Wellington’s south coast is bracing for the next phase of a creeping crisis: the invasion of Portuguese millipedes. After months of headlines and countless creepy-crawly encounters, scientists are finally taking action. The question on everyone’s mind now is, what actually happens next?

From Annoyance to Alarm

Residents in suburbs like Ōwhiro Bay, Southgate, and Island Bay continue to find millipedes in shoes, bags, and even beds. One long-time local said they now greet every evening with a deck sweep and a bin for the bugs. Since these invaders release a foul-smelling chemical that deters predators, their population has exploded unchecked.

Fortunately, researchers are stepping up. Led by Victoria University ecology student Dan Moskovitz, a new 18-month study will monitor where the millipedes are spreading and test possible control methods. His team plans to place hundreds of bark-mulch bags along the south coast to track activity. The aim is to map the infestation, evaluate solutions, and understand how this species affects native insects.

What Scientists and Officials Are Planning

A technical advisory group, made up of experts from the Council, MPI, and the Department of Conservation, is now coordinating a city-wide response. So far, millipedes are officially considered a “nuisance,” but experts admit that could change if the infestation worsens.

To tackle the problem, scientists are exploring a biological control method using Steinernema feltiae, a type of nematode proven to reduce millipede numbers overseas. Early trials will focus on key hotspots around Wellington’s south coast. However, researchers caution that success doesn’t mean total elimination; the goal is reduction and containment.

What Residents Can Do Right Now

While scientists work behind the scenes, residents can take a few simple steps to keep their homes bug-free:

• Keep bins sealed and remove leaf litter from around the house.
  
• Install insect-proof barriers on doors and windows.
  
• Avoid crushing millipedes indoors; they release a pungent, staining chemical.
• Report large infestations to local authorities to help track their spread.

These measures may seem small, but collectively they can slow the spread while long-term solutions are tested.

The Bigger Picture for Wellington

If the invasion continues unchecked, the south coast could become a national case study in managing invasive species. This situation isn’t just about the bugs; it’s about how Wellington responds to environmental threats and protects local ecosystems.

The infestation has already taken a toll on the community. Many residents report the emotional fatigue of daily cleanups and the frustration of seeing the pests return each night. “You sweep them up today; they’re back tomorrow,” one local said, summing up the struggle.

What’s Coming Next

• A detailed distribution map of the infestation will be released from the ongoing 18-month study.
  
• Scientists plan pilot nematode releases in selected suburbs in early 2026.
  
• Councils will soon decide whether to classify the millipedes as a pest species, unlocking funding for larger-scale control.
  
• If containment fails, experts warn the infestation could spread beyond the south coast into the greater Wellington region.
  

In short, Wellingtonians will need more than a broom and bug spray. This fight will take science, funding, and community effort. But with the first phase of action underway, there’s growing hope that the next chapter of this story will focus less on infestation and more on recovery.