Millipedes-Why are they crawling around my house at night?!!
- Tammy Johnson
- Nov 7, 2025
- 3 min read
Updated: 16 hours ago
The scoop on Millipedes
So, you hop up in the night and tootle off to the bathroom half-asleep, minding your own business only to hear that crunch, feel the wet mess, and finally there's the realisation with the unmistakable smell (seriously, what is with that?). You flick on the light and… low and behold, you’ve squished a millipede between your toes.
They don’t exactly suck out of the carpet well, and somehow, they just “happen” to fall from the ceiling or appear beside you on the bench when you least expect it! Come on now what gives?
These little critters love moist, dark spots anywhere with leaf litter, mulch, potted plants, or logs that stay cool and damp. They’re not out to terrorise you, though. Most of the time they’re quietly recycling old plant matter, helping to break it down into rich soil. But when things get a bit too comfy (think very damp + lots of cover), they’ll wander closer to home sometimes literally into your home.
Because millipedes dry out easily, dryness is their enemy and that’s the key to gentle, eco-friendly control.
🪴 Eco-Friendly Control Methods
(Using Tammy’s favourite IPM approach: prevention → observation → action)
1️⃣ Reduce Their Favourite Habitat
Thin out thick mulch layers, especially near house foundations or garden edges that stay damp.
Clear up leaf litter, logs, stones, and pot bases where they hide out.
Fix drainage issues so there are no soggy spots near your walls or garden beds. Once the environment’s less humid, they’ll move on naturally.
2️⃣ Barrier & Exclusion Tricks
Seal gaps and cracks around doors, windows, vents, and skirting boards.
Use smooth barriers (vinyl wrap or metal flashing) along walls they can’t climb slick surfaces.
Indoors, vacuum them up rather than squashing they release a defensive fluid that stinks and can even potentially stain fabrics.
3️⃣ Safe Physical Controls
Night patrols Millipedes are most active in the dark. Inside your house check floors, near doorways, and even beds daily to try to keep down numbers.
DIY traps: shallow dishes with fruit scraps work beautifully.
Sprinkle food-grade Diatomaceous Earth around entry points it gently dries them out without harsh chemicals.
(Diatomaceous Earth is simply organic fossil shell flour, a more natural eco-friendly effective alternative product. You'll find it available in most leading chain stores, and pet supply stockists. For large yards and gardens look for a 1-3kg volume).
4️⃣ Gentle Natural Deterrents
Essential oils (peppermint or tea tree) can help repel them. Dab a few drops along skirting boards or door frames.
Dim your outdoor lights at night, millipedes often follow the glow straight to your doorstep!
At the end of the day, it’s all about making things a little less cosy for these moisture-loving wanderers. Keep your spaces dry, tidy up the hidey-holes, and seal off those sneaky little entry points. A few smart barriers or homemade traps will usually do the trick long before you ever need to think about sprays. Only reach for chemicals if things truly get out of hand otherwise, the gentle, nature-friendly route keeps your garden balanced, your home peaceful, and your toes millipede-free!
Happy Gardening 😘💚
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