If you live near Mobile Bay, you know the pattern. A storm passes, the air is humid, and by evening, little brown crawlers trace your porch and baseboards. So, when is millipede season in Mobile, and why do they show up all at once?
Millipedes live in shady, wet spots with leaf litter and mulch. After heavy rain, these areas stay soaked, so they move to drier ground. That is when you see them near doorways, garages, and basements. The good news: they do not bite and usually leave once things dry.
This guide explains when millipede season hits Mobile, why storms trigger movement, and how to stop after-rain invasions. You will learn moisture fixes, how to tell millipedes from centipedes and termite swarmers, and when to call for professional pest control services in Mobile, AL.
Key Takeaways
- Peak season runs late spring through early fall, with spikes right after heavy rains.
- Reduce moisture at the foundation and seal entry points to cut indoor sightings.
- Keep mulch, leaf litter, grass clippings, and thatch away from slab edges.
- Call 866-WAYNES1 for millipede control if invasions keep returning.
Mobile’s Millipede Season: What To Expect
Millipedes move most on warm, humid nights from April through October. Rain is the big trigger. When soil and mulch remain waterlogged, they leave those moist environments and seek drier spots.
Millipedes have rounded bodies with many segments and two pairs of legs per segment. They belong to the class Diplopoda.
Plan when a slow front or tropical band sits over coastal Alabama. Sweep thresholds, check door sweeps, and watch flower beds near porches.
If millipedes keep coming, our EnviroPest Bundles can help with millipedes and other pests like roaches, ants, fleas, and rodents.
Why After-Rain Invasions Happen
Outdoors, millipedes feed on decaying plant material and other organic material, such as leaf litter and thatch. These food sources collect along slab edges and steps. After storms, soaked soil pushes millipedes from these zones into cracks at door bases, weep holes, and utility lines.
Millipedes are not aggressive. They do not bite, and they move slowly. Their exoskeletons give them light armor, and they curl up when startled. Think of them as small cleaners of ecosystems, not hunters. Centipedes are faster predators with longer legs that stick out from the sides.
At Waynes Pest Control, our trained exterminators can handle pests that other pest control companies may not. Millipedes may not be considered a hazard, but a large population on your property can certainly make you feel uneasy. Our team is here to provide safe, effective pest control that lasts.
Easy Prevention Around The House
Follow these quick steps to stop millipedes before they move indoors:
- Pull back mulch: Keep mulch 6 to 12 inches from the foundation and only 2 to 3 inches deep.
- Clear yard debris: Rake away grass clippings and leaf litter that trap moisture.
- Care for flower beds: Aerate soil and avoid overwatering near steps, patios, and garages.
- Seal entry points: Use caulk around pipes and cable lines, and add weatherstripping to drafty doors.
- Fix small cracks: Seal gaps or masonry joints where pests can enter.
- Lower humidity indoors: Run a dehumidifier in basements and crawl spaces to make conditions less inviting.
If you notice repeated trails or clusters, that could be an early millipede infestation. Addressing moisture early prevents it from spreading inside.
Moisture Hotspots To Watch
Check low spots where water puddles near slab edges. Clean out clogged downspouts that dump water beside the house. Keep soil and landscape borders below the siding line so water sheds away.
Millipedes Vs. Look-Alikes
Millipedes have rounded, segmented bodies, short antennae, and two pairs of legs per segment. They move slowly and prefer shaded, damp edges. Centipedes are flatter, faster, and look more “leggy.”
Winged insects indoors after a warm, humid morning are likely termite swarmers and need a different plan.
Millipedes molt as they grow, so you may see light shells on porch steps. If you are unsure what you are seeing, an entomologist or trained service pro can help with a quick identification. That keeps you from spending time on the wrong fix.
When To Call For Help In Alabama
If storms bring millipedes inside week after week, call a pro. A local team can schedule visits around peak weather, tighten the exterior, and show yard changes that matter near the Gulf. Getting professional help right away is faster and more effective than waiting until after each rain.
At Waynes Pest Control, we serve homeowners across Alabama and the Florida Panhandle. We build plans that focus on prevention, perimeter work, and clear communication. If you prefer to speak with a person, call 866-WAYNES1 to schedule help.
Making The Right Plan For Your Alabama Home
Millipedes surge after rain because wet soil forces them out of hiding. Keep the edges dry, remove their food sources, and seal weak spots to stop repeat visits.
If you still see trails along baseboards and thresholds, our team at Waynes Pest Control can set up millipede control that fits your property and schedule.
Contact us today for pest control that protects your home’s foundation and stops after-rain invasions before they start.
FAQs
Are Millipedes Dangerous To People Or Pets?
No. Millipedes are decomposers that feed on decaying organic matter. They do not bite and move slowly. The main issue is nuisance. If sightings continue, pair moisture fixes with a targeted plan that keeps them outdoors where they belong.
What Areas Around My Home Attract Millipedes the Most?
Damp mulch, leaf litter, grass clippings, and thatch close to the slab invite them in. Shaded flower beds and clutter by doors also help them cross into the house. Keep these spots clean and dry to cut traffic.
How Do I Keep Millipedes Out After Storms?
Sweep thresholds, seal cracks and crevices with caulk, add weather stripping, and run a dehumidifier in basements or crawl spaces. If invasions return in large numbers, schedule professional pest control for lasting results.
