For some people, the sight of anything with more than four legs sends them screaming. For most people, the sight of a centipede or millipede is just plain creepy. The sight of hundreds of these leggy creatures clinging to a wall is disturbing. The first thing you need to know is that centipedes and millipedes are not harmful.
A Millipede In Your Home?
Millipedes are arthropods. They are long, black “bugs” with what appears to be a million little legs. When threatened, they curl up into a tight ball. The leggy recyclers are detritivores, meaning that they feed on dead plants and animals. In fact, they are so efficient at recycling that they put nutrients back into the soil faster than naturally decomposing plants and animals. You usually won’t find a millipede inside of your home, unless there has been heavy rain. If you find them inside, they will either leave or die within a couple of days. They need the moisture found in soil to survive.
Centipedes Can Bite And Sting But Prefer Other Insects
Centipedes are also arthropods like millipedes. Centipedes often do not have eyes, using their antennae to detect prey. While the name suggests “100 legs,” it isn’t accurate. Depending on the species, they have anywhere from 15-177 pairs of legs. One interesting note is that centipedes always have an odd number of pairs of legs. Centipedes are usually seen at night when they go on the hunt for food. The centipede is a carnivore, feeding on household pests like flies, roaches, spiders, and silverfish. If you have centipedes in your home or business, that is because they are finding plenty to feast on. That is why, when you find centipedes in your home, it is important to call a local pest control professional to rid your home of pests. A pest control professional will assess your home for what insects and pests you are noticing, they will treat your home and yard accordingly. No spiders, roaches, or silverfish will mean that the centipede will need to find a new home to hunt in.
The Texas Centipede
Native to the Texas Hill Country, the Texas Centipede is an entirely different centipede. It is easy to recognize, having a large redhead and orange antennae. They are very large, averaging about 6.5” long. Some have even been seen as large as 9”-12” long. It usually has only about 23 pairs of legs that are yellow and distinguishable from the long brown body. Even though they are not common in Dallas/Fort Worth and surrounding areas, this giant desert centipede has occasionally been spotted locally. It is venomous, but not deadly. Their bite is similar to a wasp sting and the symptoms can linger for a day or two. The Texas Centipede generally feeds on lizards, snakes, frogs, and small rodents. If you spot one of THESE centipedes, call your pest control professional to treat your home and yard.
Contact Buzz Kill Pest Control If You See Centipedes Or Millipedes In Your Home
If you spot leggy, creepy, crawly centipedes or millipedes around your home, rest easy, they are pretty harmless. The centipede is a sign of other invading insects though, so it is probably best to have your home and yard treated to avoid an infestation. Those centipedes will not be as efficient as your pest control expert, so if you see one get in touch with Buzz Kill Pest Control today. We’re here to help keep your Dallas-Fort Worth homes pest-free!