Organic Insecticides | Organic Pesticides | EcoSMART Bug Spray

Centipedes and Millipedes Giving You the Creeps?

October 9th, 2009 Posted in Centipedes & Millipedes

Ever get that creepy-crawly feeling? Like tons of little legs are crawling all over you? Just talking about it is giving me the shivers.

Well, if it’s more than a feeling, and a critter is scuttling about, it could be a centipede or millipede.

These little bugs are notorious for their multiple legs, and they are not classified as “insects” because of it.

What kind of multi-pedal invertebrates do you have running around?

• Centipedes
• Millipedes
• Where to find them
• Control

Centipedes

These “hundred-leggers” actually have about 30 legs, one pair of legs on each body segment.

Centipedes are usually brown and can get over an inch in length.

Centipedes have a pair of small pincer-like appendages in front of their legs. These appendages inject a venom into their prey.

The pincers usually aren’t large enough to pierce human skin. If they do, it will only cause swelling and redness, similar to a bee sting.

Centipedes feed mostly on insects, but will eat lizards and rodents if they catch them.

Millipedes

“Thousand-leggers” can be between 1/2 inch and 6 1/2 inches in length.

Identifying millipedes is simple, their bodies are long, round, and usually brown or black in color.

Unlike centipedes, millipedes do not have pincers. They feed on plant matter.

Millipede legs cannot be accurately counted. Every time a millipede sheds, it grows another body segment, each with up to 4 legs.

Millipedes are usually nocturnal, staying out only at night.

If threatened, a millipede will coil its body like a snake. If it continues to feel threatened, it secretes a foul-tasting chemical from its body. With no bite or pincers, this is their only defense.

Where to Find Centipedes and Millipedes

Both centipedes and millipedes can be found around the globe, missing only in the poles.

Both will appear more prevalently in tropical temperatures, but can survive in temperate climates.

Millipedes will stay in moist areas, usually underground, where they can find decaying plant matter to feed on.

If their habitat becomes too wet or dry, millipedes will migrate uphill in search of food. They are also known to fall in pools and drown.

Centipedes also like moist areas. They will hide under rocks, logs, and leaf mulch.

Control centipedes and millipedes

Centipedes and millipedes usually don’t need to be controlled. Centipedes prey on pests like flies and cockroaches, and millipedes help break down dead plant matter.

However, overpopulation of millipedes can damage sprouting seedlings and fruits in contact with the ground.

The best way to control them is to air out moist areas, like basements and attics. The drier air will help clear them out and keep them out.

Remove food sources for millipedes, including rotting wood and decaying grass.

Centipede control relies on your pest control. Controlling flies and roaches, among other insects, will limit their food supply, forcing them to go protect your garden to survive.

Chemical use to control these creepy-crawlies is not recommended, because the same chemicals can have adverse affects on other organisms.

EcoSMART’s lawn insect killer is a chemical-free way to get rid of the critters. It’s made with natural ingredients like cinnamon oil that is safe for the environment and your family as well.