NPIPM:Diplopoda and Chilopoda
Authors: Ashley Mueller, Buyung Hadi
Identification
Both millipedes and centipedes have numerous body segments. Millipedes have two pairs of legs per body segment while centipedes have one pair of legs per body segment. Typically, millipedes are cylindrical, have dark coloration, and are slow moving; centipedes are rather flattened with lighter coloration, and they can move faster.
Habitat
Most millipedes and centipedes do not usually reproduce or establish themselves indoors. Millipedes generally require moist places, so they are often found in mulch and organic debris outdoors. In the fall, they migrate away from feeding areas and enter buildings, causing them to become a nuisance. They are commonly found in basements, but once they are inside the structure, they quickly die due to relatively dry conditions.
Centipedes prefer dark places, and outdoors they can be found under stones and boards and under organic matter like leaf litter. House centipedes are often found indoors, particularly in damp places like basements and cellars. House centipedes prey on other arthropods, and if the prey is plentiful, they may establish themselves indoors.
Life Cycle and Seasonal History
Millipedes overwinter in the soil. When the temperatures rise in the spring, they lay between 20 and 300 eggs in the soil. After several weeks, the eggs hatch and young millipedes emerge. The young millipedes are small, and they have no more than seven segments and three pairs of legs. After each molt, they add segments and legs until sexual maturity is reached, which occurs between two and five years.
Like millipedes, centipedes overwinter outdoors, under stones, and logs. They lay eggs in the soil in the spring and summer. Development of young centipedes into adults is slow, and they can molt as many as 10 times. Some centipedes are unique because they can give birth to live young. Centipedes are long-lived, and some species can live for six years.
Human Interaction and Urban Impact
Most millipedes and centipedes are nuisance pests in a building, and generally they are not economically important. However, some millipede and centipede species can be causes for health concern.
Although not venomous, certain millipedes are capable of producing irritating fluids with a distinct odor that may cause allergic reactions in some individuals. After handling millipedes, hands should be washed thoroughly to prevent skin irritation. Millipedes should not be handled with bare hands if possible.
Centipedes have strong jaws with venom glands, which help them kill their prey. The house centipede (Scutigera coleoptrate) can inflict a wound similar to a bee sting. A centipede bite may result in redness and localized swelling. Avoid handling centipedes if possible.
Any medical questions or concerns related to irritation caused by millipede handling or a centipede bite should be directed towards a physician.
Prevention and Management Approaches
Exclude millipedes and centipedes from the building by sealing cracks and gaps in the foundation, doors, and windows. Remove excess mulch materials and organic debris near the structure; this will reduce the potential for invading millipedes and centipedes. In the case of the house centipede, control of excess humidity and other insects that form their prey should reduce the infestation.
In most cases, millipedes and centipedes can be controlled by wearing on shoes, stepping on them, and vacuuming them. If millipedes or centipedes occur in large number in the home, applying an insecticide around the foundation, doors, and windows provides sufficient temporary control. Check product labels for appropriate management options. Always use precaution and follow the label carefully before using any insecticide. Insecticides have a certain amount of toxicity to mammals; children and pets are especially at risk.
Other Online Resources
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
For information regarding labels of chemical control options, please visit NPIC MAPL
