Centipede & Millipede Identification & Prevention
What are centipedes and millipedes?
Centipedes and millipedes are two types of worm-like pests that have lots of legs. Though these two common household pests have similarities, they are two different species. Below is a brief description of the millipede vs. centipede to help you understand the differences between the two species.
The first difference to note is their diet. Centipedes are predators and feed on small living creatures like insects, spiders, earthworms, and other centipedes. Millipedes are scavengers and feed on decaying plant and animal matter. The centipede has an elongated, flat body, and while the millipede also has an elongated body, it is more cylindrical. The bodies of centipedes and millipedes are both segmented; however, centipedes have one pair of legs per body segment, and millipedes have two pairs per body segment.
The way these creatures move can also give you a clue as to which species is in your home. Centipedes move very quickly, while millipedes move quite slowly. An Anderson, SC pest professional can also help you identify pests in your home.
Are centipedes and millipedes dangerous?
Centipedes can deliver painful bites if they feel threatened, and millipedes can cause a rash from a toxic substance they produce to defend themselves. The good news is that you can easily avoid centipede bites and millipedes rashes by simply refraining from handling them.
The biggest reason we don't want to spot millipedes or centipedes in our home is that their presence likely means you have a moisture issue in or around your home.
In the case of centipedes, they are predators and live in the highest populations where you find their prey. Finding many centipedes in or around your home could indicate a widespread pest problem.
Where will I find centipedes and millipedes?
Knowing where centipedes and millipedes live outside is key to keeping them from taking over your outdoor spaces and eventually migrating into your house.
Outside, both centipedes and millipedes live in areas that provide them with moisture and shade. In most cases, these leggy pests live in the damp soil under rocks, landscaping ties, mulch, dense vegetation, trash cans, plant pots, and decks.
When centipedes or millipedes migrate into your home to escape harsh weather, they will enter through cracks in the foundation, gaps under basement doors, or drains or sump pump openings. Once inside, they retreat to areas of your home that are dark and damp, like basements, crawl spaces, bathrooms, and under storage boxes or other items in the bottom of closets.
As soon as you spot centipedes in your house, scurrying across your bathroom floor, or find millipedes in your house, reach out today!
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How do I get rid of centipedes and millipedes?
Our goal is to help people eliminate pest problems and maintain pest-free homes. If you are experiencing problems with centipedes and millipedes, we are here to help. At Priority Pest And Contracting, we work closely with our customers, providing options that best fit your unique pest control needs.
Don't share your home with unwanted leggy pests for another day; reach out to us so we can put together a plan of action to eliminate centipedes, millipedes, and other common household pests from your South Carolina property. If you live in Anderson or surrounding areas and want to learn more about our residential and commercial pest control offerings, please call today!
How can I prevent centipedes and millipedes in the future?
Enlisting the help of a pest control professional is the best way to avoid problems with unwanted pests. To help you make your property less attractive to centipedes and millipedes, use the following prevention tips.
- Find and repair leaky pipes, air conditioners, or gutters that may be causing moisture issues in and around your home.
- Ensure your house has good ventilation.
- Rake leaves, weeds, and other organic matter away from the exterior of your home.
- Install door sweeps, seal holes in your foundation, and place screens over drains or sump pumps.
The above tips and our effective home pest control services are the best ways to combat your Anderson home's problems with centipedes and millipedes.
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