Millipedes can look a bit creepy when they show up in your house or garden, but honestly, they’re more of a nuisance than a threat. Millipedes aren’t dangerous to humans or pets, though they might release mild defensive fluids that can irritate your skin or eyes. Unlike centipedes, millipedes don’t bite, sting, or carry venom.

These many-legged guys help break down dead stuff in the yard, but sometimes they wander inside looking for moisture. Their presence can be a little unsettling, sure, but they’re not much of a risk. If you handle them, you might get a bit of irritation. Once you get a sense of how they behave and why they sneak indoors, it’s easier to deal with them without stressing out.

Knowing the difference between harmless millipedes and their more aggressive relatives clears up a lot of confusion. If you figure out what draws them in and how to block their way, you can cut down on those surprise encounters and keep your home feeling comfortable.

Key Takeaways

• Millipedes are harmless to people and pets but might cause mild irritation.
• They come inside looking for moisture or shelter.
• Simple steps can help prevent infestations.

Are Millipedes Dangerous to Humans and Pets?

Millipedes aren’t aggressive. They can’t bite or sting, but their natural defenses can still bug people and animals. If you touch or swallow them, the fluids they release might irritate your skin, eyes, or even your stomach.

Millipede Defensive Secretions and Chemical Compounds

When they feel threatened, a lot of millipede species ooze defensive fluids from pores along their bodies. This is their main way of staying safe—no biting or fighting back.

Their secretions usually have benzoquinones, which can stain your skin and leave it irritated for a bit. Some types might also make hydrochloric acid or little bits of hydrogen cyanide, but not enough to be dangerous to humans.

These fluids mainly scare off birds, amphibians, and small mammals. If your cat or dog mouths or eats a millipede, they might drool, throw up, or just feel a bit off for a while.

If you notice a mess where a millipede let loose, wash your hands and clean the spot. Wearing gloves helps you avoid direct contact, though honestly, most people just scoop them up with a tissue.

Potential Health Effects and Skin Irritation

If you touch millipede secretions, you could end up with skin irritation, a rash, or a burning feeling. Sensitive spots like your eyes, nose, or mouth react more strongly.

Usually, the symptoms fade in a few hours or days. Just wash the area with soap and water, and you should be fine. If any gets in your eyes, rinse thoroughly with clean water.

For pets, eating a millipede is riskier than just touching one. Dogs and cats that chew or swallow them might vomit, drool, or have a mild stomach upset. If your pet keeps acting weird, a vet visit is a good idea.

Millipedes can’t inject toxins—they’re not venomous. Their only risk comes from those surface fluids, which are defensive, not offensive. So, they’re really less dangerous than people might think.

Millipedes vs. Centipedes: Key Differences in Danger

People mix up millipedes and centipedes all the time, but they’re actually pretty different. Millipedes are slow-moving decomposers and just eat dead plants. Centipedes are fast predators that chase insects and other small critters.

Millipedes have two pairs of legs per body segment, while centipedes have one pair per segment. That’s why centipedes look flatter and move quicker.

Centipedes can bite and have venom glands, but their bites are rarely a big deal for people. Millipedes don’t bite or sting at all. All they’ve got is that chemical secretion, which is annoying but not venomous.

So, if you see one in your house, a centipede might give you a quick bite, but a millipede will just leave you with a bit of skin irritation if anything.

Are Millipedes Poisonous or Venomous?

Millipedes aren’t venomous—they can’t inject toxins, bite, or sting. They’re not really poisonous either, at least not in a deadly way. Their secretions can make them gross or a little harmful to eat, but that’s about it.

Some bigger millipedes can spray their fluids a few inches, but even then, the chemicals are pretty weak. According to Today’s Homeowner, the main effect is just irritation.

Sometimes people call them poisonous because their secretions have stuff like benzoquinones and hydrogen cyanide, but the amounts are too low to hurt humans seriously.

For pets, these chemicals can be more of an issue since they’re smaller. Keeping things clean and watching your pets helps avoid problems. All in all, millipedes are more of a nuisance than a real health threat.

How to Prevent and Control Millipede Infestations

Millipede infestations usually start outside, where there’s a lot of moisture and organic debris. When it gets too dry or too wet outdoors, they head inside. Managing their habitat, keeping things dry, and sealing up cracks are the best ways to keep them out.

Environmental Factors and Millipede Habitats

Millipedes love damp, shady spots with lots of dead plant matter. They munch on decaying leaves, mulch, and rotting wood. That’s why you often find them near foundations, crawl spaces, or basements.

Too much moisture is the main problem. Poor drainage, clogged gutters, or watering the lawn too much create the damp soil millipedes like. Thick mulch right up against your house is basically an open invitation.

They’ll also look for shelter during heavy rain or drought. You might see a bunch of them near patios, siding, or by the pool. According to NC State Extension, millipedes can’t really live inside for long unless it’s damp, so indoor infestations usually mean there’s a big outdoor population nearby.

Effective Prevention Strategies

To keep millipedes out, focus on drying things out and removing hiding spots. Keep mulch and plants at least 6–12 inches from your foundation. Gravel instead of organic mulch helps drainage and removes food sources.

Clean up your yard regularly. Get rid of piles of leaves, grass clippings, boards, and stones that trap moisture. Don’t overwater your lawn, and mow it short to cut down on thick thatch where millipedes hide.

Check your water control systems. Clean out gutters, extend downspouts, and slope the soil away from your house. Fix leaky faucets and AC drip lines. These steps really help cut down on the dampness that millipedes love, as mentioned in PestWorld’s guide on millipede control.

Safe Removal and Treatment Methods

When millipedes get inside, they usually dry out and die pretty fast. Sweeping or vacuuming them up does the trick—no fancy treatments needed since they don’t breed indoors.

Outside, insecticides might lower their numbers, but honestly, that’s not a long-term fix. Tips Bulletin points out that managing their habitat works better. If you do use chemicals, put them around doors, vents, and foundation cracks.

If you prefer non-chemical options, sprinkle diatomaceous earth or boric acid in garden beds where millipedes hang out. Always follow safety instructions and keep these away from kids and pets. Sealing up cracks and adding door sweeps also helps keep them out for good.

Frequently Asked Questions

Millipedes don’t bite or sting, but they can let out fluids that might irritate your skin or cause a mild reaction. They’re mostly harmless to people, though pets might have a problem if they eat one.

What are the risks associated with handling millipedes?

If you handle millipedes, their secretions might get on your skin and cause some redness, itching, or mild swelling, especially if you’re sensitive. Washing up with soap and water usually takes care of it.

Can millipedes cause harm to pets or children?

Kids don’t have much to worry about since millipedes aren’t venomous and can’t bite. Pets, on the other hand, might drool, vomit, or feel a bit off if they eat one. The fluids can be more of an issue for smaller animals, as noted in Today’s Homeowner.

Are there any toxic species of millipedes to be aware of?

There aren’t any millipede species that make venom, but some can secrete chemicals that are mildly toxic if eaten. These secretions are meant to keep predators away, not hurt people. They’re unpleasant but rarely dangerous.

How should one treat a millipede bite or secretion exposure?

Millipedes don’t bite, but if their secretions irritate your skin, just wash the area with soap and water. A cool compress or some over-the-counter antihistamine can help with itching or swelling if you need it.

What defensive mechanisms do millipedes use when threatened?

When something bothers them, millipedes curl up tightly to protect their soft undersides. A lot of species also release a fluid with irritating chemicals. Some can even spray it a short distance, as explained by American Pest.

Is it safe to have millipedes in a home garden?

Yeah, millipedes are generally safe for your garden—and honestly, they can be pretty helpful. They munch on dead plant material and break it down, which puts nutrients back into the soil. Sure, if you get a ton of them, they might snack on some seedlings, but for most plants, they’re not really a problem.

What should you do?

Dealing with millipedes that have found their way inside? Don’t let these pests make you uncomfortable in your own home. While mostly harmless, a large number of millipedes indicates a moisture problem that can attract other, more dangerous pests. Our team at Critter Stop provides expert pest control and can help you identify and seal off entry points, ensuring your home is protected for good. Call us today at (214) 234-2616 for a comprehensive solution.