are moving at once.
That said, some millipedes release a defensive fluid when stressed or crushed. In certain species, that fluid can cause mild skin irritation, temporary staining, or irritation if it gets in the eyes. I always tell kids not to scoop them up barehanded and then rub their faces. If you need to handle them, use gloves or a small trowel, and have everyone wash hands afterward. Pets usually leave them alone, but I’d still discourage a curious dog from mouthing them.
- Are they hurting your plants?
Most of the time, millipedes are not the villains in the garden. Their main job is breaking down dead organic matter. They are decomposers, not aggressive plant destroyers. In healthy beds, they help recycle nutrients by feeding on fallen leaves, rotting wood, and old mulch.
Occasionally, if populations are very high and conditions are extremely damp, they may nibble soft seedlings,
