Millipedes & Centipedes Facts & Information
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If you’ve seen a long, leggy creature wriggling across the floor and weren’t quite sure what you were looking at, you’re not alone. Was it a centipede? Or wait, was it actually a millipede? What’s the difference? Millipedes and centipedes are both common arthropods that often find their way indoors—especially in damp, cool spaces. And they’re very different in behavior, diet, and how they interact with humans.
Let’s talk about what sets them apart, where they tend to live, and why they show up inside. More importantly, we’ll tell you what you can do to keep them from invading your home.
Look up your local branch or call our office at (888) 372-9514 to schedule your appointment.
How to Identify Millipedes & Centipedes
While both insects are named for their alarming number of legs, millipedes and centipedes have some distinct differences.
Millipedes have rounded, cylindrical bodies and move slowly in a wave-like motion. Their legs come in pairs on each body segment, and they’re generally dark brown or black.
Centipedes, on the other hand, have flatter, more flexible bodies, with one leg per body segment and long antennae. They move fast and are usually tan or yellowish with darker markings.
Here’s a quick summary: Millipedes = slow and round. Centipedes = fast and flat.
Millipedes & Centipedes Life Cycles
Like other arthropods, millipedes and centipedes go through a few key life stages: egg, juvenile, and adult. Most species lay their eggs in soil or under debris outdoors, where it’s moist and protected. Juveniles hatch with fewer legs and segments than adults and add more with each molt.
Millipedes typically live longer (sometimes several years) while centipedes tend to have shorter lifespans.
Where Do Millipedes & Centipedes Live?
Both of these pests thrive in moist, sheltered environments and are commonly found outdoors under leaf litter, mulch, and stones. Still, they may find their way inside your home when it gets too dry or cold outside, showing up in basements, bathrooms, laundry rooms, garages, crawl spaces, and any unfinished areas with high humidity.
What Do They Eat?
Millipedes are detritivores, meaning they feed on decomposing organic matter like leaves, mulch, and decaying wood. So they’re not interested in your pantry or your belongings.
Centipedes, on the other hand, are actual predators. They hunt other insects, including silverfish, cockroaches, and even spiders. They can actually help reduce other pest populations in small numbers, but you still probably don’t want them running loose indoors.
Signs of Millipedes or Centipedes
Millipedes and centipedes don’t leave behind droppings, webbing, or damage like some insects do, so the best way to identify an issue is by spotting them:
- Seeing them scurry along baseboards, walls, or tubs
- Finding them curled up dead in dry areas (common with millipedes)
- Noticing increased numbers after rain or irrigating your landscaping
Both are most active at night, so it’s more common to see them in the evening or early morning hours.
How Do They Get Inside?
Millipedes and centipedes are small and flexible enough to squeeze through cracks, weep holes, or gaps under doors. If there’s excess moisture inside your property, especially near entry points, they have the perfect invitation to go ahead and come inside. Centipedes may also wind up inside while chasing prey, while millipedes seek out cool, damp hiding spots.
Basically, any moisture-rich area with poor ventilation is a likely entry and hiding point—and it’s even more so if the space hasn’t been sealed or maintained.
How to Prevent Millipedes & Centipedes
Start with moisture control. Fix your leaky pipes, improve ventilation in crawl spaces, and use dehumidifiers in damp rooms. Outside, rake up mulch and leaf litter near the foundation and avoid overwatering plants near the home.
To prevent millipedes & centipedes from coming inside:
- Seal cracks and gaps in doors, windows, and foundations
- Store firewood away from the house
- Keep indoor areas clean and dry
- Reduce clutter to eliminate hiding spots
Let Hawx Handle It
DIY traps and sprays may reduce the occasional bug sighting, but they rarely fix the root cause—especially if you’re dealing with conditions inside and out that attract them.
If you’re seeing recurring activity or more than just a few stragglers, it’s time to call in the professionals. Hawx Pest Control specializes in millipede and centipede control, using proven strategies to address the problems at the source.
We’ll inspect the property, identify problem areas, and create a custom plan to target these pests—and it’s all part of our General Pest Control Plan. Reach out for your free estimate today and let Hawx show you how to get rid of millipedes and centipedes for good.
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