Common Misidentifications: Centipedes vs. Millipedes

Millipedes vs. Centipedes

The lifecycle of both the millipede and centipede starts similarly. Female centipedes typically lay their eggs in underground burrows or other secret locations, while the millipedes prefer the soil of the earth or leaf waste. The number of eggs the female lays will vary, but it often ranges from several dozen to a few hundred, but it’s the millipedes that typically lay the most in one setting.

After laying the eggs, both females usually guard their unborn until they hatch. The hatching time can also vary but is often within a few weeks. Since numerous species of centipedes and millipedes exist, the egg-laying behavior can differ significantly between them.

Other factors influencing the number of eggs laid and the hatching process include environmental factors, such as humidity and climate. Centipedes are bigger than millipedes, as they can get up to 8 inches in length, though there are some reports of them getting as big as 12 inches. The millipede only gets to around 4 inches. Though they might be smaller, the millipede has more legs.

They can average anywhere from 30-400 legs on each segment due to their unique body composition. Additionally, the legs of the millipede are shorter, so they’re stronger and allow them to crawl around easily. Centipedes can have between 15-175 legs in each body segment.

The legs of this insect are long and skinny, and it helps them make quicker movements to capture their prey or escape a dangerous situation. Unlike the millipede, the centipede can use its legs to grasp things. The centipede also has longer antennas that they can also use during hunting.

Once they zero in on their target, they can kill their prey using their front legs. When it comes to diets, millipedes prefer to eat decaying leaves or dead plants, as they’re herbivores. They also enjoy fungus and mold and will drink any liquids from a plant.

The centipede is a carnivore; they prefer meat from worms and insects. The diet can vary significantly among the species, as some will even eat invertebrates.

Preferred Habitats

The millipede likes to live in an environment high in moisture, so they like areas with lots of rain. Conversely, the centipede isn’t much for wet weather, as they enjoy a drier home. They can live in a damp space, but it’s not their preference.

If you tour the grounds at your residence, you might find either millipedes or centipedes hanging out in any leaf litter, soil, logs, and under large rocks. Here in New Jersey, you can find either of these insects, but it’s more common to encounter a centipede.

Should you meet one of these arthropods in your home, you’ll likely find them in your basement, garage, or bathroom. They may also hang out in your shed or another outdoor building.

Are Millipedes and Centipedes Dangerous to Humans?

The good news is that millipedes are not poisonous critters but are considered harmless. They’re more scared of you than you are of them. When they feel frightened, they don’t bite or sting you. Rather, they will curl up in a ball in a defensive pose.

Centipedes are a bit more aggressive and will bite and sting if they feel you’re a threat. As far as being poisonous, the centipede won’t cause tissue damage or other significant issues. However, you may experience pain and swelling at the bite site.

For people who have allergies to them, they can develop nausea, fever, and chills as a reaction. Any direct skin exposure to either arthropods will feel like you’ve been stung by a bee or bitten by a spider. These wounds should be treated the same, and you should avoid contact if possible. So, while it might be tempting to want to pick them up and count the legs, it’s only increasing your chances of being stung or bitten.

Getting Them Out of Your Home

Even though they’re harmless, no one wants centipedes or millipedes to invade their household. If you’re seeing millipedes, there’s a moisture issue that you need to address. There could be a drainage problem or ventilation conditions inviting them.

Additionally, excessive moisture can also be a problem that causes mold. These critters are commonly found in basements and crawl spaces where moisture is already an issue. Another way to control them is to remove any food sources.

If you have leaf piles near your foundations or other plant materials they can snack on, removing them can help to detract them. Lastly, it’s essential to seal any craps or gaps that might be present in your foundation. These gaps are a substantial problem around windows and doors, and they can make entry effortless.

Since centipedes aren’t drawn by moisture, they come into your home for other reasons. The most common thing that draws them inside is a food source. They will go into the basement area if there are spiders and other insects they can feast on.

It would help if you cleaned the corners of your home and basement frequently. Spider webs are a clear indication of these arachnids, and they’re enticing to the centipede.

Since centipedes prefer a drier climate, they will move throughout your home effortlessly. So, they can be upstairs, downstairs, or even in the attic.

Calling Professional Exterminators for Help

Having an ongoing problem with either of these arthropods can be overwhelming. If you’ve eliminated the food source, handled the moisture issue, and still have concerns, it’s time to get professional help.

We’ve helped many residential and business customers in New Jersey reclaim their space against insects, bugs, arachnoids, and multilegged arthropods. It’s important to remember that when dealing with these pests, we can only eliminate the ones presently in your home, but we can’t prevent a future problem.

You must take proper precautions to seal entry points and eliminate food supplies to keep them away for good. Call us today for immediate help!

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