What Do Centipedes & Millipedes Look Like?
Centipedes and millipedes are common arthropods in Lexington, KY. Although some types may appear similar at first glance, their differences are important to recognize. For effective centipede control in Lexington, understanding these distinctions is crucial, especially since house centipedes are frequent nuisance invaders in local homes. While they may look similar at first glance, they have key differences:
House Centipedes (A Common Home Invader):
- Appearance: Long, flattened bodies with 15 pairs of legs, striped yellow and brown coloring.
- Size: 1 to 1.5 inches long.
- Movement: Fast-moving and capable of climbing walls.
- Behavior: Predatory; they feed on other insects like spiders, roaches, and ants. House centipedes are the most likely to invade homes and are the primary centipede we control in Lexington.
Millipedes:
- Appearance: Cylindrical bodies with numerous legs (two pairs per body segment).
- Size: Typically 1 to 2 inches long.
- Movement: Slow-moving, often curling into a tight spiral when disturbed.
- Behavior: Decomposers; they feed on decaying organic material and plant matter. Millipedes are more common in outdoor environments but may enter homes during heavy rain or extreme dryness.
Where Do Centipedes & Millipedes Hide?
Both pests prefer damp, dark environments and are commonly found in areas that necessitate centipede control in Lexington:
- Basements and crawl spaces
- Bathrooms and kitchens
- Under rocks, mulch, and leaf litter
- Near leaky pipes and moisture-prone areas, making Lexington, KY homes prime candidates for centipede control treatments.
Are Centipedes & Millipedes Dangerous?
Neither centipedes nor millipedes found in Lexington, KY pose a direct threat to humans.
- House Centipedes: Beneficial predators that help control other pest populations. While they have venomous fangs, their bite is rare and causes only mild irritation.
- Millipedes: Harmless but can release a foul-smelling defensive fluid that may cause mild skin irritation.
How to Prevent Centipedes & Millipedes in Lexington, KY
- Reduce Moisture: Fix leaks, improve ventilation, and use dehumidifiers in basements to aid in effective centipede control around Lexington.
- Seal Entry Points: Caulk gaps around windows, doors, and foundation cracks.
- Remove Organic Debris: Keep mulch, leaves, and woodpiles away from your home’s foundation.
- Declutter & Clean Regularly: Minimize hiding spots inside the home.
How to Get Rid of Centipedes & Millipedes
While occasional sightings are normal, persistent infestations may require professional help. At Berner Pest Solutions, our Top Dog Pest Prevention Service provides quarterly treatments to get rid of centipedes, millipedes, and keep other household pests under control. Professional centipede control in Lexington can ensure your home stays pest-free.
➡ Seeing centipedes or millipedes in your home? Contact Berner Pest Solutions for a free inspection today!