Peak Season
While centipedes and millipedes can be found throughout the year, there has been an explosion of these pests in Florida. They generally are more active in humid climates. If you’re finding a lot of these pests in your home or business it means there is a good chance other pests are around or there are higher levels of moisture in the building. Either way, centipede and millipede infestations will need professional attention to get rid of.
Species
Risk Factors
What Is The Difference?
Centipedes are predatory anthropods originating in the Mediterranean. Millipedes are more rigid anthropods and have two pairs of legs per body segment compared to the centipede, which has one. Common biological characteristics of centipedes and millipedes include:
- Elongated bodies
- Segmented bodies
- Many jointed legs
The common house centipede can live for more than one year. Some species can live between five and six years, which is considered longer than most anthropods.
Are They Dangerous?
Centipedes are actually venomous, however, their venom is not life-threatening. Bites from these pests can be painful but they are not naturally aggressive. Centipedes are carnivorous and prey on other insects like spiders and worms. The most common types of millipedes found in Florida are not harmful. Their primary defense mechanism is to curl up into a tight ball if they feel threatened.
Where Are They Commonly Found?
These pests like to hide in moist, dark and secluded areas. They lay eggs in dampened soil during summer or spring. Centipedes are nocturnal insects and hide in damp areas around bathrooms, closets, basements and other sites typically infested by pests.
Prevention
The best way to prevent centipedes in your home is to seal cracks, holes, or openings. Because they are small and fast, they can fit into almost any opening. Finding these openings can be a difficult task to the naked eye but our NaturZone technicians can help identify common entryways. Our technicians also use the Z-sprayer which uses advanced technology to cover large areas.
