What Do Centipedes Look Like?
Centipedes have segmented, worm-like bodies with one pair of legs per segment. Despite their name, they do not have hundreds of legs; the common house centipede only has 15 pairs of legs. The last pair of legs is almost twice the length of the body, which measures one to two inches in length. The legs are banded light and dark, while the body features three long, dark stripes. Centipedes have long antennae, poisonous pinchers, and can move very quickly.
What Do Millipedes Look Like?
Millipedes have segmented, worm-like bodies with two pairs of legs per segment. Despite their name, they do not have thousands of legs; the common millipede has between 40 and 200 legs. Millipedes are brown to black in color and about an inch long. They have hard, cylindrical bodies with short antennae. Millipedes move very slowly and curl up into a spiral whenever they feel threatened. This protects their soft undersides.
Centipede & Millipede Extermination in Milwaukee, WI
Centipedes and millipedes can be a nuisance for many homeowners. Advanced Wildlife and Pest Control offers pest control and extermination services in Milwaukee and southeastern Wisconsin. Our highly trained pest management professionals provide reliable and long-lasting solutions to eliminate nuisance centipedes and millipedes for homeowners and businesses. Contact us today and take the first steps toward resolving your pest problem!
How Can I Prevent Centipedes and Millipedes?
The following prevention tips will help deter centipedes and millipedes from your property.
- Repair or replace torn window or door screens.
- Seal cracks around windows, doors, siding, and utility pipes.
- Place weather stripping around windows and doors.
- DON’T SQUISH!!! Use a vacuum to remove live or dead boxelder bugs!
What are the Signs of a Centipede and Millipede Infestation?
Centipedes and millipedes typically do not leave direct signs other than the sighting of the insect itself. These nocturnal insects prefer dark, damp environments and are often found outdoors underneath mulch, logs, and stones. Occasionally, these pests wander indoors through foundation cracks. Homes with moisture problems often attract centipedes and millipedes. They are usually found in basements, bathrooms, garages, and closets. Although centipedes and millipedes are relatively harmless to humans, they can bite and cause allergic reactions.
Centipede & Millipede FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
What do centipedes and millipedes eat?
Millipedes are decomposers and eat dead or decaying organic matter. Centipedes are carnivorous and eat spiders, worms, and other soft-bodied insects.
Do centipedes or millipedes bite?
House centipedes can bite. Their venom is typically not lethal to humans and may only cause mild irritation. In the event of a severe allergic reaction to a centipede bite, clean the bite with soap and water and seek professional medical attention. House centipedes are harmless and even beneficial since they eat insects. They can leave behind stains if squished.
Millipedes do not bite or sting. However, millipedes can secrete a foul-smelling fluid to defend themselves. The fluid may cause skin irritation and allergic reactions in some people. In the event of a severe allergic reaction to millipedes, seek professional medical attention. Millipedes are harmless but can leave behind stains if squished.