What is the difference between a centipede and a millipede? The best rule of thumb is to look at the feet which are also known as their legs! In Latin terms, “pede” means foot, “centi” means 100, and milli means 1,000. Think of a centipede as the hundred footed and millipede as the thousand footed. Although they don’t have that exact number of legs, you can easily tell which one has more than the other.

What is a Millipede? 

A millipede is often thought of as an insect however, it is actually a myriapods due to it having more than 6 legs and multiple body segments. In Florida, it has been approximated to have 50 different species. 

What do Millipedes Look Like?

• Have anywhere from 30 to over 1,000 legs. The record amount found on a centipede is 1,306
• Round, hard bodied, worm-like bodies with short, segmented antennae
• Blackish or brownish in color
• Two pairs of legs per segment

Do Millipedes Bite?

No, millipedes do not bite people or pets. In fact, they are herbivorous creatures. However, when threatened, they emit a foul scent from their stink glands as a defense mechanism. 

What do Millipedes Eat?

Millipedes are slow moving scavengers that like to feed on organic and decaying vegetation. 

How to Repel Millipedes?

Millipedes are drawn to moisture.You can make your home less appealing by reducing the moisture inside. It is possible one makes it into your home, if that is the case, it is likely due to high moisture levels or a door left unsealed/open. Rest assured, they usually won’t survive more than a few days inside your home. Best practice it to seal any entry points around the foundation of your home to keep them out. 

Places you might find millipedes:

• Under trash piles
• In mulch areas, typically flower beds
• Piles of leaves or grass clippings
• Lanai area

What is a Centipede?

A centipede, like a millipede, is also not an insect but rather a myriapod. These critters are fast moving and have one pair of legs per segment. 

What do Centipedes Look Like?

• Have anywhere from 15 to over 300 legs
• Flat, segmented bodies 
• Yellowish to dark brown
• One pair of legs per segment

Do Centipedes Bite?

Yes, centipedes can bite with their venomous jaws. Their bites are painful but not usually dangerous to humans but can be harmful to small pets. 

What do Centipedes Eat?

Centipedes are fast hunters that eat other small insects, like cockroaches and spiders. Centipedes kill their prey by injecting them with venom through their front legs. However, If they get attacked, they can shed a leg to escape and later regenerate the limb!

How to Repel Centipedes?

Centipedes are also drawn to moisture. A great way to make your home less inviting to centipedes is by reducing the indoor moisture levels. If one does find its way in your home it is often due to high humidity, unsealed entry points, or the presence of other pest activity which serves as a food source for centipedes.  

Places you might find millipedes:

• Bathrooms
• Potted plants
• Piles of leaves or grass clippings
• Lanai area

While millipedes and centipedes can be confused, they are both considered nuisance pests. Learning the difference between the two can help you to take further action in getting rid of them. Here at Infinite Pest Solutions, we believe in creating a barrier around the foundation of your home to keep them from coming in. Ask about our General Pest Control services as we include protection against these crawlers!