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Centipede & millipede control

The multi-legged, worm-like creatures that are often found under decaying logs outdoors—or occasionally indoors under moist boxes, in rotting wood framing, or under piles of moist newspapers—are arthropods from the Diplopoda and Chilopoda classes of creatures. They belong to the Myriapoda subphylum, a group that comprises multi-legged species of various types. Although often grouped together with insects, millipedes and centipedes are arthropods that are categorically different than insects (which have six legs) and arachnids (which have eight legs).

Most centipedes found around buildings rarely measure longer than 2 inches, but some in Louisiana can be 6 inches or longer.

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Millipedes are nature's little recyclers. They are detritivores, meaning they feed on dead plants and animals.

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Millipedes won't bite you, but they can emit a smelly fluid that might irritate your eyes or skin.

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Centipedes are nocturnal creatures that hunt down insects and spiders at night.

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Though some people often mistakenly refer to it as “biting,” centipedes can pinch, injecting venom through scratching from modified front legs. And, while centipedes are venomous, the venom isn’t usually strong enough to seriously harm people.

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The house centipede is actually a beneficial creature, feeding on spiders and insects found within the home.

Centipedes and millipedes are primarily outdoor creatures that subsist on decaying plant material (millipedes) or small insects and other creatures (centipedes). Neither of these creatures causes damage or disease, nor do they nest and breed indoors. If you find them indoors, it is usually because they've simply wandered in from a nearby woody environment. They do not damage food, plants, furniture, or buildings as other more harmful pests do, such as Cockroaches, Rodents, and Flies.

Because they require moisture and foods such as organic material or insects to survive, millipedes and centipedes do not live for long or reproduce in homes, as the conditions are generally too dry. Still, the reaction to finding millipedes and centipedes in your home is often one of revulsion, and most people wish to get rid of them and prevent others from finding their way in.

How to Prevent Millipedes and Centipedes

Preventing Millipedes and Centipedes indoors is best accomplished by diligently sealing all cracks, holes, and gaps in foundations and keeping window and door frames and sill plates in good repair and properly weather sealed. Keeping outdoor areas around the house free of leaf litter and brush will reduce outdoor populations. Allow the ground around foundations to dry out thoroughly between waterings of plants and shrubs.

Indoors, use a dehumidifier to keep air dry, and keep cardboard boxes and other organic materials away from concrete slabs and floors.

We specialize in Residential & Commerical Pest Control. If you have an infestation call W.O.L.F. Pest Control and let us protect your family Today!

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