What Are Pill Millipedes?
Pill millipedes (order Glomerida) are small, dark-colored arthropods that curl into a tight ball when disturbed—a behavior that often gets them confused with pillbugs (roly-polies). However, pill millipedes have more legs, a smoother, shinier exoskeleton, and are less flattened than pillbugs.
Habitat & Behavior
In North Carolina, pill millipedes are found in moist habitats with abundant decaying organic matter—leaf litter, compost, mulch, and rotting wood. They are decomposers that play a beneficial role in breaking down organic material and returning nutrients to the soil.
Pill millipedes occasionally enter homes during wet weather or when outdoor conditions become unfavorable. They are harmless—they do not bite, sting, or damage property. Some species may release a mild defensive secretion when handled, but this is not harmful to humans.
Prevention & Control
If pill millipedes are entering your home, the solution is environmental: reduce moisture around your foundation by improving drainage, pull mulch at least 12 inches away from the foundation wall, remove leaf litter and debris, and seal gaps under doors and around ground-level windows. Dehumidify basements and crawl spaces. These measures also help prevent entry by centipedes, millipedes, and other moisture-loving arthropods.