Centipedes and Millipedes

Centipedes are nocturnal insects. They move very swiftly and so it is very difficult to spot them. These insects have a very poor vision and mainly depend on touch and smell to sense their prey. These pests carry venom to protect themselves from predators. Though the venom is not life threatening, it can induce a lot of pain. Centipedes live up to 6 years.

Food habits

Centipedes survive in moist areas and live on other tiny insects and arthropods. The centipede injects its prey with its venom causing it to paralyse, which makes it easier to feed on them.

Prevention of centipede infestation

So, getting rid of other pests inside the house such as spiders, roaches and flies is the best way to cut off their food supply. Although centipedes help to eliminate other house pests, it is not a good idea to have them around because a bite from this pest is as painful as a bee sting. The bite can cause excruciating pain, inflammation and numbness. Centipedes are a great threat if you have small children at home.

The best way to find and prevent infestation is to keep your home dry and free of moisture. Sealing the holes and cracks of your home can also keep them away. Since water is the main culprit that attracts almost all the pests, you need to prevent water accumulations in and around your home especially on the roof. Keep the sides of your home clean and cleared of wood, organic materials, leaves etc.

Millipedes

These are long and slimy creatures with numerous legs! Similar to the centipedes they too are nocturnal but are much slower in their movements. The millipedes like staying outdoors in the moist and are a common sighting in a damp environment.

They hate dryness which is the reason why they keep themselves hidden under the mulch on sunny days. Millipedes reproduce by depositing their eggs in the soil. It attains sexual maturity by the second year.

Food Habits

Millipedes survive on dead and decaying plant parts especially the leaves. And occasionally they like munching on other insects, snails and earthworms! To keep themselves hydrated they consume green leaves and plant roots.

Infestation

Millipedes often migrate from their natural habitats due to change in seasons or due to flooding. In such situations they move into homes, especially into the garages, basements and patios. Although they don’t pose any threat to humans, having crawly millipedes inside the house is not a pleasant sight for most of us.

Since millipedes cannot survive in the dry atmosphere of homes, they will take refuge in kitchens and bathrooms where there will be enough moisture.

You can get rid of millipedes on your own by vacuuming or in case of severe infestation you can contact professional pest controllers. But the basic prevention method is to keep your home dry.

You can also prevent infestation in your surroundings by clearing away the fallen leaves and any other organic materials that create a moist setting.

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