While some of the pests you encounter in your Long Island home or business pose health risks or property damage, many others are mostly just a nuisance.
Two common kinds of nuisance pests found in the area are centipedes and millipedes. Because of their rather off-putting appearance, you might think they are dangerous, but overall, they don’t pose any real threats to humans or pests. And, while they are two distinct species, they do have many similarities when it comes to controlling and removing them. Centipedes are actually a venomous pest that uses its venom to kill their prey. However, this venom doesn’t have any dangerous impact on humans or pets. Millipedes aren’t carnivorous, but they might cause a minor skin rash if you come into direct contact with them. These risks are also minimal. While centipedes and millipedes look similar because they both have many pairs of legs, there are some key differences between them. Here is how to tell them apart.
- Centipedes: They have long, worm-like bodies and can have anywhere from 15-150 pairs of legs. Unlike millipedes, they have a claw-like appendage extending from their mouths and legs that stick further out from their bodies.
- Millipedes: This species looks even more worm-like as their legs are tucked under their bodies. They also have two pairs of legs for each body segment where centipedes only have one. Millipedes are usually reddish-brown in color.
Why Do Millipedes And Centipedes Come Indoors?
Millipedes and centipedes usually come inside your Long Island home or business for the same reasons. The biggest being that they are pests that seek humid environments. So, if your home has moisture problems they are more likely to find your building hospitable. They are most likely to be found in dark, damp areas in your home such as basements, garages, and crawl spaces. Also, if the outdoor environment has become uncomfortable for these pests because there isn’t enough moisture, food, or because of extreme weather, they might look for indoor places to shelter and hide.
Tips For Preventing Centipedes And Millipedes
Following some prevention tips can help reduce the possibility that these pests will come inside. However, it’s not always possible to completely prevent centipedes and millipedes. The best way to go about prevention is to make your home or business a less welcoming environment for these pests to live. Here are some prevention steps you can take:
- Reduce places on your property where pests can hide by removing decaying plant matter including dead wood and clear piles.
- Address humidity issues by fixing leaky pipes and faucets.
- Keep your home well-ventilated especially in areas like crawl spaces and basements.
- Use dehumidifiers to address moisture issues.
- Store firewood at least 30 feet away from the exterior of your home.
Assistance With Centipede And Millipede Problems
While centipedes and millipedes aren’t the most dangerous pest, they are still unpleasant to have in your home. If you need assistance with the prevention or control of these pests, contact the experts at Parkway Pest Services. We are happy to provide you with advice on these and other pests. To find out more about our pest control options, contact us today.