Greenhouse Millipede

Life Cycle

Color: Brown body with paler legs
Size: Adults often about 18–23 mm
Key Markings: Many segments and short legs
Activity: Often moves in damp conditions
Common Areas: Mulch, leaf litter, moist shelter

Description

Oxidus gracilis

Greenhouse millipedes live in damp organic material and feed mainly on decomposing matter. They are not insects. Young hatch with fewer legs and segments, adding more as they grow. Heavy outdoor movement can bring them against foundations and through low openings.

What Attracts Them?

Damp mulch and leaf litter
Decaying organic material
Protected moisture near walls

How Do They Get Inside?

Gaps beneath doors
Ground-level foundation openings
Damp materials moved indoors

Signs of an Infestation

Many-legged animals near thresholds

Movement after weather changes

Millipedes beneath outdoor debris

Dead or drying millipedes indoors

How Serious or Harmful Are They?

Indoor appearances are usually accidental. Millipedes do not sting; avoid crushing or handling them because defensive secretions may be irritating.

Treatment / How to Get Rid of Them

What You Can Do

Reduce persistent moisture near foundations
Move accumulated debris away from walls
Maintain door sweeps and seal low gaps
Remove indoor strays and assess outdoor conditions

How Pest Guys Helps

The A-C-T Process: Assess. Communicate. Treat.

Assess — We inspect your property, identify pests and activity, locate nesting and hiding areas, and find contributing conditions.

Communicate — We explain our findings, discuss the recommended plan, answer your questions, and confirm understanding and agreement.

Treat — We put the agreed plan into action, perform the initial treatment, provide ongoing service, and monitor results to adjust as needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I look for first?

Many segments and short legs. Many-legged animals near thresholds. A clear photograph and the location of activity can help with identification.

What conditions should I check?

Start with damp mulch and leaf litter. Reduce persistent moisture near foundations.

Does seeing one mean there is an infestation?

A single sighting does not establish the extent of a problem. Repeated activity, developing young, nests, or other evidence help us determine what is happening.

How does Pest Guys decide what to do?

We use A-C-T: Assess, Communicate, Treat. The pest, its location, and the conditions at your home guide the recommendation. We explain the plan and any preparation needed before service.