Millipedes in Tennessee Identification Guide
Quick Facts About Millipedes
Millipedes thrive in Tennessee’s climate, especially during fall when they seek shelter in homes and businesses. These moisture-loving arthropods emerge after rainfall, gathering in groups to feed on decaying organic matter like dead leaves and wood.
- Size: 2.5 to 4 cm long (some species up to 27 cm)
- Color: Medium to deep brown
- Shape: Thin, long, cylindrical body
- Active Season: Most active during fall and after rainfall
- Lifespan: 2-7 years depending on species
- Reproduction Rate: Females lay between 10-300 eggs
What Do Millipedes Look Like?
Millipedes have distinctive cylindrical, segmented bodies with two pairs of legs per body segment. Despite their name meaning “thousand feet,” they typically have between 34 and 400 legs, not 1,000. Their exoskeletons are hard and smooth, and they often curl into a tight spiral when disturbed or threatened.
Key Identifying Features
- Multiple Leg Pairs: Each visible body segment has two pairs of legs, unlike centipedes which have one pair per segment
- Movement Pattern: Millipedes move with a slower, wave-like motion due to their numerous legs working in coordination
- Defensive Coiling: When threatened, millipedes typically curl into a tight spiral to protect their softer underside
- Body Segments: Clear segmentation along their elongated body, giving them their distinctive appearance
Related Species
Centipedes are often confused with millipedes as both belong to the arthropod group, but centipedes have flatter bodies, only one pair of legs per segment, and move much faster. Unlike millipedes, centipedes are predatory and can bite, while millipedes primarily feed on decaying plant material.
Health & Property Risks
Health Concerns
Millipedes don’t bite or sting but can cause mild skin irritation through a defensive mechanism.
- Chemical Secretions: When threatened, millipedes can secrete an irritating fluid that may cause skin irritation
- Allergic Reactions: Some individuals may experience allergic reactions to these secretions
- Odor: Some species emit an unpleasant odor when disturbed
Property Damage
Millipedes rarely cause significant property damage as they primarily feed on decaying matter.
- Plant Damage: In large numbers, they may feed on seedlings or soft plant tissues in gardens
- Nuisance Factor: Their presence in large numbers can be disturbing to homeowners
- Indoor Invasion: During heavy rains or seasonal migrations, they may enter homes in large numbers
Where to Look for Millipedes in Your Home
Millipedes are attracted to moisture, shelter, and decaying organic matter. They typically gather on patios, in garages, under rocks, and near garbage piles. Indoors, they’re commonly found near basement windows, sliding glass doors, and in damp areas like bathrooms or laundry rooms.
When to Call Professional Help
Professional intervention is necessary when you notice a significant number of millipedes entering your home, especially after rainfall. If you’ve tried basic moisture control and exclusion methods but continue to see millipedes inside, it’s time to call experts. Multiple sightings across different areas of your home may indicate entry points that need professional attention.
