Millipedes are arthropods that are characterized by their two long leg segments. They may be found under dead leaves or grass clippings. They especially love damp areas because of the moisture it provides, so they tend to dwell in crawl spaces such as basements, ceilings, or sliding windows. Millipedes are beneficial because they remove dead plants and animals from the environment. However, they are a nuisance to have in the house. They are usually seen in the house during spring and fall and may enter the house through various openings like cracks under doors or windows. There are no obvious indicators of a millipede infestation, but millipedes are attracted to areas where decomposition is occurring, like under mulch or dead leaves. If a few millipedes are present, they can be removed by using a vacuum cleaner. It may also be helpful to dry areas where millipedes have been spotted.
