Centipede & Millipede Identification & Prevention

Centipedes and millipedes are types of pests that call our yards and sometimes our houses home. Our humid temperatures provide them with the moisture these pests need to survive. Please read below and learn more about these nuisance pests, including their common behaviors and preferred habitats.

Questions? American Pest Control can help! Contact us at (706) 702-4532 today to get started.

What are centipedes and millipedes?

Centipedes and millipedes are often grouped together because of their similarities, including their favorite harborage spots. Though they are similar, they are two different species of arthropods. Learn about them by reading below.

Despite their name meaning “100 legs,” most centipedes have between 15 and 191 legs. The number of legs depends on the species and size of the centipede. However, an interesting fact is that they will always have an odd number of legs! Centipedes have a segmented worm-like body that is brown or yellowish-brown and flattened from top to bottom. Each segment has one pair of legs extending from it. Centipedes are known for their ability to run quickly.

Millipedes are smaller than centipedes. Their segmented body is also worm-like but has a much more cylindrical shape. They are dark brown or black and have two pairs of legs extending from each body segment. Despite having more legs per body segment, millipedes move much slower than centipedes.

Are centipedes and millipedes dangerous?

Centipedes and millipedes are generally described as nuisance pests. 

Neither causes significant harm to people, but their presence does cause some problems:

• Their presence indicates a moisture problem in or around your home.
• If they are finding their way into your home, so can other pests that pose a threat to your home or family.
• Centipedes can bite people. Avoiding centipede bites is essential because they are painful. The good news is that there are usually no lasting health effects. 
• Millipedes spray toxic fluid from glands on their sides to defend themselves against potential harm. The fluid can cause a skin reaction, so avoiding contact with them is best. 

While centipedes and millipedes aren’t the most dangerous pests to find in your home, we shouldn’t have to share our homes with them. If you discover these leggy pests in your home, we can help you remove them with our effective pest control services.

Why do I have a centipede and millipede problem?

The high moisture needs of centipedes and millipedes mean that whenever temperatures outside become too hot, and their environment dries out, they move towards moisture to survive.

Often, the soil around our homes is damp and offers a place for them to call home. Poor ventilation, overwatered gardens, and lots of overgrown vegetation attract the attention of these pests. When living near our houses, it is easy for centipedes and millipedes to move inside our houses, garages, and other outbuildings while searching for damp, dark areas to call home.