Why Millipedes Matter in Brookhaven
Millipedes are long‑bodied, many‑legged arthropods that most people recognize from garden mulch or damp basements. Despite their intimidating appearance, they are completely harmless to structures and do not bite or transmit disease. The only nuisance they pose is a defensive secretion— a clear, oily fluid that can irritate human skin if the creature is crushed or disturbed.
Since the spring of 2024, Brookhaven homeowners have reported a noticeable uptick in millipede activity, especially in the North Brookhaven and Brookhaven Village neighborhoods. Heavy rainstorms have created the perfect moist environment for these detritivores, encouraging them to migrate from leaf litter into homes, crawl spaces, and garages in search of shelter.
Local service records back up these observations. Anthem Pest Control logged a 15 % increase in millipede‑related service calls during the first half of 2024 compared with the same period in 2023. This surge is documented in the company’s own data set, which can be reviewed at Anthem Pest service data. The numbers confirm that millipedes have moved from a backyard curiosity to a genuine homeowner concern.
Understanding this trend is the first step toward protecting your property. The sections that follow will use this data‑driven insight to guide you through practical prevention measures, treatment options, and cost considerations—so you can keep millipedes where they belong: outside your home.
Millipede Behavior, Life Cycle, and Risks
Millipedes begin as tiny, oval eggs tucked into damp soil or leaf litter around a Brookhaven yard. After a few weeks the eggs hatch into miniature juveniles that already have the many‑legged look, though they start with only a handful of segments. With each molt they add new body rings and legs, reaching full adult form in about three to four months. An adult typically lives one to three years, spending most of that time hidden in moisture‑rich microhabitats.
These insects are true moisture‑lovers. They gravitate toward environments where organic material is breaking down—think moist leaf litter, rotting wood piles, and the damp corners of a foundation crawl space. Such spots provide both a food source—decaying plant matter—and the humidity millipedes need to keep their soft exoskeletons from drying out. In Brookhaven neighborhoods with mature trees and well‑shaded gardens, the understory creates a perfect refuge that can quickly become a reservoir for thousands of individuals.
When a heavy downpour saturates the soil, the millipedes’ underground highways become flooded. Their instinct is to seek higher, drier ground, which often means climbing the foundation wall and slipping through any gap that leads to indoor moisture—such as basement windows, sump pump pits, or leaky pipes. The sudden influx of water essentially forces a migration, turning a quiet yard into a bustling highway of tiny, dark cylinders marching toward the home’s interior.
“Effective moisture control is a cornerstone of integrated pest management, reducing the need for chemical interventions.” – U.S. EPA, Moisture‑Control Guidelines
One Brookhaven homeowner recounted that after a night‑long thunderstorm, they descended into their basement to find more than 200 millipedes scattered across the concrete floor, some even climbing the walls toward the light fixtures. The homeowner later learned that a small crack in the foundation’s footing had allowed rainwater to seep in, creating the exact moist environment the pests were hunting for. After sealing the crack and installing a dehumidifier, the millipede activity dropped dramatically, illustrating how simple moisture management can halt an invasion.
Professional Millipede Treatment Costs in Brookhaven
Understanding the price of a millipede control program helps you budget for a pest‑free home without surprises. Anthem Pest Control keeps its rates transparent, so you know exactly what you’re paying for—whether you need a quick barrier or a full‑scale treatment that protects every entry point.
Typical Service Tiers
- Basic inspection & single‑application barrier – $150‑$300
- Comprehensive perimeter + interior treatment – $250‑$650
What Each Tier Covers
- Basic inspection & barrier
- Exterior walk‑through to identify high‑traffic millipede routes.
- Application of a single, EPA‑registered perimeter spray that creates a chemical shield.
- One‑hour post‑treatment walk‑by to confirm coverage.
- Digital report with future‑prevention tips.
- Comprehensive perimeter + interior
- Detailed inspection of foundation, crawl spaces, and interior moisture hotspots.
- Dual‑application: exterior barrier plus targeted interior fogging of baseboards, doorways, and utility areas.
- Use of low‑odor, pet‑safe products that meet EPA standards.
- Two‑week follow‑up visit to assess effectiveness and re‑apply if needed.
- Comprehensive written plan outlining long‑term prevention steps.
Regional Price Comparison
| Location | Price Range (USD) |
|---|---|
| Grayson | $200‑$350 |
| Woodstock | $220‑$380 |
Why Prices May Vary
Cost differences stem from property size, infestation severity, and local labor rates. Anthem Pest’s figures are cross‑checked against 2025 pricing reports from the EPA and the National Pest Management Association (NPMA), ensuring the numbers reflect industry‑wide standards rather than isolated quotes.
For a complete breakdown of every service option, visit our Anthem Pest cost page. If you have questions or need a personalized quote, call us at 877‑371‑8196. Our technicians are ready to tailor a plan that fits your budget and protects your home from millipedes year‑round.
Step‑by‑Step Professional Treatment Process
When millipedes invade a Brookhaven home, a quick, thorough approach is essential. Anthem Pest’s technicians follow a proven five‑step protocol that not only eliminates the current infestation but also blocks future entry. Below is a walk‑through of each stage, complete with the tools we use and why they matter for you and your family.
Step 1: Detailed home inspection
Our first visit is a meticulous walk‑through of both the interior and exterior. Technicians locate every possible entry point—cracks in the foundation, gaps around windows, and even tiny openings around utility lines. Moisture hotspots such as leaky gutters, damp basements, or poorly drained yards are marked on a digital map. This map becomes the blueprint for the rest of the treatment, ensuring no hidden millipede corridor is missed.
Step 2: Exterior barrier application
With the inspection complete, we spray an eco‑friendly pyrethrin‑based barrier around the home’s perimeter. Pyrethrin, derived from chrysanthemum flowers, attacks millipedes on contact but breaks down quickly, leaving no long‑term residue. The spray is applied in a 3‑inch wide band along the foundation, around siding seams, and at the base of exterior walls. Because the formula is low‑toxicity, it’s safe for pets, children, and nearby landscaping.
Step 3: Targeted treatment of gaps
Next, we focus on the specific cracks and openings identified during the inspection. Door jambs, crawl‑space vents, and utility penetrations receive a concentrated micro‑spray that penetrates deep into the voids where millipedes hide. In tight spaces we may use a foam sealant that both kills insects and blocks future ingress, giving you a dual‑action fix.
Step 4: Interior treatment
If adult millipedes are spotted inside—often in basements, bathrooms, or near houseplants—we perform spot‑treatments with a handheld applicator. This targeted approach avoids unnecessary chemical exposure throughout the home while delivering immediate knock‑down of the visible pests. Technicians also advise on proper housekeeping practices that reduce indoor attractants, such as removing excess mulch or storing firewood away from the house.
Step 5: Moisture‑reduction recommendations
Millipedes thrive in damp environments, so the final step is all about prevention. We provide a customized checklist that may include regrading the yard to improve drainage, installing a French drain, clearing leaf litter from the foundation, and repairing any leaking pipes or roof gutters. Implementing these measures cuts down the humidity that millipedes love, making your home far less inviting.
Real‑world example: Treating a cracked slab in Oak Ridge
Last spring, a homeowner in Brookhaven’s Oak Ridge neighborhood called us about a swarm of millipedes emerging from a hairline crack in their concrete slab. After the initial inspection, we noted that the crack ran
DIY Preventative Measures for Homeowners
Millipedes are attracted to damp, sheltered spots around your home. By tackling moisture and sealing entry points yourself, you can keep these harmless‑looking critters from turning your yard into a nightly parade. The steps below are low‑cost, easy to implement, and work year‑round.
Reduce Moisture at the Source
Moisture is the single biggest lure for millipedes. Install a French drain along the perimeter of your foundation to redirect runoff away from the house. Check gutters and downspouts for leaks; a quick sealant or replacement of a cracked section eliminates water that would otherwise pool near the base. In basements and crawl spaces, run a dehumidifier set to 45‑50 % relative humidity and empty the water reservoir weekly.
Landscape Maintenance
Trim shrubs, trees, and groundcover to a distance of 2‑3 ft from the foundation. This creates a dry buffer zone that discourages millipedes from climbing onto walls. Remove leaf piles, mulch, and garden debris every two weeks during the wet season; these organic layers retain moisture and provide a perfect hiding place.
Seal Cracks and Openings
Inspect the exterior walls for cracks larger than a quarter‑inch. Fill them with silicone caulk, which remains flexible and resists water infiltration. Apply weather‑stripping around doors and windows, and replace any damaged screen panels. Even tiny gaps around utility penetrations can become highways for millipedes, so seal them with expanding foam or caulk.
Improve Drainage Around the Home
Grade the soil so it slopes at least 5 % away from the foundation—roughly a one‑inch drop per foot of distance. Where grading is impossible, install catch‑basins or a dry well to collect excess water. Ensure that downspouts discharge at least three feet from the house, directing flow toward a drainage ditch or garden bed.
Monthly Upkeep Checklist
| Task | Frequency | What to Look For |
|---|---|---|
| Inspect gutters and downspouts | Monthly | Clogs, leaks, or sagging sections |
| Check foundation for moisture | Monthly | Damp spots, standing water, or mold |
| Trim vegetation near house | Monthly | Plants within 2‑3 ft of walls |
| Seal new cracks | Monthly | Visible gaps in caulk or weather‑stripping |
| Run dehumidifier in basement | Monthly | Humidity above 50 % |
Following this checklist each month keeps moisture low and entry points closed, dramatically reducing the chance of a millipede invasion. For more detailed guidance on controlling home moisture, see the CDC home moisture advice. If you ever need professional assistance, Anthem Pest Control offers safe, affordable treatments tailored to Brookhaven homes.
Service Guarantees, Warranties, and Scheduling
At Anthem Pest, we stand behind every millipede treatment we perform in Brookhaven, Georgia. That confidence is built into a straightforward 30‑day warranty for one‑time applications. If millipedes reappear within that window, we’ll return at no extra charge, re‑treat the affected area, and adjust the treatment plan as needed. The warranty gives homeowners peace of mind, knowing the job isn’t considered finished until the pests stay gone.
For families who prefer ongoing protection, we offer quarterly maintenance plans that extend the same 30‑day guarantee to each scheduled visit. These plans spread the cost over four treatments a year, keep your yard and foundation consistently treated, and eliminate the surprise of a sudden infestation. Whether you choose a single service or a recurring plan, the warranty terms remain identical—free return visits if millipedes surface again during the covered period.
- Same‑day service: Call us early in the day and we can often dispatch a technician the same afternoon.
- Next‑day appointments: If same‑day isn’t possible, we guarantee a next‑day slot for all Brookhaven customers.
- Flexible scheduling: Weekend and evening windows are available to fit busy home‑owner calendars.
Booking is simple. Pick up the phone and dial 877‑371‑8196, or visit our free‑quote page to select a service date that works for you. Our online form captures the address, preferred time, and whether you’d like a one‑time treatment or a quarterly protection plan. After you submit, a local Brookhaven specialist will confirm the appointment within minutes.
When you choose Anthem Pest, you’re not just getting a spray; you’re getting a guarantee backed by a clear warranty, rapid response times, and a scheduling system designed for homeowners who value reliability. Let us handle the millipedes so you can enjoy a pest‑free yard without the guesswork.
Why Choose Anthem Pest for Millipede Control
Millipedes thrive in Brookhaven’s humid summers and leaf‑laden yards, so a one‑size‑fits‑all approach simply won’t cut it. Anthem Pest brings a Brookhaven‑specific knowledge base that lets us pinpoint where these arthropods hide, how they enter homes, and the exact moment they become a nuisance.
All of our technicians hold state‑required certifications and have completed a regional training program focused on the millipede species most common to DeKalb County. This means every inspection includes a thorough review of local soil moisture, foundation cracks, and landscaping features that attract millipedes, giving you a treatment plan that’s tailored, not generic.
We protect your family and the environment by using only EPA‑registered, eco‑conscious products. These formulas target millipedes without lingering residues that could harm pets, children, or beneficial insects such as pollinators.
“Anthem Pest arrived on schedule, explained the treatment in plain language, and my yard has been millipede‑free ever since. I appreciate their local expertise and the fact they use safe products.”
— John D., Brookhaven, GA
Our commitment doesn’t stop at eliminating the current infestation. Anthem Pest’s mission is simple: safe, affordable protection for every home. We pair transparent pricing with a satisfaction guarantee, so you never wonder if you got the best value.
Choosing Anthem Pest means you’re partnering with a company that blends local insight, certified professionalism, and a genuine respect for the health of your household and the planet. Let us handle the millipedes while you enjoy a pest‑free home.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are some of the most common questions we hear from Brookhaven homeowners about millipedes and how we handle them.
Do millipedes bite?
No, millipedes don’t bite humans. Their mouthparts are designed for feeding on decaying plant material, not for piercing skin. What can be irritating is a defensive liquid they release when they feel threatened; it may cause mild redness or a temporary itch if it contacts your skin. The fluid is harmless and fades quickly, but it’s why you might notice a slight rash after handling a large number of them. If you do get the fluid on clothing, a simple wash with soap and water removes any residue.
How long does treatment last?
Our standard millipede program creates a protective perimeter around your home, typically using EPA‑registered granules or sprays applied to the foundation, siding, and crawl‑space entry points. Under normal conditions, that barrier remains effective for about 90 days before environmental factors—rain, sunlight, or heavy foot traffic—break it down. After three months we recommend a follow‑up inspection and a light re‑application to keep the shield intact throughout the peak season. During heavy summer rains we may reinforce the barrier sooner, because moisture can wash away the active ingredients faster than usual.
Are the chemicals pet‑safe?
Yes. We only use products that are EPA‑registered and classified as low‑toxicity for mammals. These formulations are specifically engineered to target arthropods while posing minimal risk to dogs, cats, and even small children when applied according to label directions. Our technicians also follow strict safety protocols—such as keeping pets indoors during application and allowing the treated area to dry—so you can feel confident that your family’s health isn’t compromised. If you have a particularly sensitive pet, we can discuss alternative treatments such as botanical‑based sprays that meet the same efficacy standards.
For more detailed guidance, see the NPMA pest‑control standards. These practices align with the industry‑wide guidelines set by the National Pest Management Association, ensuring you receive a service that’s both effective and responsibly applied.
Take Action Today with Anthem Pest
When you choose Anthem Pest’s professional millipede treatment, you get more than a quick fix. Our technicians apply a long‑lasting barrier that keeps millipedes and other crawling insects out for months, back it up with a written warranty, and perform a thorough inspection that pinpoints hidden entry points you might never see on your own. The treatment uses EPA‑approved products that are safe for children and pets, while staying budget‑friendly for Brookhaven families.
That doesn’t mean you have to abandon DIY prevention. Simple steps—like clearing leaf litter, fixing drainage issues, and sealing cracks—work hand‑in‑hand with our treatment to create a multi‑layer defense that’s harder for pests to breach. Regular yard maintenance—like trimming grass and removing standing water—further reduces the environment that millipedes love.
Beyond the immediate relief, a professionally protected home preserves its curb appeal and resale value. Homebuyers notice a well‑maintained exterior, and you avoid costly repairs that stem from moisture‑related damage caused by pest activity.
Ready to lock in protection? Call Anthem Pest now at 877‑371‑8196 or request a free online quote to safeguard your Brookhaven home. Our transparent pricing and flexible scheduling make it easy to get started.
Visit Anthem Pest Control for more details and to schedule your service.
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