Millipede Care

Millipede Care Guide

Basic Information

Millipedes have become an increasingly common pet as they are docile and easy to handle. These insects can have anywhere from 200 to 300 legs and vary in size and color depending on the species. The lifespan of a millipede ranges depending on species and conditions in captivity. They do not produce any venom or bite, making them beginner-friendly for everyone. 

Health

While handling millipedes is typically safe in the sense that they cannot harm you, millipedes themselves secrete chemicals as a defense maneuver that can be harmful to humans. Always wash your hands after handling your millipede, and never touch any part of your face when handling it, as it can cause sickness and diarrhea. Kids should also avoid handling millipedes without supervision. 

Millipedes can develop fungal infections if humidity levels are not adequately maintained. Ensure the substrate is neither too wet nor too dry. Consider introducing springtails into the millipede's enclosure to help maintain a healthy ecosystem. 

You may occasionally see mites on your millipedes. This is normal, as these symbiotic mites that millipedes host help keep the millipede clean from bacteria and fungus. They look like tiny, fast-moving white dots. If there appears to be an excessive number of mites in the enclosure, gently wipe them off with a damp cotton ball. You can also discard some of the substrate that may harbor more mites. Always wear gloves. **NEVER USE MITE SPRAY ON MILLIPEDES!!

Enclosures

Choosing an enclosure for a millipede is relatively straightforward, especially if you are housing only a single one. Any small acrylic enclosure or plastic container will work, provided it has some semblance of ventilation built into it. If you are housing a group of millipedes, a large acrylic enclosure or a plastic leo bin with a lid and proper ventilation is acceptable. You want enough space for about an inch between the surface of the substrate and the top of the enclosure, and a few inches of substrate for digging. For larger species of millipedes, consider upgrading to a 10-gallon tank, as the limited space between millipedes may cause aggression. Besides the substrate and leaf litter, add little hideaways for your millipede. There are many different decor options for hideaways available on our website.

**Only house the same species together, never different!

Heating/Lighting

Millipedes need no additional lighting. They prefer to be in the dark, so their enclosure should be located in a dark area of the house. For temperatures, most species found in North America are best kept at room temperature, which is typically around 70°F to 80°F. Other species may require a lower, maintained temperature of around 40-60°F; therefore, be sure to identify the species you are keeping and their specific temperature preferences. Typically, no additional heating is required unless your home isn’t meeting the millipede’s temperature preference. Then, consider using a heat source, such as a small heat mat, or moving the enclosure to a regularly warmed area of the house. Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature. 

Substrate

The most important part of a millipede’s enclosure is the substrate, as their main diet consists of eating the substrate. A specifically made bioblend containing moss, wood, and calcium is strongly recommended, as everything included is safe for consumption and contains a majority of everything needed in a millipede’s diet. Every so often, the substrate will need to be replaced, as the millipede will consume all the calcium in the substrate and leave behind small balls, which are its waste. You can also add calcium powder every week. We also recommend adding leaf litter on top of the substrate, as it will also be consumed. The substrate should be a couple of inches deep, as millipedes will dig and burrow. 

**Avoid anything with coconut choir! Millipedes ingesting this may experience impactions and can lead to death!

Humidity

Humidity levels for millipedes should be kept around 65-80%. You can easily achieve this by misting their enclosures daily with a spray bottle. When doing this, be sure not to make the substrate too damp. There should be a dry layer on top while the bottom layers are moist. Use a hygrometer to monitor humidity. 

Water

You can choose to provide a small water dish in the enclosure as an alternative drinking option, which can be in the form of a very small deli cup. However, it is not necessary, and millipedes will typically drink any standing water from their enclosure. They can also get their hydration from any supplemental food. 

Food

Aside from their primary diet of substrate and leaf litter, they can be given vegetables or fruit every week. Vegetables like cucumber, lettuce, and carrots are easy treats to give weekly or sometimes twice a week. Fruits such as small chunks of apple, banana, and melon can be provided as a treat once every few weeks. However, be wary, as the overconsumption of fruit for millipedes can cause diarrhea. Do not dust fruits and vegetables with calcium powder, or they may not eat it. Adding a supplemental food, such as fish flakes and crushed cuttlefish bone, is also recommended every week. 

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