Centipede and Millipede Identification & Prevention

Centipedes and millipedes are very similar pests, they live in similar habitats, and people recognize them by their many legs. Yet, there are many differences between centipedes and millipedes.

Centipedes have elongated bodies flattened from top to bottom. Extending from each of their body segments is one pair of legs. They are predators and use their legs to move very quickly. 

Millipedes also have elongated bodies, but they are cylindrical in shape. They have a more rigid body than centipedes and have two pairs of legs extending from each body segment. Millipedes move at a much slower pace than centipedes.

Neither centipedes nor millipedes pose significant dangers to people; however, a hands-off approach is always best with these pests. Direct contact with either species can cause unpleasant results.

Centipedes are predators and, if handled or they feel threatened, will bite and inject venom into people. Though their venom is not potent enough to trigger significant issues in most, their bites are painful.

To defend themselves from harm, millipedes spray a toxic, foul-smelling fluid. The fluid that millipedes spray can cause some people to develop an unpleasant skin reaction.

Both centipedes and millipedes are most comfortable living outside, but if environmental conditions outside become unsuitable, they will migrate indoors. When these pests are living near your home, it is common for them to take advantage of cracks and crevices they come across in your foundation to move inside. Once indoors, they crawl to an area that offers them a cool, dark, damp place to call home. 

You aren’t going to find centipedes or millipedes out in open sunny areas. These pests have high moisture needs, and without a constant source of moisture, they will quickly dry up and die.

Outside, centipedes and millipedes live in damp soil under woodpiles, leaf piles, construction debris, fallen trees, and landscaping ties. These pests regularly live near our Plymouth structures, making it easy to find their way inside when their outside environment becomes too hot or dry.

When centipedes and millipedes enter our houses, they typically enter at ground level, traveling through openings in the foundation or gaps under doors. Common places to find these pests gathering include basements and crawl spaces.

Partnering with a professional and implementing year-round pest control services is the best way to keep centipedes, millipedes, and other common household pests out of your Plymouth area homes. Trust the professionals at Combat Pest Control to offer you fast, effective pest control services. Our professionals will work diligently to remove unwanted pests from your property and provide the services necessary to keep them at bay in the future. Call us today for information about the best pest control in Plymouth.

In conjunction with our professional home pest control services in Plymouth, use the following helpful tips to help keep millipedes out of your home.

• Remove yard and construction debris from your yard that could offer these pests a cool, damp hiding spot. 
• Reduce excess moisture around the perimeter of your home by ensuring gutters and downspouts are directing rainwater away from your house.
• Cut back shrubs and bushes from your home’s exterior.
• Create a crushed stone barrier between mulch or soil and your foundation.
• Install door sweeps on your home’s exterior doors.
• Use a silicon caulk to seal cracks that develop in your foundation.
• Use dehumidifiers in damp areas of your house to limit excess moisture.

If you are looking for exceptional pest control near you, call Combat Pest Control now to get started and to learn more about our residential and commercial pest control services in Plymouth.