the millipedes are attracted by the light and climb into the trap, but can't escape.^{[2]
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Research source}

Variation: To make your own millipede trap, connect 2 small plastic soda bottles and insert a small plastic tube. Place a bit of fruit into 1 of the bottles to act as bait for the millipedes. The millipedes will go through the tube and fall into the bottles without being able to get out.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Using Outdoor Repellents

1
Purchase a millipede insecticide. Go to a local gardening center, hardware store, or online to buy a chemical spray or powder. Look for a product that contains bendiocarb, carbaryl, cyfluthrin, or propoxur.^{[3]
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Expert Source

Kevin Carrillo
MMPC, Pest Control Specialist
Expert Interview. 22 October 2019.}
- Always read the manufacturer's instructions and warnings before using the product.
Tip: If a product contains pyrethroids, you should spray it directly onto the millipedes instead of using it as an outdoor repellent.
2
Apply the insecticide along the perimeter of your house. Spray or scatter the pesticides along the perimeter of your house according to the package instructions. When the millipedes cross over the insecticide, the chemicals will get onto their feet and gradually kill them. Remember to wear gloves to prevent the insecticide from irritating your skin.^{[4]
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Expert Source

Kevin Carrillo
MMPC, Pest Control Specialist
Expert Interview. 22 October 2019.}
- Check the package to determine how often to reapply the insecticide. If you used powder and live in a wet climate, you'll need to reapply it more frequently than if you used a liquid insecticide.
3
Treat the soil around outdoor hiding places. If you know where the millipedes gather outside, you can mix an outdoor insecticide into the soil or debris there. For example, spread the insecticide into mulched flower beds. The chemicals will eventually get inside the millipedes and poison them.
- For a more natural way to treat the soil, mix a few handfuls of dry wood ash into the soil around your home. The wood ash will dry out the rest of the soil so millipedes won't want to lay their eggs.
4
Spread diatomaceous earth or boric acid in the soil around your yard. Purchase either of these powders from garden centers and sprinkle it into the soil where the millipedes are congregating. Both products will make microscopic cuts that dehydrate and kill the millipedes. The boric acid also acts as a stomach poison that will kill the millipedes.^{[5]
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Research source}
- You can use either of these products in your home, such as in the cracks or damp spots, but you shouldn't use them if you have kids or pets.
5
Hire a professional if you're still struggling to get rid of millipedes. If you've removed the millipedes from your house, treated your yard, and still have a millipede problem, call a pest control professional. Although this will cost money, it's a good idea if you're also experiencing another pest outbreak, such as centipedes.^{[6]
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Expert Source

Kevin Carrillo
MMPC, Pest Control Specialist
Expert Interview. 22 October 2019.}
- To find a pest control professional, ask your neighbors for recommendations, read reviews online, and check local listings.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Preventing Millipede Outbreaks

1
Trim your lawn regularly and remove piles of leaves or debris. Long grass, piles of leaves, and mulch right next to your home make great hiding places for millipedes. Mow your lawn to keep the grass short and remove leaf piles that are near your house. If you have mulch, move it at least 2 to 3 feet (61 to 91 cm) away from the foundation of your home.^{[7]
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University of Georgia Cooperative Extension
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Go to source}
- Common millipede hiding places also include trash piles, rocks, boards, and compost.
2
Divert rainwater away from the house. Since millipedes love moist environments, keep your home as dry as possible. Clean the gutters and check to see if downspouts are properly directing water away from your house. If you live on a floodplain, you may need to install a sump pump to keep water out of your basement.^{[8]
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Trustworthy Source
University of Georgia Cooperative Extension
Division of the University of Georgia focused on research and community education
Go to source}
- If you have a constant problem with moisture and millipedes, use extended gutters to divert the rainwater as far away from your house as possible.
3
Seal cracks or crevices leading into the home. Check the walls, windows, and doors of your home for ways that millipedes could be getting in. Apply weather stripping, seal cracks, and apply caulking to prevent millipedes from getting inside.^{[9]
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Trustworthy Source
University of Georgia Cooperative Extension
Division of the University of Georgia focused on research and community education
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- Some millipedes can crawl through vents. To prevent this from happening, install screens on the outside of each vent space.
4
Use a dehumidifier to remove excess moisture in your house. Millipedes are drawn to moisture, so set up a dehumidifier to dry out your house. If you're unsure if your house is moist, purchase an inexpensive hygrometer from the hardware store. It will show you the humidity level in your house. Run the dehumidifier until the humidity level is under 50%.^{[10]
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Trustworthy Source
University of California Integrated Pest Management Program
Research-based pest management program run by the University of California's Cooperative Extension
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- Pay special attention to the subfloor crawl space and basement, if your house has these areas. These spaces are usually among the dampest, so if millipedes are entering your home, it might be through these locations.
Did You Know? Both dehumidifiers and air conditioners can help draw moisture out of the air, but in really damp areas of the house, they may not be enough. Consider running multiple machines or moving 1 throughout the house.
5
Raise chickens that will feed on the millipedes. Check your city laws to see if you're allowed to keep chickens in your yard. Chickens eat many garden pests, including millipedes so they're a great natural deterrent.^{[11]
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- Since chickens eat a lot throughout the day, you probably only need a few to control the millipede population in your yard.

Expert Q&A
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Question

How do you control a millipede infestation?

Kevin Carrillo
MMPC, Pest Control Specialist
Kevin Carrillo is a Pest Control Specialist and the Senior Project Manager for MMPC, a pest control service and certified Minority-owned Business Enterprise (MBE) based in the New York City area. MMPC is certified by the industry’s leading codes and practices, including the National Pest Management Association (NPMA), QualityPro, GreenPro, and The New York Pest Management Association (NYPMA). MMPC's work has been featured in CNN, NPR, and ABC News.

Kevin Carrillo

MMPC, Pest Control Specialist

Expert Answer

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Be sure to spray the insecticide in dark, damp places around your home where millipedes are likely to be found. This would include your attic, crawl spaces, in the bathroom, and behind large pieces of furniture.

Warnings

Note that many non-chemical pesticides can still pose a health hazard to small kids and pets.

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Follow the label instructions closely when using any pesticide, especially chemical pesticides. Wear a face mask to protect yourself from accidentally inhaling the poison as you apply it.

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