Centipedes & Millipedes in NC: Identification and Control
As a homeowner in North Carolina, you may have noticed centipedes and millipedes inside your home at one point or another. While these creatures are not typically dangerous, they can still be a source of frustration. With our humid climate and diverse natural environment, centipedes and millipedes are common visitors, especially during the warmer months. Understanding how to identify, control, and prevent these pests will help you keep your home comfortable and pest-free.
In this guide, we’ll dive deep into the differences between centipedes and millipedes, why they invade homes, how to address infestations, and when it’s time to call in the professionals.
Centipedes
Fast, Predatory, and Venomous (But Not Dangerous)
Centipedes are often mistaken for pests that can cause harm, but they are actually predatory creatures. In North Carolina, the most common species is the House Centipede (Scutigera), which can grow up to 1.5 inches long and is yellowish-brown with dark stripes running along its body. These creatures have a segmented body and a pair of legs for each segment—often leading to their distinctive “many legs” appearance.
Centipedes are fast and agile, using their legs to quickly move through their environment in search of food. They primarily feed on smaller pests such as spiders, ants, termites, and cockroaches, helping to naturally control the pest population in and around your home. They have venomous pincers that can bite and inject venom into their prey, but their bites are rarely harmful to humans. The bite may cause mild irritation or swelling, but it’s generally not dangerous.
Millipedes
Slow-Moving, Harmless Decomposers
Millipedes, on the other hand, are very different in both appearance and behavior. These creatures have a rounded body with two pairs of legs per segment, which makes them appear even more “leggy” than centipedes. Millipedes are much slower than centipedes, and their primary role in the ecosystem is to decompose plant material, such as fallen leaves and decaying wood.
In North Carolina, millipedes can range in color from brown to black, and some species can grow quite large, up to 4 inches in length. They are often found in dark, moist environments and can sometimes invade homes during wet weather or when they are seeking a new place to live. Unlike centipedes, millipedes do not bite or sting. They are entirely harmless to humans, although they may release a foul-smelling liquid as a defense mechanism if threatened.
Why They Enter Homes: Seeking Moisture, Shelter, and Food
The primary reason centipedes and millipedes invade homes is to find the three basic necessities: moisture, shelter, and food. North Carolina’s humid climate makes it an ideal habitat for these pests, and they’re often drawn indoors by excess moisture and the availability of food sources.
Centipedes: These predators often enter homes in search of other insects to eat. If there’s an abundance of smaller pests, such as ants, spiders, or cockroaches, you may see more centipedes around. Basements, crawl spaces, and bathrooms are especially attractive to them because they tend to be damp, dark areas where prey like cockroaches and other insects thrive.
Millipedes: These decomposers often enter homes seeking moisture or shelter. They are particularly attracted to damp areas where decaying organic matter is abundant. During periods of heavy rainfall, millipedes may migrate into homes to escape flooding or excessive moisture outside. As decomposers, they may also feed on plant matter found near the foundation of your house.
Are They Dangerous?
It’s essential to address the myths surrounding centipedes and millipedes, as they often generate unnecessary fear in homeowners.
Myth: Centipedes are deadly.
Fact: While centipedes have venomous bites, they are not deadly to humans. The bite may cause a mild reaction, such as redness or swelling, but it’s rarely serious. Centipedes are not aggressive and usually bite only in self-defense.
Myth: Millipedes will destroy your home.
Fact: Millipedes do not cause structural damage to homes. They feed on decaying plant matter, and while they may enter homes in large numbers, they won’t harm your property. However, they can become a nuisance if they infest your home in large quantities.
Myth: Centipedes are dangerous and should be killed immediately.
Fact: While they may be unsettling to look at, centipedes help control other pests, so killing them isn’t necessary unless they are causing a nuisance. If you find them in your home, you can remove them using a safe method, such as gently trapping and releasing them outdoors.
How to Prevent and Get Rid of Them
To effectively control and prevent centipedes and millipedes from invading your home, here are some proactive steps you can take:
1. Reduce Moisture Levels in Basements, Crawl Spaces, and Bathrooms
Both centipedes and millipedes are drawn to damp, humid environments. By reducing moisture levels in key areas of your home, you can make it less attractive to these pests.
- Install dehumidifiers: Dehumidifiers can help reduce moisture levels in damp areas such as basements and crawl spaces. Keeping the air dry will deter millipedes and centipedes from entering.
- Fix leaks: Check for leaks in pipes, windows, and doors. Even small leaks can create the moisture that these pests seek. Seal any leaks to prevent access.
- Ensure proper ventilation: Make sure areas like basements and bathrooms are well-ventilated. Using exhaust fans and opening windows (when possible) can help keep moisture in check.
2. Seal Cracks and Gaps in Foundations and Walls
Both centipedes and millipedes can easily slip through small cracks and gaps in the foundation, walls, and around windows. Inspect your home’s exterior for any potential entry points and seal them with caulk or weatherstripping. Pay close attention to the following areas:
- Gaps around windows and doors.
- Cracks in the foundation or exterior walls.
- Gaps around pipes or vents that enter the house.
3. Remove Food Sources and Shelter Outside
Millipedes are attracted to organic matter like decaying leaves, mulch, and wood piles. Centipedes are drawn to smaller insects, so controlling other pests will help reduce the centipede population.
- Clear away debris: Regularly remove leaves, twigs, and plant matter from your yard. Keep mulch away from the foundation, and store firewood and logs away from the home.
- Trim shrubs and trees: Trim any plants that may touch the exterior of your home. This will eliminate potential access points and discourage millipedes and centipedes from finding shelter near your house.
4. Natural and Chemical Removal Methods
If you do encounter centipedes or millipedes inside your home, you can use either natural or chemical methods to remove them.
- Natural remedies: Diatomaceous earth (DE) is a natural substance that can help deter both centipedes and millipedes. It works by dehydrating the pests, causing them to die. Simply dust DE around entry points, cracks, or areas where you’ve seen the pests. Essential oils like peppermint, eucalyptus, and tea tree oil also act as natural repellents.
- Chemical treatments: If you prefer a more direct approach, chemical insecticides are available to kill centipedes and millipedes. Choose a product labeled for indoor use, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. Focus on treating cracks, crevices, and areas near entry points.
When to Call a Professional for Recurring Infestations
While DIY methods can often help control centipede and millipede problems, recurring infestations may signal a larger issue, such as a serious moisture problem or structural weakness in your home. If you’ve tried everything and the pests keep returning, it’s time to call a professional pest control service like Triangle Pest Control. A trained technician can assess your home, provide targeted treatments, and help address any underlying causes to prevent further infestations.
In North Carolina’s humid climate, centipedes and millipedes are common pests, but with the right knowledge and proactive steps, you can prevent them from becoming a problem.
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