Centipede biology and behavior
These strange-looking insects may strike fear in onlookers - and it may be best to follow your instincts and keep your distance. All centipedes are venomous and use their forcipules (pincer-like appendages) to inject venom along with a painful bite. While the venom is generally not considered to be a risk to humans, the centipede’s bite alone is reason enough to avoid handling them directly.
Centipedes can range greatly in size, the smallest of which maxing out at just a few millimeters, while the largest can reach up to a foot long! It’s estimated that there are approximately 8,000 different centipede species worldwide living in a wide variety of environments. Most centipedes native to the United States are yellowish or dark brown in color, though some in subterranean climates can be quite vibrant.
Luckily, the most commonly encountered centipede here in the US is the Scutigera coleoptrata, otherwise known as the house centipede. These centipedes are small, 1 to 1.5 inch long insects with 15 pairs of legs and a yellowish-gray body. The antennae of the house centipede are actually longer than their entire body, as are the centipede’s last pair of legs.
Are centipedes and millipedes the same thing?
No - but they are often confused for one another!
A major difference that most homeowners seek clarity on is the danger of centipedes and millipedes - centipedes are venomous and known to deliver some seriously painful bites, while millipedes do not typically bite or sting and are not venomous. Centipedes will bite when they perceive a threat, whereas millipedes will curl up into a tight ball when in danger. If you were to touch a millipede or try to pick it up, it would likely curl up in a spiral and essentially play “dead.” The same cannot be said for a centipede, who may bite or “sting” you with its many pointed legs if disturbed.
Visually, it may be difficult to differentiate the two long, segmented insects. There are a few ways to tell them apart, however. Millipedes tend to be longer, smoother, and have considerably more legs than a centipede. When observing from the side, millipedes will appear more rounded and cylindrical in shape, whereas a centipede will look flatter. These differences in characteristics separate the two similar insects by class - centipedes belonging to the class of Chilopoda, and millipedes belonging to the class of Diplopoda.
Another difference is in their speed. Centipedes are known for their ability to move surprisingly fast, zipping across surfaces quickly. Millipedes, on the other hand, tend to move far more slowly. In comparison, millipedes move at a meandering pace, seemingly in no hurry. Millipedes also burrow, while centipedes do not.
These insects also differ greatly in diet. Centipedes, as mentioned previously, are carnivorous predators that “hunt” and kill prey. They do this by injecting their prey with venom found in their forcipules, or pinchers. Millipedes are primarily detritivores, feeding on decaying organic matter or roots of seedlings. Millipedes are ecologically significant as facilitators of microbial decomposition and aiding in soil nutrient cycles and turnover.
are centipedes household pests?
While centipedes are primarily outdoor insects, they do occasionally make their way indoors either accidentally or in search of something. Centipedes will sometimes move indoors as the weather cools, seeking protection from the elements and shelter from the cold. They also may be searching for prey in your home - some of their favorite meals consist of common indoor pests such as spiders, silverfish, bed bugs, beetles, and cockroaches. House centipedes in particular find indoor environments especially comfortable and ideal for long-term living. They will frequently overwinter in homes, using a well-heated and safe home as an opportunity to continue their lifecycle and reproduce.
How can I get rid of centipedes in my home?
Due to the centipede's painful bite and aggression when handled, we generally do not recommend attempting to treat for centipedes yourself. Centipede infestations can sometimes occur in the early-to-late fall season as colder temperatures drive overwintering insects indoors. Not only do centipedes seek out more temperature conditions to wait out winter, but many of their favorite prey do, as well. Insects such as boxelders, spiders, and silverfish all congregate indoors to beat the chill, providing further motivation for centipedes to take up residence in your home. When this happens, the pure quantity of unwelcome centipedes can become overwhelming and require professional treatment.
EcoShield offers pest solutions for insects that many other pest control companies don’t provide services for, including centipedes. If you experience a problem with centipedes in your home, we encourage you to contact EcoShield immediately for expert intervention. Centipedes and are also covered under the Shield Home Protection Plan, a year-round coverage plan that protects your home from pests during every season. With this plan, if you see centipedes in your home, you can give EcoShield a call for service as quickly as the very next day!
Frequently Asked Questions
Centipedes. Millipedes. What’s the difference? And why should I care? While the centipede and millipede look quite similar (and are often confused for one another) they are far from the same insect. Among the visual characteristics and differences, centipedes and millipedes also differ in their behavior and threat to humans. As a homeowner, it is... Read More