There are all sorts of pest problems that can give you nightmares, but among the worst are centipedes and millipedes. Despite the vast differences between these two creatures, many people still confuse them. Understanding the differences, as well as how to prevent problems, can help you keep your home pest free.
Centipede or Millipede?
Both creatures have lots of tiny legs, and that contributes to the common confusion between the two. The simple reality, though, is that they usually look nothing alike. Millipedes tend to have long, rounded bodies. Centipedes, though, have long flat bodies. While centipedes have just one pair of legs for every body segment, millipedes have to sets. They both have antennae, but a millipede’s tend to be fairly short while a centipede’s are fairly long. Millipedes move fairly slowly, but centipedes run quickly. Part of the reason for the difference in the way they move is actually what they eat. Centipedes are carnivorous while millipedes feed off of dead, organic matter in most cases. The most important difference between the two creatures is the fact that centipedes can and will bite you. Millipedes don’t bite at all.
What’s In My House?
Both centipedes and millipedes have the ability to get in your house. Where you spot one may help you determine which has invaded. Millipedes love to come into damp, moist areas in the fall and winter. Centipedes are likely to be found anywhere in your home. You might spot one in your kitchen cabinets or you could find one in your bed. Those that invade your home are typically smaller than other types, but that puts few minds to rest.
What Can I Do?
The most important thing you can do to keep any pest out is to properly seal your home. It doesn’t take much space for a pest to get in, so take a close look outside your home. If you can fit something as small as a paperclip through it, you can bet that a pest like a centipede or a millipede can get in. If you’re not sure where your pest problems are coming from, contact a Brevard County pest control service. They can not only help you deal with any centipedes or millipedes that might already be in your home, but they can usually help you spot the problem areas where they’re getting in, too.
Centipede or millipede, you certainly don’t want this problem invading your home. Whether you can tell the difference or not, the best thing you can do is contact a pest control professional to help you deal with the problem.