Millipedes and centipedes are alike in that they have many legs and that they don’t belong in a home. Whichever pest you have in your home, you should consider your pest control options. Learn how to effectively keep millipedes and centipedes out of your Texas home with a few easy steps.
What Are Millipedes And Centipedes
Millipedes and centipedes are both part of the Myriapoda group of critters. As such, they have segmented bodies and breathe through spiracles.
But don’t let the many legs fool you; millipedes and centipedes are two very different creatures. Centipedes have flat bodies and are flexible. Additionally, they have one pair of legs per body segment. On the other hand, millipedes are rigid and have cylindrical bodies. They have two pairs of legs per body segment. When it comes to movement, centipedes are faster. Millipedes are slow movers that often burrow under mulch and dirt.
Millipede And Centipede Behavior
There are several differences between the behavior of the two creatures. However, both creatures are nuisance pests.
Centipedes are carnivores. They have venom and bite their prey, which is how centipedes inject prey with the venom. Although the toxin is not lethal to humans, it is dangerous. Some centipedes have potent venom that causes severe pain in human victims. While Texas isn’t home to deadly centipedes, it does have centipedes that could hurt you or your family.
Millipedes don’t have venom and are relatively harmless. However, you may experience skin irritation if you pick up a millipede. They feed on decaying organic matter, so they are essential to the decomposition process.
Where You Find The Creatures
Typically, you find centipedes and millipedes in moist habitats. They like hiding in rotting logs, under stones, and in piles of leaves. At times, they trade the comfort of the outdoors for a moist environment inside your home.
Millipede And Centipede Prevention
While these pests won’t have an impact on your health, they could affect you in other ways. They are undesirable pests that could keep you from sleeping or make you uncomfortable in your own home.
To keep your home free from millipedes and centipedes, you should do the following:
Limit Moisture
If you don’t have moisture in your yard or home, you probably won’t have millipedes and centipedes. But limiting moisture takes a little work. For instance, you need to check your plumbing for leaks. Leaking fixtures and pipes allow water to build up. Even a small leak adds to humidity, which attracts pests. You should also check your drainage. Make sure water can’t build up near the foundation of your home.
Clean Up Debris
If there’s debris in your yard, there will be moisture and hiding places for centipedes and millipedes. You should check your yard for debris on a regular basis. Clean up fallen branches, junk, and piles of leaves. The longer it sits out, the more likely the debris will attract pests.
Seal Up Entrances
Millipedes and centipedes may be different, but they enter homes the same way. If you have any holes in your screens, cracks in your home, or gaps under your doors, these pests can enter. One way to keep pests out is to seal up all possible entrances. As you do, remember that millipedes and centipedes are extremely small.
Call An Expert
The real secret to effective millipede and centipede control is to work with a professional. On your own, you can only do so much. It takes someone with experience and resources to keep pests out. If you want the best results, contact Innovative Pest Control for more advice or assistance. Get started today.
Categories:
- Home Pest Control,
- Pest Prevention
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