Millipede control,
before the mass migration.
Slow-moving, many-legged, and prone to appearing in genuinely large numbers across Canberra patios and pavers in autumn or after wet weather. Millipedes feed on decaying organic matter and mulch — harmless to people, but a real nuisance in numbers. TCB treats the perimeter ahead of the seasonal migration and manages the mulch and leaf litter that draws them in.
The signs that point to a millipede problem.
Mass movement across paving
Large numbers crossing patios, pavers and driveways, usually in autumn or in the days after rain — the single most common way millipedes are noticed.
Coils when threatened
Millipedes coil into a tight spiral when disturbed rather than running, unlike the fast-moving, biting centipede.
Found in mulch and leaf litter
Sheltering under mulch, leaf litter, garden edging, compost and any decomposing organic matter close to the house.
Mild defensive fluid
Some species secrete a mild irritant fluid when crushed or handled roughly — a reason to sweep or vacuum rather than crush them.
Same team.
Written report.
Fully licensed, fully insured, and locally based — our technicians live and work across the ACT, so they know what's normal for the season and what needs a second look.
Two steps ahead of the seasonal migration.
Millipede numbers spike hard and fast during mass-migration events — the barrier goes down ahead of the season, and mulch management does the rest.
Inspection & timing
We identify harbourage areas — mulch beds, leaf litter, garden edging — and time treatment ahead of the typical autumn migration window.
Perimeter barrier
A residual barrier around the foundation line holds migrating millipedes back from paving, entries and the building itself.
Mulch & leaf-litter management
Practical advice on reducing the organic harbourage right against the house — the biggest single lever for numbers next season.
Follow-up
If a mass-migration event breaks through inside the guarantee window, we re-treat as part of that guarantee.
Millipedes are harmless — the numbers are what people find alarming.
Not dangerous, don't bite
Millipedes don't bite. A small number of species can release a mild fluid if crushed, which can mildly irritate skin — sweep them up rather than crushing by hand.
A decomposer, not a destroyer
Millipedes feed on decaying organic matter in the garden — they don't damage timber, plants or structures.
Easy to tell from centipedes
Millipedes are slow, coil when threatened and have two pairs of legs per segment; centipedes are fast, don't coil, and can deliver a mild bite.
Genuinely seasonal
Mass-migration events cluster tightly around autumn rain — most of the year, millipede activity is barely noticeable.
What keeps millipede numbers down next season.
Reduce mulch depth near the house
Thick mulch against the foundation is the primary harbourage — a thinner layer with a gap from the wall helps significantly.
Clear leaf litter regularly
Especially in garden beds and gutters close to the building — leaf litter is a preferred shelter and food source.
Treat ahead of autumn rain
A perimeter barrier applied before the typical migration window is far more effective than reacting after a mass event starts.
The questions Canberra households ask first.
Are millipedes dangerous?
No. Millipedes don't bite. A small number of species release a mild irritant fluid if crushed — best to sweep rather than crush by hand, but there's no real danger.
Why do they suddenly appear in huge numbers?
Millipedes undergo mass-migration events, usually in autumn or after heavy rain, when they move in large numbers looking for shelter or new territory. It's a genuine seasonal event, not an infestation building over time.
What's the difference between a millipede and a centipede?
Millipedes are slower, coil into a spiral when disturbed, and have two pairs of legs per body segment. Centipedes are fast-moving, don't coil, and can deliver a mild bite — treatment differs slightly between the two.
Will they damage my garden or home?
No structural or plant damage — millipedes feed on decaying organic matter, not living plants or timber.
How much does millipede treatment cost in Canberra?
Usually bundled into a general pest visit, priced individually and timed ahead of the seasonal migration where possible. We send a written quote before any work starts.
Get ahead of
the migration.
Millipede numbers spike fast once the seasonal migration starts. TCB times the perimeter barrier ahead of autumn rain so it's holding before the mass movement begins.
Book millipede control
today.
Tell us about the property and when you usually see activity. We'll get back within one business day with a written quote and the next available visit.