When you see a fast-moving centipede darting across your floor, it’s natural to wonder if you’re at risk. Is centipede harm something you should be concerned about? What about the slower-moving millipede?
Understanding the differences between centipedes and millipedes and whether they pose any danger to you, your pets, or your home is important for effective pest control. We’ll break down key facts and provide some practical tips to keep these pests out of your living spaces.
Key Difference Between Centipede and Millipede
At first glance, centipedes and millipedes might seem similar, but they are quite different. Knowing the difference between a centipede and a millipede helps in understanding what kind of risk, if any, they pose.
- Centipedes: Are fast-moving creatures that have long, flattened bodies with one pair of legs per body segment. Centipedes are predatory and often feed on insects, which is why they’re attracted to damp environments where other pests thrive. Their speed and appearance often make them seem more threatening than they are.
- Millipedes: They have more rounded bodies and two pairs of legs per body segment. They move slowly and feed on decaying organic matter using a sucking pump to ingest liquid food. You’ll often find millipedes outdoors in gardens, compost piles, or under logs and rocks.
Are Centipedes and Millipedes Harmful?
The sight of a centipede can be alarming, but is the harm of a centipede something to worry about? For the most part, centipedes are not harmful to humans. While some larger species can deliver a bite, this is rare, and the effects are mild for most people. A centipede bite may feel similar to a bee sting, causing some redness and swelling, but it’s not dangerous unless you have an allergic reaction.
Unlike centipedes, millipedes are not predators and do not bite. However, the question of millipede danger still comes up. Millipedes defend themselves by releasing a foul-smelling fluid when threatened, which can irritate skin or eyes. This toxin may cause further allergic reactions in some people. It is therefore recommended to use gloves if you must handle millipedes, as distinguishing the type of millipede can be difficult.
The Chemicals which are present in some millipedes and harmful in humans include:
- Hydrochloric acid
- Hydrogen cyanide
- Organic acids
- Phenol
- Cresols
- Benzoquinones
- Hydroquinones (in some millipedes)
Because they feed on organic matter, millipedes can become an issue in high numbers around gardens or homes with lots of organic debris.
4 Ways to Prevent Centipedes and Millipedes From Entering Your Home
Keeping both centipedes and millipedes out of your home involves managing the environmental factors that attract them. Here are some tips for centipede pest control and millipede pest control that can make a big difference:
1. Reduce Moisture Levels
Both centipedes and millipedes are drawn to moisture. Reducing humidity in your home is a key step in controlling their presence. Use dehumidifiers in basements, bathrooms, and other damp areas. Fix any leaky pipes and ensure proper ventilation in your home to keep moisture levels low.
Outside, make sure your yard drains properly. Water pooling near your home’s foundation creates the perfect environment for millipedes and centipedes to thrive.
2. Eliminate Hiding Spots
Centipedes and millipedes love hiding in dark, damp areas. Remove clutter from your home, particularly in areas like basements, attics, and closets where pests can hide. Outdoors, piles of leaves, mulch, or firewood stacked against the house provide ideal habitats for these critters.
Sealing cracks and gaps around windows, doors, and your home’s foundation can help block entry points.
3. Manage Organic Debris
Since millipedes feed on decaying organic matter, keeping your yard and garden clear of debris is essential. Rake up leaves, grass clippings, and other organic materials that can attract them. Compost piles should be kept away from your home’s foundation to prevent millipedes from wandering inside.
4. Control Other Pests
Centipedes are drawn to homes with insect infestations. If you have a problem with spiders, cockroaches, or other pests, centipedes will follow. To keep them away, ensure you’re controlling other pests in your home.
Fix Your Multi-Legged Pest Problem With Aptive
Are centipedes and millipedes making themselves a nuisance in your space? At Aptive, we understand how unsettling that can be, and we are here to help. Our team specializes in pest control services, focusing on getting rid of these unwanted guests and preventing them from returning.
We’ll thoroughly inspect your home, identify where they’re sneaking in, and work with you to create a millipede and centipede pest control plan that fits your needs. Contact us now for a complimentary quote, and let’s get your home back to being a cozy haven without these pests giving you a problem!
