What’s the Difference Between a Millipede and a Centipede?
If you’ve ever found a creepy-crawly creature in your home or garden, you might have wondered, “Is this thing dangerous?” Millipedes, centipedes, and even woodlouse spiders often show up in damp, dark places. But what should you know about them? Are they poisonous? How do you tell the difference between them? Let’s break it down.
Are Millipedes Poisonous?
Millipedes are long, slow-moving insects with lots of legs. They love to hide in moist places like under leaves, in soil, and around garden debris. Many people worry that they might bite or be poisonous. But the truth is, millipedes are not poisonous.
However, millipedes can release a foul-smelling liquid when they feel threatened. This liquid can irritate the skin or cause a mild rash if you touch it. Some species even produce a yellowish fluid that can stain skin or fabrics. While it’s not dangerous, it’s a good idea to wash your hands if you handle one.
If you’re seeing a lot of millipedes inside your home, it might be a sign of high moisture levels. Professional pest control services can help you keep them away by reducing moisture and sealing entry points.
Are Centipedes Poisonous?
Centipedes are faster and more aggressive-looking than millipedes. They have fewer legs per body segment and often have a flattened body shape. Their long legs help them move quickly, which can make them seem a little scary.
Some centipede species can bite. While centipede bites are rare and usually not serious, they can be painful, especially if you’re allergic. The bite injects venom, which can cause redness, swelling, and discomfort. In very rare cases, some people might have an allergic reaction to a centipede bite.
However, centipedes don’t usually bite humans unless they feel threatened. If you notice centipedes in your home, it may mean you have an underlying pest issue. Pest control services can help identify and treat the problem to keep these pests away.
What’s the Difference Between a Millipede and a Centipede?
At first glance, millipedes and centipedes can look similar, but they’re quite different:
| Feature | Millipede | Centipede |
|---|---|---|
| Body Shape | Long and round | Long and flat |
| Legs | Two pairs of legs per segment | One pair of legs per segment |
| Movement | Slow-moving | Quick-moving |
| Defense | Releases foul-smelling fluid | Can bite and inject venom |
| Habitat | Damp soil, leaves, and decaying wood | Damp areas, under stones, in basements |
| Danger to Humans | Not dangerous, may cause skin irritation | Can bite, mildly painful |
Millipedes prefer to eat decaying plant matter, while centipedes are hunters that feed on insects and spiders. This makes centipedes a natural form of pest control in your garden, but you still don’t want them inside your home.
How to Identify a Woodlouse Spider
Woodlouse spiders, also known as Dysdera crocata, are often confused with other house spiders. They are reddish-orange or dark brown with a shiny body and long legs. These spiders love to feed on woodlice (also called pillbugs), which is how they got their name.
Here are some tips to identify a woodlouse spider:
Colour: Reddish-brown or orange with a shiny body
Size: About ½ inch to ¾ inch long
Body: Large fangs (chelicerae) and a smooth, oval abdomen
Behaviour: Nocturnal hunters, often found under logs, stones, or in basements
Woodlouse spiders are not aggressive toward humans and rarely bite. However, their large fangs can deliver a painful bite if they feel threatened. The bite may cause redness, swelling, and itching, but it is not dangerous.
Keeping Your Home Free of Millipedes, Centipedes, and Woodlouse Spiders
If you’re dealing with any of these pests in your home, don’t panic. Here are some simple steps you can take to reduce their numbers:
Reduce moisture – Fix leaks, use a dehumidifier, and clean up standing water.
Seal cracks and gaps – Check for entry points around windows, doors, and the foundation.
Clean up debris – Remove piles of leaves, wood, and other organic materials from around your home.
Regular pest control services – Professional help can keep these pests at bay and provide peace of mind.
When to Call for Professional Pest Control Services
While millipedes, centipedes, and woodlouse spiders aren’t usually dangerous, an infestation can be unpleasant. If you notice:
Large numbers of pests indoors
Persistent sightings despite cleaning
Bites or skin reactions from contact with pests
It’s time to call for professional pest control services. Pest control experts can help identify the pests, remove them, and offer tips to prevent future infestations.
Final Thoughts
Millipedes and centipedes might look creepy, but they usually aren’t dangerous. Millipedes are harmless but can irritate your skin with their defensive liquid. Centipedes can bite, but their bites are generally mild. Woodlouse spiders might look scary with their large fangs, but they’re not dangerous to humans either.
The key to keeping your home pest-free is prevention: control moisture, seal entry points, and clean up outdoor debris. And when in doubt, call for pest control services to handle the problem safely and effectively.
