Centipedes vs. Millipedes: Winning the Pest Control Battle in Edmond OK
Do you hear the pitter-patter of many tiny feet in your home at night?
If you don’t have kids and it’s not their nocturnal scampers you’re hearing, you might just be dealing with centipedes or millipedes having a party in your basement.
If you’re a homeowner in Edmond, OK, you’re not alone. Countless homes struggle with these many-legged pests, particularly when the weather turns hot and dry or when the seasons begin to change.
But how do you tell them apart? More importantly, how do you show them the door (or better yet, how do you keep them from coming in)? And do you need to be able to tell them apart in the first place?
We’ll break it all down for you in this post.
Knowing the Difference: Centipedes vs. Millipedes
Before you can understand how to keep these pests out of your house, you need to be able to tell the difference between the two. Here are some tips:
1. Meet the Centipede
Centipedes are truly the Usain Bolts of the insect world. These slender, elongated creatures can move quickly, which understandably freaks a lot of people out. They have one pair of legs per body segment, and those legs often stick out from their sides, making them look even more intimidating.
They’re often confused with earwigs, which are different species entirely.
Centipedes are predators. They feed on other insects, which might make them sound like your allies, but having them scuttle around your home isn’t exactly comforting. They can also bite, and while they’re not dangerous to humans, like spiders or scorpions, their bites can be painful and cause mild irritation.
2. Say Hello to Millipedes
Unlike the centipede, millipedes are more like the tortoises of the bug world. They’re slow, cylindrical, and have two pairs of legs per body segment. Millipedes tend to curl up into a coil when threatened, which is their way of playing dead.
These guys are detritivores, meaning they feed on decaying organic matter. While they won’t bite you or your pets, their presence can indicate a moisture problem in your home since they thrive in damp conditions.
3. Spotting the Differences
Telling these two apart isn’t too hard once you know what to look for.
Centipedes are fast movers with long legs that spread out to the sides, while millipedes are slower, rounder, and have tightly packed legs that make them look like they’re gliding.
Why Are They Here in the First Place?
While centipedes and millipedes are two very distinct species, they behave in similar ways and occupy similar environments. So why do they choose to come indoors?
Your home offers everything a centipede or millipede could want – shelter, food, and moisture. Basements, bathrooms, and areas under sinks are prime real estate for these critters.
Centipedes come indoors seeking prey, and if you have other insects lurking around, they’ll happily stay. Millipedes, on the other hand, are attracted to decaying plant material, so if you have any organic matter lying around, they’ll find it.
Both centipedes and millipedes are moisture lovers. High humidity levels in your home can make it an ideal habitat for them. Leaking pipes, damp basements, and even over watered plants can attract these pests.
You might notice an influx of these bugs during certain times of the year. Centipedes tend to come inside during cooler months to escape the cold, while millipedes might invade your home during the rainy season when the soil outside becomes too saturated for their liking.
Deliver an Eviction Notice: How to Get Rid of Centipedes and Millipedes
The best way to deal with centipedes and millipedes is to keep them out in the first place. Start by reducing moisture levels in your home. Fix any leaking pipes, use dehumidifiers in damp areas, and ensure proper ventilation.
Seal any cracks and crevices around doors, windows, and foundations to block their entry points. Removing debris and organic matter from around your home can also deter millipedes from coming too close.
If you already have these pests in your home, there are a few DIY methods you can try. For centipedes, sticky traps can be effective. Place them in areas where you’ve seen these bugs to catch them as they scurry about.
For millipedes, vacuuming them up can be an easy way to remove them. Just make sure to empty the vacuum bag outside to prevent them from finding their way back in.
Sometimes, no matter how hard you try, these pests just won’t leave. That’s where professional pest control comes in. Experts like our team at Summit Pest Solutions in Edmond, OK, can provide targeted treatments to not only eliminate these pests but also prevent future infestations.
The Final Showdown
Centipedes and millipedes might be fascinating creatures (and ultimately, not harmful to us in our homes), but you probably don’t want them as roommates. Even though they don’t spread disease or cause significant damage, they’re still unpleasant to think about.
Understanding the differences between them, knowing why they’re attracted to your home, and taking steps to prevent and eliminate them can help you keep your space bug-free.
Ready to reclaim your home from these multi-legged invaders? Get in touch with Summit Pest Solutions in Edmond, OK, today for expert advice and effective pest control solutions. Peace of mind is just one call away!
