Millipedes and centipedes are arthropods with many legs. Even though they have similar body structures, they are different. If you have ever wondered if millipedes or centipedes are venomous, here is the place to find out. This article will teach you about their habitats, physical features, centipede pest control, millipede removal, and more.

Features of Millipedes and Centipedes

Centipedes and millipedes are both crawling creatures with long and slim bodies. Although they belong to the antropoda, they have different classes. Generally, they measure about 2mm – 30cm depending on their level of maturity and species. However, centipedes are longer than millipedes.

Both millipedes and centipedes have segmented bodies. Centipedes have one pair of legs in each segment except for their rear and head sections. On the other hand, millipedes have a pair of legs in the first three segments after the head. In contrast, they have two pairs of legs in the rest of their body. This means that millipedes have more legs than centipedes.

At the early stage of development, they usually have a few segments. The segments increase as they shed their skin. The millipedes have hard-segmented bodies, unlike a centipede with a soft and jelly-like body.

Are Millipedes and Centipedes Dangerous To Humans?

Fortunately, millipedes don’t bite humans. Many centipedes are also harmless, but mature ones can bite if they feel threatened. The bite is painful and can cause a serious allergic reaction for people that are allergic to stings. Also, some species of millipedes produce thick liquid substances that can cause itchy skin upon human contact.

Having one or two millipedes around may not be an issue but having a millipede infestation poses a serious threat to the garden. A swarm of millipedes can destroy crops and plants in any garden. This makes millipede control in the garden an emergency. In addition to the destruction, the sight of large numbers of millipedes and centipedes is quite annoying.

Habitats Of Millipedes and Centipedes

They live in dark and wet places. Despite crawling, centipedes are faster than millipedes. You will find them under rotten wood logs, decaying leaves, piles of leaves, and under rocks or pebbles. They like damp places and are active during the rainy season. If the environment is too dry, they can die of dehydration.

Behaviors Of Millipedes and Centipedes

Centipedes are noctural. You hardly see them during the day. They like to come out at night to hunt for their prey with their poisonous claws. Centipedes are predators of insects like spiders. They kill their prey by injecting venom into them. The venom on their legs is only effective against prey, not humans.

Contrarily, millipedes feed on plants, rotten wood, and debris. Some millipede species have poisonous gas, some produce smelly gas, and some roll up into balls to protect themselves from predators. Naturally, millipedes aren’t venomous. They protect themselves by rolling up instead of attacking other insects. Common predators of this duo are frogs, birds, toads, and so on. Lastly, millipedes dig their nest in the soil and lay eggs. They deposit about 100 eggs which take about a month to hatch.

Different Types of Millipedes and Centipedes

There are about 10,000 species of millipedes and 2,500 species of centipedes spread across the world. The species vary in color, shape, and size. We have the house centipedes, redheaded Centipedes, amazonian giant centipedes, giant African millipedes, cave millipedes, shocking pink dragon millipedes, and more.

Should You Be Worried About House Centipedes and Millipedes Infestation?

Generally, centipedes aren’t dangerous. They only get defensive and bite when they sense a threat. They don’t cause any damage at home, unlike millipedes which can destroy plants. In any case, their presence can be unpleasant. Centipede extermination is critical if you are entomophobia (fear of insects). You should start house centipede pest control once you notice them running around the house. Also, if you spot millipedes in your garden, you should call a pest control service for millipede extermination.

Centipede and Millipede Removal Methods

1. Chemical Control Method For Millipedes and Centipedes

This involved the use of pesticides and insecticides. This is not advisable for individuals because of the toxic nature of the chemicals. İt is advisable to avoid this method if you have small children and pets around.

2. Natural Control Method For Millipedes and Centipedes

Involves using natural repellants like peppermint oil or tea tree oil. You can dilute this oil with water and spray it at different entry points. You can also use environmentally friendly pesticides like boric acid or diatomaceous earth.

Home Remedies To Prevent Centipedes in Canada

• Remove all food supply;
• Seal and caulk all external entry points;
• Apply bleach to drains;
• Dehumidity your space to make the environment unconducive;
• Clean up damp areas at home;
• Use diatomaceous earth.

Home Remedies To Prevent Millipedes in Canada

• Remove leaves, wooden boards, and grass clippings in your garden;
• Clean your gutters and remove all debris;
• Drain accumulated water around your foundation;
• Fix leaking exterior pipes;
• Dehumidify crawl spaces and basements;
• Mow the grass to avoid a dense thatch layer;
• Avoid over-watering of grass or plants in the garden;
• Seal foundation cracks and openings.

House Centipede Extermination in Canada

Home remedies are suitable for millipede and centipede removal but aren’t always effective in most infestation cases. They work best as preventive measures, not corrective measures after an infestation. The most effective course of action if you have a house centipede infestation is to call a pest control company. At Provincial Pest Control (PPC), we have experienced professionals who understand the nature of these thousand-legged creatures.

We offer a free inspection for commercial and residential homes in Toronto, Ottawa, Vaughan, Richmond, Burlington, Oakville, and other cities in Ontario. We have a reliable service and offer customized treatment for centipede removal from the home.

Beside handling house centipede removal, we can advise you on the most effective pesticides and insecticides to use based on industry standards. Send in your home pest inspection request today and get ready for a pest-free home.

How to get rid of centipede and millipede?