Millipedes are a type of large invertebrate that belong to the same family as centipedes but have more legs. They prefer cool, damp, and dark environments and are commonly found under rocks, decaying logs, and piles of moist leaves.
In North America, millipedes are typically brown and measure between 2.5 to 4 cm in length. They tend to migrate during fall and heavy rainfall to avoid the cold and potential drowning in flooded soil, which can lead them to venture into our homes. While their appearance may not be visually appealing, they do not cause significant structural harm or pose a genuine threat to humans. Generally, the most apparent indication of millipede presence within a home is the sighting of an actual millipede. Homeowners commonly report discovering millipedes in their basement or crawl spaces.