Centipedes and millipedes may look similar, but they are two very different creatures. Centipedes are predators that can cause a lot of damage, while millipedes are mostly harmless scavengers.
In this article, you will learn everything you need to know about centipedes and millipedes, including the differences between them and what to do if you have a centipede or millipede infestation.
What is the difference between a centipede and a millipede?
Centipedes and millipedes may look similar, but there are a few key differences between the two. For one, centipedes are predators, while millipedes are mostly scavengers.
This means that centipedes are more likely to be found hunting for food, while millipedes are more likely to be found eating dead plants and animals.
Another difference is in their number of legs. Centipedes have an odd number of legs, while millipedes have an even number of legs. This may not seem like a big difference, but it does mean that centipedes can move faster than millipedes.
Finally, centipedes are generally wider than millipedes, while millipedes are generally longer. These distinctions may seem small, but they can help you tell these two creatures apart.
Centipedes
Now let’s talk a little bit more about the centipede including what they are, what they eat, and most importantly how to get rid of them.
What they are
Centipedes are long, thin, many-legged creatures that can be found all over the world. They vary in size, but most measure less than six inches in length.
Centipedes are predators, and their diet consists mainly of insects and other small animals. They have a pair of sharp, venomous fangs that they use to inject their prey with paralyzing toxins. While centipedes are not considered dangerous to humans, their bites can be painful.
Centipedes are nocturnal creatures, and they spend most of their time hiding in dark, damp places. During the day, they can often be found beneath rocks or logs. At night, they emerge to hunt for food. Centipedes are relatively long-lived creatures, and some species can live for up to 20 years.
What they eat
Centipedes are predators that hunt a variety of small animals, including insects, spiders, and worms. They use their long legs to run down their prey, and then they kill it with a venomous bite.
Centipedes typically eat only live prey, but they will also scavenge if necessary. Unlike most other animals, centipedes can digest their food very quickly. As a result, they often go for long periods of time between meals.
When a centipede does finally catch its prey, it will inject it with venom and then hold on tightly as the prey dies. Once the prey is dead, the centipede will use its powerful jaws to tear it apart and devour it.
How to get rid of them
Centipedes are one of the most common pests in the home. They’re small, fast, and elusive, and their long bodies can be a real challenge to get rid of. If you’re dealing with a centipede infestation, here are a few tips to help you get rid of these pests for good.
Identify the source
The first step is to identify the source of the problem. Centipedes generally come into the home through cracks and crevices in the foundation or walls. Once you’ve located the point of entry, seal up any openings with caulk or other materials. This will help to prevent new centipedes from coming into your home.
Remove hiding places
Next, remove any potential hiding places for centipedes. These pests like to hide in dark, moist areas such as basements, crawl spaces, and damp closets. Reduce moisture in these areas by repair any leaks and using a dehumidifier. Additionally, declutter these spaces to remove any potential hiding places for centipedes.
Use chemicals if necessary
Finally, use chemical treatments as a last resort. There are a variety of insecticides available that can kill centipedes on contact. Be sure to follow the directions on the label carefully and only use products that are labeled for use against centipedes.
Are centipedes poisonous?
Centipedes are one of the most feared pests in the home. These long, segmented creatures can range in size from a few inches to over a foot, and their many legs make them appear very fast and agile. But what about centipede bites? Are they poisonous?
The answer is that it depends on the species of centipede. Some centipedes, such as the common house centipede, are not poisonous and their bites are relatively harmless. However, other centipedes, such as the tropical scolopendra, can deliver a painful and potentially dangerous bite.
These centipedes have venom glands located behind their head, and their bites can cause swelling, inflammation, and even necrosis (death of tissue). If you suspect you have been bitten by a poisonous centipede, it is important to seek medical attention immediately.
Where do centipedes come from?
Centipedes are one of the most feared insects due to their many legs and quick movements. They are found in nearly every corner of the world and can range in size from a few millimeters to almost a foot long.
While they are often associated with dark, moist places like basements and crawl spaces, they can also be found in dry areas such as deserts. Centipedes are carnivorous predators that feed on a variety of smaller invertebrates, including insects, spiders, and worms.
They use their long legs to run down their prey, and they have a pair of venomous claws that they use to inject poison. While centipedes are not often dangerous to humans, their bites can be painful and may cause swelling.
If you spot a centipede in your home, there is no need to panic. These insects are not typically harmful to humans and can even be beneficial as they help to control populations of other pests.
What are the dangers of centipedes?
Centipedes might not look dangerous, but these pests can deliver a painful bite. They are also capable of infesting homes in large numbers, making them a nuisance as well as a health hazard.
Centipedes are attracted to damp, dark areas, and they often enter homes through cracks in the foundation or gaps around doors and windows. Once inside, they will feed on insects, spiders, and other small creatures.
While they typically prefer to avoid humans, centipedes will bite if they feel threatened. In addition to causing pain and swelling, centipede bites can also lead to fever, chills, and nausea.
Millipedes
Now that you know a little bit more about the centipede let’s talk about millipedes.
What they are
Millipedes are small, segmented creatures that are often mistaken for centipedes. They range in size from a few millimeters to about a foot in length, and they can be found in a variety of colors, including red, brown, and black.
While they may look harmless, millipedes can actually be quite destructive. Their diet consists mainly of dead leaves and other plant matter, but they will also eat live plants if given the opportunity.
Millipedes are especially fond of tender seedlings and young roots. As they feed, they secrete a sticky substance that can damage plant leaves and make them more susceptible to disease. In addition, millipedes often carry harmful bacteria on their bodies, which can infect plants and cause them to rot.
For these reasons, it is best to keep millipedes away from gardens and other areas where plants are growing.
What they eat
Millipedes are mostly scavengers, feeding on decaying leaves and other organic matter. They help to break down this matter, making it easier for plants to absorb the nutrients. Some millipedes will also eat live plants, especially seedlings and young leaves.
While they don’t usually cause significant damage to larger plants, they can be a nuisance in gardens and greenhouses. In addition to plant matter, millipedes also occasionally eat small insects and snails.
These animals provide a valuable source of protein for millipedes, especially during the breeding season. While they play an important role in the ecosystem, millipedes can sometimes be a nuisance to gardeners and homeowners.
How to get rid of them
If you’ve ever spotted a millipede in your home, you’re probably wondering how to get rid of them as quickly as possible. While millipedes are mostly harmless, they can be a nuisance, and nobody wants them crawling around their house.
If you’re dealing with a millipede infestation, here’s a step-by-step guide on how to get rid of them:
Find the source of the infestation and seal off any entry points
Millipedes usually enter homes through cracks in the foundation or gaps around doors and windows. To get rid of them, you need to find the source of the infestation and seal off any openings that they could use to get inside.
Remove any damp or dark hiding spots
Millipedes like to hide in damp, dark places. To make your home less attractive to them, remove any potential hiding spots by fixing leaks, draining standing water, and increasing ventilation.
Set up traps
Another way to get rid of millipedes is to set up traps using sticky tape orbaits such as dried fruit or molasses. Place the traps in areas where you’ve seen millipedes activity and check them regularly to see if they’ve been caught.
Use chemicals if necessary
As a last resort, you can use chemical treatments to get rid of millipedes. There are a variety of insecticides available that can kill millipedes on contact. Be sure to follow the directions on the label carefully and only use products that are safe for use around humans and animals.
What are the dangers of millipedes?
Though they may look harmless, millipedes can actually pose a risk to human health. Found throughout the world, these small creatures feed on decaying leaves and other organic matter.
While this helps to keep gardens and other areas clean, it also means that millipedes can pick up harmful bacteria and parasites. If these creatures are then brought into the home, they can contaminate surfaces and cause illness.
In addition, some millipede species release poisonous fluids when they feel threatened. These fluids can cause skin irritation and, in severe cases, respiratory problems. As a result, it is important to be cautious around these creatures and to keep them out of the home.
Do millipedes bite?
Many people are afraid of millipedes, thinking that they might bite. However, millipedes are actually harmless creatures that pose no threat to humans. Although they have a lot of legs, they do not use them for walking. Instead, they use them for crawling slowly along the ground.
They also have two long, feeler-like antennae that they use to sense their surroundings. Millipedes are not aggressive and will only attack if they feel threatened. If a millipede does happen to bite you, it will not be painful and there is no need to worry about any harmful effects.
So, rest assured that millipedes are not dangerous creatures – there’s no need to be afraid of them!
Can millipedes infest my home?
Millipedes are often mistaken for insects, but they are actually classified as arthropods. These small, segmented creatures range in color from brown to black and typically measure between two and four inches in length.
While millipedes are not harmful to humans, they can be a nuisance if they infest your home. They are most commonly found in damp, dark areas such as basements and crawl spaces.
If you think you have a millipede infestation, the best course of action is to contact a pest control professional. They will be able to identify the problem and develop a plan to get rid of the millipedes for good.