Pest Identification: Millipedes in Tennessee

Tennessee is the perfect place for millipedes to hide out, especially during the fall. Millipedes love humidity and moisture and just might be using your home or business as a shelter. Their favorite time to arise is right after a long rain, where they gather in groups and feed off of dead leaves and wood. 

Although millipedes are not considered to be a dangerous pest, don’t get too comfortable. They don’t bite or sting but are known to eject a fluid that irritates the skin of those who handle millipedes. So try not to touch them or pick them up to avoid getting that icky skin irritation. 

Fun fact: Despite their name (literally meaning “one thousand foot”), millipedes don’t actually have 1,000 feet. About 750 is the most feet a millipede species has ever had.

How to Identify Millipedes

Millipedes are similar to centipedes in some ways, as they’re both in the arthropod category, but in other ways, they are vastly different. You can identify a millipede by its:

• Size: Millipedes are typically around 2.5 to 4 cm long but can also be as big as 27 cm long
• Color: Millipedes are usually medium to deep brown
• Body: Their bodies are thin, long, and cylindrical. The most distinctive feature of millipedes is their legs, as they can have between 34 and 400 legs!

Having trouble identifying these creepy crawlers? Contact U.S. Pest Protection, and we’ll be able to help. 

Where to Find Millipedes

Millipedes are attracted to three main things: shelter, food, and places that have a lot of moisture. Our homes and businesses usually have at least two of these and can potentially attract millipedes. They typically gather on patios, in garages, under rocks, and in garbage piles and can sometimes sneak their way inside. When inside, they can be found in places like basement windows and sliding glass doors. 

Get Those Creepy Crawlers Out with U.S. Pest Protection

Millipedes can be a creepy sight and not the most pleasant thing to have around your home or business. Thankfully, with our services, U.S. Pest Protection technicians are trained to control millipedes and ensure they stay out. Schedule your free pest inspection today!