Blog

Blog

Identification of Centipedes & Millipedes

Millipedes and centipedes both have segmented bodies, both breathe through spiracles and have no direct copulatory organs. There are many differences between them though. Centipedes are flexible, dorsoventrally flattened arthropods and millipedes are more rigid arthropods distinguishable by their subcylindrical shape. Centipedes have one pair of legs per body segment, while millipedes have two pairs. Centipedes are known for speed while millipedes move slowly and are inclined to burrow. Fortunatley, these occasional invaders do not carry diseases that affect people, animals or plants. They will not damage your home, but they may leave a stain if crushed.

 

Centipede VS Millipede Facts; Diet & Habitat

Centipedes are carnivores and kill their prey by injecting them with venom. Millipedes are primarily detritivores, feeding on decaying organic matter and may also eat the roots and leaves of seedling plants. Millipedes are also esteemed agents of microbial decomposition and soil nutrient cycles. Centipedes use maxillipeds to attack their prey which are venomous modified legs of its first segment and can be used in defense. Centipedes and millipedes both prefer moist, protected outdoor habitats like rotting logs, leaves, bark and the underside of stones. Both centipedes and millipedes resemble insects but are classified as arthropods because they have many sections whereas, insects have three body segments. Centipedes have one pair of legs on each body segment and millipedes have two on each segment, while insects have three pairs of legs. 

 

Centipede & Millipede Defense Mechanisms

A centipede bite can kill small prey, but is not usually life threatening to humans. Millipedes do not have stingers but will use defensive secretions in order to protect themselves from predators. These secretions are produced in their segmental defensive glands. Millipedes will also curl their bodies as a defense mechanism. Centipedes will on occasion bite humans, but it is rare for their venom to produce a severe reaction. That being said, small children and those who have allergies should be watched carefully after a centipede bite. If there seems to be a reaction or you are concerned you should contact a medical professional.

 

Occasional Invader Prevention & Control

Many of us get an unsettling feeling when we see one of these crawl across the floor or in our flower beds, but there are things you can do to prevent them from invading your space. Occasional invaders like centipedes and millipedes need moisture for survival so make sure you correct any water issues you may be having around your home. Remove any moisture-holding ground cover or any organic material that is close to the foundation as these will attract them. Store firewood away from the house and inspect for clinging bugs, insects and anthropods before bringing the wood inside. Doors that are low to the ground need to be properly sealed to eliminate easy entry. You can have pesticide applied around the building foundation and around the doors and windows to provide temporary control. They can also be applied to mulched flower beds where they may be living. Repeated applications may be needed. Inside the home you can use approved products in cracks and crevices along baseboards and other areas where they might be hiding and contact sprays can be used for quick control.

 

Centipede, Millipede & Occasional Invader Inspections & Control in Northern Virginia, Stafford, Warrenton, Manassas, Culpeper, Chantilly, Leesburg VA and Gaithersburg MD

If you find yourself dealing with these occasional invaders or other pests in or around your home, Eagle Pest Services can solve your pest problems. Give us a call today!