Millipedes occasionally damage seedling plants by feeding on stems and leaves and may enter homes in large numbers during periods of migration and become a considerable nuisance. They do not cause damage inside the home except for possible stains when they are crushed. Centipedes have poison glands and can bite and therefore pose an occasional threat to man. They are wormlike with rounded body segments that bear two pairs of legs on each segment. The head is rounded with short antennae.
Species can vary in length from less than one to two or more inches.
They are light brown to black in color. Millipedes are not poisonous, but many species have glands capable of producing irritating fluids which may produce allergic reactions in some individuals. Persons handling millipedes will notice a lingering odor on their hands and the fluid can be dangerous to the eyes. It is not advisable to handle millipedes with your bare hands. After contact with millipedes, wash hands thoroughly with soap and water until the odor is gone.