What’s with All These Millipedes?

Posted by Mosquito Squad Plus

October 2, 2026

Wondering why millipedes are gathering around your house right now?

Millipedes are known to descend upon homes because the surrounding soil, mulch, and landscaping offer the damp environments they prefer. Here in the fall, some millipedes arrive close to your home in their search for a suitable winter shelter.

If you’re among the unfortunate West St. Louis County residents, you’re experiencing the natural seasonal pattern that brings millipedes up to your home’s foundation – and sometimes, inside your home – as cooler temperatures arrive.

Are Millipedes Dangerous?

Millipedes generally pose no harm to people, nor do they damage household structures. In fact, they are natural decomposers that feed on decaying plant material and play a useful role in breaking down organic matter.

And though millipedes are often confused with centipedes, there are noticeable differences between the two.

Millipedes have rounded, segmented bodies with two pairs of legs on most of their individual body segments. They additionally move relatively slowly and often curl up into a spiral when disturbed.

Centipedes, on the other hand, have flatter bodies, one pair of legs per individual body segment, and they move considerably faster than millipedes.

One thing they do have in common is that neither creature is a particularly welcome visitor when discovered crawling across the basement floor.

Why Are Millipedes Getting into Your Basement?

Basements and crawl spaces are very appealing environments for millipedes, which require moisture to survive. Though they normally live in soil, leaf litter, and similar damp outdoor environments, they can wander around cracks and openings around your home’s foundation, basement windows, and exterior doors, by which they will access interior spaces to overwinter.

Millipedes, like other pests, will seek out such spaces, where conditions are most suitable for their survival through the cold months.

How Can You Prevent Millipedes from Entering Your Home?

The best way to prevent millipedes inside your home is to first address the conditions that bring them close to your home in the first place.

Remove accumulated leaf litter and any unnecessary organic debris from areas directly around your home’s foundation. Check your gutters and downspouts, as well, to ensure water is flowing properly and is being directed away from your home’s foundation.

Indoors, it’s important to address persistent sources of moisture. Fix any known leaks and utilize a dehumidifier to reduce moisture. You can also inspect door thresholds and foundation openings and correct any potential areas that millipedes or other pests could breach.

Then, what? Get West St. Louis County pest control for millipedes and other autumn invaders.

Mosquito Squad Plus of West St. Louis County offers granular pest control, as well as exterior pest control treatments that are tailored specifically to keep migrating pests away from your home – and out of your home.

Where Do We Offer Pest Control Services?

Mosquito Squad Plus of West St. Louis County provides our full suite of outdoor pest control, including commercial mosquito control services throughout the West St. Louis County and St. Charles County areas, including these cities and beyond:

Search for West St. Louis pest control and Call Mosquito Squad Plus.

Mosquito Squad Plus of West St. Louis County will help you fight outdoor pests, including deer, rodents, cockroaches, and more that invade our private spaces. We also treat mosquitoes, ticks, stink bugs, spiders, gnats, and more!

Mosquito Squad Plus of West St. Louis County additionally offers a 100% satisfaction guarantee. If you are not satisfied with your pest control treatment, call us within 21 days for a complimentary repeat treatment.

Call Mosquito Squad of West St. Louis County today for millipede control near me. Get in touch with us by filling out our form online or calling us at (636) 597-8684 for a free quote.