Millipede
Long, cylindrical, many-legged arthropods that migrate indoors during heavy Florida rains.
Photo: Insects Unlocked (CC0) · public domain/CC0 · Wikimedia Commons
Round-bodied, 2–6 cm, brown to reddish-brown, with two pairs of legs per body segment (distinguishing them from centipedes, which have one pair per segment). They curl into a spiral when disturbed and move slowly.
Moist organic matter — decomposing mulch, leaf litter, logs, and the soil under landscape timbers. Common throughout Florida; populations explode after sustained rain.
- Millipedes clustered on the exterior foundation and walls after rain
- Dead or dying millipedes on floors inside the garage, laundry room or entry
- Large numbers appearing overnight following a heavy rainfall event
Millipedes don't bite, sting or spread disease. They are a moisture-and-decay indicator. The main nuisance is their numbers during mass migrations indoors after rain. Some species secrete a mild irritating fluid when crushed.
Rhino treats the perimeter and harborage areas with a product that kills on contact, combined with moisture reduction advice (reduce deep mulch, improve drainage) to lower the population long-term.
Our General Pest Control serviceMore occasional invaders
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ViewFast-running, many-legged arthropods with banded legs that hunt insects inside homes.
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