Millipede and Centipede sightings have been on the rise in the last few years. These arthropods thrive in humid Texas weather. They prefer moist protected areas like rotting logs, leaves, bark, and underneath stones. Some centipedes are poisonous, but they are not as common in our area.  There are many differences between Millipedes and Centipedes. The experts at Magic Pest and Lawn can help identify and get rid of them. 

Millipedes

Millipedes are typically brownish, but can vary from red to yellow to orange. Millipedes have a head with one pair of antennae connected to a long, worm like, segmented body. The Millipede body is tubular, and each body segment has two pair of legs. Millipedes are slow moving insects that like to burrow.

Millipedes can live for over ten years. They lay eggs in the soil, either by themselves or in a small group. Millipedes prefer cool, moist environments outdoors such as mulch, dead leaves, or compost piles. Millipedes are great for decomposition and soil nutrient cycles. Millipedes are not poisonous, but they do create a smelly fluid that can be irritating, especially if rubbed in the eyes. Millipedes curl into a spiral to protect themselves when they are disturbed or when they die. 

Centipedes

Centipedes have flattened bodies that are typically brown, gray, red, or greenish in color. They have only one pair of legs per body segment. The first set of legs have been modified to function as claws used to capture their prey. The claws have poison glands that subdue their prey. Centipedes that are found in Texas are relatively small, but they can be over 9 inches when they are fully grown. 

Centipedes are generally harmless to humans, however their bite can cause an allergic reaction in some people. As a general rule of thumb, it is best to avoid centipedes. 

House Centipedes

House Centipedes are about 1 ½ inches long and have 15 legs, and can travel one foot per second, making them almost impossible to catch. House Centipedes can be found in damp areas of the home, such as closets and bathrooms. House centipedes hunt different unwanted pests in your home at night. They like to hunt and capture ants, bedbugs, spiders, silverfish, carpet beetles, cockroaches, and termites. House Centipedes are very beneficial to keeping the more harmful, unwanted pests out of your home. 

Contact the professional pest control and Millipede and Centipede experts at Magic Pest and Lawn to help you identify and get rid of Millipedes and Centipedes before they become a problem in your Austin area home.