Eagle Millipedes are named for the “millions” of legs they appear to have. In reality, millipedes have anywhere from 30-354 legs, depending on the species. The United States has around 1,000 species of millipedes. Millipedes are black, brown, red or orange in color. The most common color found in North American is brownish. Their size ranges between 1/16 of an inch to 4 1/2 inches long. Millipedes and centipedes are often confused for one another. Here are a few key differences between the two insects:
Millipedes
- Round and rigid
- 2 legs per segment, up to 354 legs total
- Dentrivore (feeds on dead organic material, mainly plants)
- Non-poisonous and will not usually bite humans
Centipedes
- Flat and flexible
- 1 leg per segment, up to 750 legs total
- Carnivore
- Poisonous and will bite humans
Eagle Millipedes don’t bite people. However, some species can secrete a yucky smelling fluid. This fluid is known to be toxic to some small animals and pets, and can even cause chemical burns or blisters on humans when handled. Millipedes are nocturnal and prefer areas that are damp, dark and moist. They are scavengers and feed on decaying plants and other dead insects. You’ll typically find them in areas such as under trash, in piles of leaves or grass clippings, or in flower beds. They must live in a high moisture content area or they will dry out.
Millipedes rarely venture inside, but you may find some indoors if their habitat has become too hot or dry. Millipedes won’t cause damage to your food because of their diet. If you do find them inside your house it probably means you have a ventilation issue or damp areas. Use a dehumidifier and look for any areas of moisture inside your home. Seal up and secure any entry points they may have. To keep them off of your property, remove any piles of leaves or grass clippings, limit decorative ground landscaping that could hold moisture, and keep your lawn mowed regularly. Watering the lawn early in the morning is helpful, so it can dry out during the day and prevent favorable conditions for millipedes.
If you’re having issues with Eagle Millipedes, or any other type of pest, give Get Lost Pest Control a call today! Our technicians would love to help keep your home safe from any unwanted pests.
