This worm-like creature pictured below was found in this reader’s toilet and wash basin. She has seen two or three worms like this so far, and asks us if we can tell her what they are.

From the picture alone, we would say that this is a millipede. This is based on the creature’s segmented body, the antennae, and its apparent lack of legs. In fact, the second photo below really had us fooled that this creature really did not have any legs: usually a millipede’s legs are only not visible from above, as they grow from its underside. What we think happened in this second photo is that the poor resolution of the photo did not capture its small legs, which might also have been semi-transparent or white.

Millipedes are benevolent, environmentally-beneficial creatures that should not be feared, nor harmed. If one finds a lot of them in one’s house, it could point to high levels of humidity in the home, as this is the type of climate that millipedes prefer. One can also prevent millipedes from entering the home by removing leaf litter and other organic debris that may be piled up against the side of one’s home, as well as by removing piles of leaves, rocks or sticks from one’s yard that could provide the perfect shelter for millipedes.

It is not impossible that these millipedes in particular crawled up through our reader’s drains, given that they were found in her toilet and wash basin, and this may imply that there is a leak somewhere in her pipes through which the millipedes were able to crawl. Other signs that may indicate a leak include foul smells and warped floorboards or walls (depending on where the leak is).

To conclude, the worm-like creatures our reader found in her bathroom are millipedes. They are nothing to be feared, and we advise that our reader safely return them to the outdoors, as well as follow the methods listed above to prevent future intrusions. We hope this article answered our reader’s question to a satisfactory degree, and we wish her the best!

Summary

Article Name

Segmented Worm with Antennae Found in Bathroom is a Millipede

Description

This worm-like creature pictured below was found in this reader's toilet and wash basin. She has seen two or three worms like this so far, and asks us if we can tell her what they are.

Author

Worm Researcher Anton