Although centipedes and millipedes don’t carry diseases or cause damage to humans, animals, plants, or homes, they can still be a nuisance—especially when large numbers find their way inside. Of the two, millipedes present a slightly greater risk due to their tendency to secrete fluids when threatened.
At Strib Pest Control, we specialize in the control and removal of centipedes and millipedes across Milwaukee, Franklin, Oak Creek, Whitefish Bay, Shorewood, Bayside, and surrounding areas. With us, there are no gimmicks—just effective, straightforward pest control.
Centipedes are yellowish-brown, measuring 1 to 4 inches long, with one pair of legs per body segment. They thrive in damp environments like mulch, compost, and flower beds outdoors. Indoors, they prefer moist areas such as basements, closets, or bathrooms, and are most active at night. Often confused with millipedes, centipedes are flatter and move quickly, while millipedes have a rounded, worm-like shape and move much slower.
Millipedes are brown, 1 to 1.5 inches long, with 30 to 90 legs–two pairs of legs per body segment. Like centipedes, millipedes thrive in the same damp outdoor areas. A change in weather conditions, like a change from moist to dry weather, will stimulate millipedes to seek moisture indoors–usually in bathrooms or basements where there is a lot of moisture.
Although millipedes are not poisonous, several species release a defensive spray containing hydrochloric acid, which can irritate your skin and eyes. Handling a millipede may trigger this spray, leaving a strong odor on your hands. If this happens, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. If the smell persists, rubbing alcohol can help remove it.
Centipedes may occasionally sting humans if handled, but their venom is similar to a bee sting in severity. While generally not harmful to most people, it can cause a serious reaction in those sensitive to bee stings or other insect venoms. For those unaffected, the best treatment for a centipede sting is to clean the area thoroughly and apply ice. Children are the most likely to be stung, as adults typically avoid handling centipedes.
Our centipede and millipede control programs utilize eco-friendly insect control methods like locating and removing inhabited materials and potential habitation sites, as well as sealing cracks and holes in the home’s exterior to prevent future infestation. You’ll receive a full report detailing the insect control treatment performed with additional information on preventing future infestations.
Don’t take our word for it, your neighbors in Milwaukee, Glendale, Franklin, and other surrounding counties have relied on our expertise to have a healthier, cleaner, and safer home or business. Strib is not the next cheap solution. We’re instead a team of well-trained pest control experts who will take the time needed to fully exterminate your pest problem. Strib Pest Control makes pest control easy with automated billing, digitized and detailed reports, world-class software and real-time reporting.
Contact Strib Pest Control today for more information about our millipede and centipede pest control services!
