millipede
Centipedes & Millipedes

Why Are Millipedes Coming Into Homes in Southern Maryland and Northern Virginia?

By Planet Friendly Pest Control·3 min read

Did you know that some millipedes have upwards of 750 legs%20Illacme,centipede%20(C)%20has%20fangs.)? It's no wonder you don't want them in your house!

If you live in Southern Maryland or Northern Virginia and keep finding millipedes invading your home, then you're wondering why they keep coming inside. To start with, it's best to learn how they're accessing your house so you can prevent these intruders from returning.

Keep reading to answer your question, "Why is there a millipede in my house?" and to learn how to keep them out, once and for all.

01

Millipedes Explained

First, it's best to understand what a millipede is. They're usually no bigger than two inches long and can have as many as 750 legs. However, they have no more than 400 legs on average.

Even though they have an overwhelming amount of legs, they move slowly. When they sense a threat, they roll into a ball or coil.

Regardless of their speed, you don't want them in your house. So where are they coming from and why do you see millipedes in home basements?

02

Why Do Millipedes Enter a House?

Millipedes love damp areas, making your basement, crawl space, garage, and laundry room prime real estate. They live outdoors in mulch, flower beds, and under rocks. However, they're drawn out by excessive weather conditions such as drought, lots of rain, and cold weather.

This is when you see millipedes infiltrate your home. The good news is they don't bite and won't eat your food, but that doesn't mean you want to live with them.

If you keep your trash in the garage, odds are that millipedes are living close by, with more chances to enter your home.

So how are they gaining access to your house in the first place?

03

How Millipedes Gain Entrance

It's impossible to seal off every crack and crevice inside and outside your home. As a result, millipedes and other insects make their way inside.

Since millipedes like garages, they may enter when you open the door or find an opening in a door jam.

Although millipedes and other bugs can enter your house through hidden cracks and openings, it's important to ensure screens are in good condition without any visible holes, and doors are closed or have proper weather stripping.

Aim to keep the foundation of your home as dry as possible, with downspouts channeling water away from the base of your house to help prevent millipedes from entering your home.

Additionally, caulk around doors to close up any potential openings and ensure expansion joints are sealed.

04

Pest Removal for All Your Needs

Whether the millipedes that enter your home have 400 or 750 legs, the fact remains the same: you don't want millipedes in your house. Now that you know the answer to your question, "Why is there is a millipede in my house?", you can call in professionals to handle any pest related issues.

You work hard to maintain your home and want to know you're not sharing it with unwelcome visitors. Contact us today and a member of our dedicated staff will be happy to schedule you an appointment with one of our pest control experts.

Don't suffer from bugs and pests inside your home. Call us and we'll rid your home of whatever's bugging you.

Millipedes

Written by

Planet Friendly Pest Control

Eco-conscious pest control for homes with pets across Southern Maryland & Northern Virginia — serving local homeowners since 2010.....

All articles

Happy Customers

Homeowners who made the switch

Hundreds of Google reviews across our verified service locations.

Excellent on Google

5.0
  • Josh F.

    Google review · Sep 2026

    Alex was great! Very professional and explained the whole process before doing any work. We had a wasp nest in our wall, getting in through a seam between our brick and siding. I thought it would be a costly problem, but it was taken care of in about 15 minutes.

  • Amy B.

    Google review · Sep 2026

    I am very pleased with the work of Planet Friendly Pest Control. I had a large wasp nest in the garage and they came out to treat it the same day! The process was clear and professional. I was told the price when I called and they didn't try to upsell me on a monthly or quarterly contract. As mentioned above, they came out the same day I called and they texted me when they were on their way. They treated the nest and then came back a week later to confirm it was taken care of and removed the nest. It's now been a couple of weeks since the initial visit and no sign of new wasps! I would not hesitate to use them again.

  • Nicholas V.

    Google review · Sep 2026

    Excellent service and full explanation of service

  • Jfk

    Google review · Sep 2026

    Great service. Wasps eradicated the next day.

  • Cheryl P.

    Google review · Aug 2026

    Tech was very nice, explained what the chemical is designed to do.

  • Patrick H.

    Google review · Jul 2026

    I want to sincerely thank Planet Friendly Pest Control and its owner, Gene Wright, for their immediate response and action to deal with a hive of Bald Face Hornets who, unbeknownst to me, had taken home in a fair size shrub at the back of my house. As I attempted to trim the shrub, I was swarmed by Hornets and stung 8 or 9 times before I could get to safety. I left my tractor and tools in a hurry and was afraid to retrieve them until the bee issue was addressed. Again, PFPC responded quickly and allowed me to get my tools and continue my recovery from the bee stings. I considered the price to be very fair for the treatment of the issue at hand and the sharing of knowledge to avoid further such mishaps. I will only call PFPC when in need of pest control.

  • Jason M.

    Google review · Jul 2026

    Gene was honest and thorough.

  • Betty E.

    Google review · Jul 2026

    Roger came out and killed hornets in large nest on our house. It was taken care of the day after I called for service.

  • Joyce

    Google review · Jul 2026

    Joshua was Friendly and efficient.

  • Ken C.

    Google review · Jun 2026

    Planet Friendly has been doing our pest control for several years now. They are reliable, and perform a great service for us. We are notified by email when the appointment is confirmed. They are always professional and knowledgeable.

  • Nikole R.

    Google review · Jun 2026

    Really appreciate Roger coming out to the house to not only treat for common insects that like to make their way into the house (regularly scheduled maintenance), but also exterminate a hornet nest we found on our deck this last week. Great service, arrives on schedule (and sends a text with arrival time when he’s on his way), and most importantly - no critters coming inside my house - or hornets potentially stinging us. Recommend Planet Friendly Pest Control to anyone looking for an exterminator.

  • Kathleen M.

    Google review · Jun 2026

    Great service. No bugs in the house! They quietly and quickly get the job done, no hastle.

  • San D.

    Google review · Jun 2026

    Roger was very kind and professional. He did an excellent job attending to areas of the exterior of our home that required extra attention.

  • Patti W.

    Google review · Jun 2026

    Gene Wright came highly recommended by multiple neighbors. He came out the same day I called and showed great knowledge about our mouse problem! Gene was responsible, knowledgeable and a delight to deal with. We highly recommend Planet Friendly Pest Control.

  • Denise A.

    Google review · Apr 2026

    This is my third year using Planet Friendly to control ants in my home. I have yet to see an ant. What a relief. This is a real necessity where I live. Thank you.

Dealing with pests around your home?

Hundreds of Google reviews across our verified service locations. Book a free initial inspection and we’ll start with the exterior — where most problems begin.

Get Your Free Inspection