Centipede & Millipede Identification & Prevention

Centipedes and millipedes are both types of arthropods that belong to the class Chilopoda. These critters are nuisance pests that invade homes or businesses whenever conditions for survival outdoors are inhospitable. Their preferred living locations are not inside human structures but rather outside in humid areas.

Around your home or business, you are most likely to encounter centipedes and millipedes in basements, crawl spaces, bathrooms, and kitchens, where they hide in secluded, dark, and humid areas.

• Centipedes: Even though 'centipede' means 'one hundred footed,' not every centipede has one hundred feet. The number of feet that a centipede has depends on how many segments its body has and the species. In general, centipedes will have between fifteen and one hundred and seventy-seven pairs of legs, one pair per body segment. Centipedes range in color from brown and grey to red, green, and blue, and they appear wormlike with flattened bodies. Centipedes are carnivorous and mostly eat spiders, worms, and other soft-bodied insects.
• Millipedes:Similar to the centipede's name, 'millipede' means 'one thousand footed,' but no known millipede species today are found to actually have one thousand feet. For the most part, millipedes will have between forty and four hundred legs, with two pairs of legs per body segment. Millipedes are black, brown, or grey, but some species may have orange or red markings visible on their bodies. Millipedes enjoy eating decaying organic matter.