About Millipedes in South Africa
Millipedes are not insects but myriapods — close relatives of centipedes — and South Africa is home to over 1,000 species, including some of the world's largest. The most commonly encountered problem species in South African homes are the Black Millipede (Ommatoiulus moreleti), an introduced species from Portugal that has become highly invasive in the Western Cape, and various native Archispirostreptus species prevalent on the highveld.
Millipedes are primarily garden scavengers — they feed on decaying plant matter and play a valuable ecological role in composting. They become a pest when their populations explode following the first summer rains and they begin migrating en masse, entering homes through gaps around doors, windows, and foundations. Thousands can invade a property overnight, congregating in bathrooms, kitchens, and garages.
While they do not bite, millipedes defend themselves by releasing a quinone-based secretion that can cause skin irritation, discolouration of surfaces, and significant staining of tiles, grout, and fabrics. Crushing large numbers of millipedes creates a difficult-to-remove brown stain. In the Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal, Black Millipede invasions have been significant enough to stop trains on railway lines.
🇿🇦 South African Facts
- The Black Millipede (Ommatoiulus moreleti) is listed as an invasive alien species in the Western Cape.
- Millipede mass migrations in South Africa occur within days of the first significant summer rains.
- The Giant African Millipede (Archispirostreptus gigas) — found in KZN and Limpopo — can reach 38cm in length.
- Western Cape millipede invasions have caused train delays when millipedes made rail tracks slippery.
- Millipede defensive secretions contain hydrochloric acid — sufficient to discolour skin and etch some surfaces.
Warning Signs of a Millipedes Infestation
Spotting a millipedes infestation early can save you time and money. Watch for these tell-tale signs:
Large numbers of millipedes appearing on walls, floors, and in bathrooms following rain.
Millipedes found dead in corners, along skirting boards, or in drains.
Brown staining on tiles or grout from crushed millipede secretions.
Millipedes in garden beds, under pot plants, and in compost heaps (normal — only a concern when entering the house).
Strong, unpleasant quinone smell in rooms where many millipedes have been crushed or secreted.
Health & Property Risks
Skin irritation and temporary discolouration (brown/orange staining) from contact with defensive secretions.
Eye irritation if secretions contact the eyes — wash immediately with water.
Surface staining of tiles, grout, fabric, and light-coloured flooring.
Psychological distress for residents — particularly children — during mass invasions.
Minor plant damage if millipede populations feed on seedlings or delicate root systems.
Our Millipedes Treatment Approach
At Eco-Fumigation, we follow a proven, multi-step process to fully eliminate millipedes and prevent their return.
Exterior Perimeter Barrier Spray
A residual insecticide barrier is sprayed around the full exterior perimeter of the building — across the foundation, around all entry points, and over garden paths and beds near the structure. This kills millipedes before they enter.
Interior Treatment of Entry Zones
Spray treatment applied to all interior entry areas — under doors, along skirting boards, window frames, and bathroom drains — to kill any millipedes that have already entered.
Garden Habitat Reduction
We advise on reducing leaf litter, mulch, compost, and damp debris adjacent to the building — the breeding and harborage habitat driving high millipede populations.
Pre-Season Preventive Treatment
Applied before the rainy season (ideally in September in Gauteng, earlier in KZN), a preventive perimeter barrier significantly reduces invasion intensity.
Prevention Tips — Keep Millipedes Away
Our technicians don't just eliminate the current infestation — they help you prevent future ones with these proven tips: