Millipedes & Centipedes

Millipedes and centipedes are arthropods often seen in the autumn and may move into homes during periods of heavy rainfall or drought.  While the two creatures may look similar, they can easily be differentiated if you know what to look for.  Millipedes have rounded bodies and two pair of legs per body segment.  Millipedes will curl into a spiral when they feel threatened.  Centipedes have flattened bodies and one pair of legs per body segment.

These arthropods live in similar habitats- usually in humid or moist environments such as under rocks, logs or debris.  Millipedes feed primarily on decaying organic matter while centipedes are predaceous, feeding on other arthropods such as insects.  Centipedes have a modified pair of front legs that they can use to inject venom into prey.  If “bitten” by a larger species of centipede, a bee sting-like reaction may occur.  While millipedes cannot bite, they can exude a stinky fluid that can be irritating to the skin of some people. 
Tips to keep millipedes and centipedes out of your home:

	Move objects such as firewood or compost piles away from the home Occasionally turn mulch in flower beds to allow mulch to dry out Replace weather stripping around doors in windows if there is not a good seal Caulk cracks & crevices and around pipe penetrations For homes with brick or stone facades, stuff weep holes with steel wool* or copper mesh

 

*steel wool will rust if it gets wet, so do not use on light colored facades

• Provide good ventilation in crawl spaces
• Use perimeter sprays around the foundation of the home
• Synthetic products include active ingredients such as deltamethrin, permethrin, cyfluthrin or bifenthrin
• Naturally-derived products include active ingredients such as d-limonene, rosemary oil, sesame oil or clove oil
• Read & follow all pesticide label instructions

For more information or help with identification, contact Wizzie Brown, Texas Cooperative Extension Program Specialist at 512.854.9600.