Common North American millipede species are brownish, 1 to 4 cm long; segmented, with two pair of legs per segment. Millipedes reproduce at an alarming rate. Females typically lay between 10 and 300 eggs, which take a few weeks to hatch.

 

Millipedes are ground-dwelling arthropods that live outdoors and thrive in dark habitats with plenty of moisture. Known to feed on decaying plant matter, millipedes often reside directly within sources of food, like piles of leaf litter or rotting logs. The arthropods also commonly burrow in areas where soil stays moist, like under rocks or piles of mulch.

​

When they come into a home, they often climb the foundation of the home and find entryways such as basement doors and windows, crawlspace vents and garage doors. Reducing the amount of moisture in the basement makes the home less attractive to the pests. Seal exterior cracks and crevices around the home to prevent millipedes and other pests from entering, and contact QFI Pest Control when the levels of infestations become too high or overwhelming to handle alone.