Date Posted: December 20, 2019
Category: Residential Pest Control
Pest infestations are always a bad thing, but which of these two arthropods will injure your home the most?
Both millipedes and centipedes are long-bodied, armored insects that march around on dozens of tiny legs. They are very different, yet surprisingly similar in many ways.
Millipedes are large, round insects that sometimes measure over 11 inches long. And no, they really don’t have a thousand legs. These creatures love to feed on decaying vegetable matter and they require high levels of moisture to survive. Millipedes trapped in a home will often die quickly due to a dry environment. Essentially harmless, millipedes cannot bite or sting. When threatened, these insects emit a foul-smelling fluid that may cause contact dermatitis if it is not washed off.
Centipedes are flat, smooth, and slightly smaller than millipedes. And they don’t really have a hundred legs. Also attracted to high-moisture areas, centipedes eat other insects in order to survive. These creatures are a little more dangerous than their millipede cousins, delivering a harsh, painful bite when threatened. The bite does not deliver venom. It is generally harmless to humans and will only cause pain on contact.
The decision of what insect is the worst is left up to you. However, Big Blue Bug Solutions believes that every pesky home invader needs to be dealt with immediately.
Actionable Prevention for Millipedes and Centipedes
Although millipedes and centipedes are essentially harmless to humans, you probably don't appreciate them hanging around inside your home. Here are a few prevention tips.
Both types of arthropods love areas of high moisture and humidity. Work on problem areas of the home by lowering moisture levels with dehumidifiers and/or fans. Chronic leaks and drips should be addressed by a reputable local repairman.
- Seal cracks and crevices around the home, especially focusing on areas around doors and windows. This is a good pest-prevention tip in general. The fewer places for pest creatures to slip in, the better.
- Check your insulation for damage or signs of decay. Replaceing your insulation is a great way to defend against centipedes and millipedes. It will also lower your monthly HVAC bill.
If you think or know that centipedes and millipedes are crawling about inside your home, it's time to move from prevention to action.
Big Blue Bug Will Bust Both Bugs
While not necessarily dangerous to human health, both centipedes and millipedes are obnoxious pests that can be difficult to remove from the home. And these arthropods can signify the presence of predator pests within the home, prompting the need for an immediate inspection. For true pest control that covers all your bases, contact the professionals at Big Blue Bug Solutions now.
