Learning Center

Centipedes

Centipedes

Despite centipedes and millipedes being very similar there are ways to tell them apart. First, a centipede can be easily distinguished from a millipede because it has fewer legs; specifically, one set for every segment of its body. Second, millipedes have two sets of legs for every segment, and when they move, their legs appear to be moving in a wave-like motion. Finally, a millipede’s legs are also shorter and, in general, a millipede cannot move very fast. A centipede, with its fewer legs, can travel considerably faster.

The House Centipede

Centipedes can grow up to six inches in length. House centipedes are an indoor variety. They can move quickly and do not require the moisture that the other varieties need. Centipedes are beneficial to the control of other insects, which may be a good reason to keep them around. The most likely time of year to see centipedes in your home is in the spring or fall.

Centipedes actually have the ability to bite, and they are poisonous. The poison from their fangs, located behind the head, is used to kill insects, which are their primary food. To a human, a bite feels like that of a bee sting. Centipede bites can be dangerous, especially if there is an allergic reaction in response to the bite. Children will be more sensitive to a centipede’s bite.

Millipedes

Millipedes are not poisonous and do not have fangs, but they can emit an obnoxious fluid to defend themselves. Some varieties can spray this fluid several inches. The fluid can cause irritation to the skin in some people and should be removed right away. Additionally, it may take some scrubbing to get rid of the odor.

Millipedes feed on decaying plant matter and sometimes living plant roots. Millipedes can damage those roots if there are too many of the pests in the soil. Some varieties are known to be especially bothersome to greenhouse plants. If this occurs, you may need to contact a pest control company to eliminate your millipede infestation.

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