Millipedes might look alarming with their many legs, but these slow-moving scavengers are mostly harmless—until they invade in large numbers! In Australia, species like the Portuguese Millipede often swarm after heavy rain, marching into homes, garages, and gardens by the hundreds.Millipedes are common nocturnal invaders that occasionally swarm Australian homes, particularly after heavy rains. While harmless (they don’t bite or spread disease), their sheer numbers can become overwhelming. Portuguese millipedes are the most frequent offenders, entering through gaps to seek moisture. When threatened, they curl up and release a foul-smelling liquid that can stain surfaces. These decomposers typically live in garden mulch and leaf litter, but may migrate indoors en masse during wet weather. Our millipede management focuses on creating protective barriers, reducing damp habitats around your property, and safe removal of existing invaders. Unlike other pests, we emphasize gentle control methods since millipedes play an important ecological role in breaking down organic matter.