While there are some pests in your Plano property that you know are dangerous, you might not be sure about other insects. There are some pests in the area that can cause harm to your health or damage your property, but there are many other pests that are considered just a harmless nuisance.
Two of the creepiest types of insects you might find in your home are millipedes and centipedes. These bugs look scary because of their many legs. However, they are both considered nuisance pests that don’t harm humans or pets. Millipedes can sometimes cause a mild rash if you touch them, and centipedes are more venomous but their venom doesn’t harm anything bigger than other insects.
While millipedes and centipedes are two distinct species, they can seem similar. But there are simple ways that you can tell them apart. Here is what they look like:
- Millipedes: They have small antennas and are usually red, brown, or black in color. They have long bodies that look like worms. They have two pairs of legs per each body segment while centipedes have one. Their legs are tucked under their bodies.
- Centipedes: They have long, worm-like bodies and long antennae. They usually have around 15-150 pairs of legs and can be a range of colors from yellow to dark brown. They have a claw-like appendage coming from their mouths, and their legs stick out noticeably from their bodies.
What Attracts Centipedes And Millipede To Your Home?
While they are different, both of these insects are attracted to homes for similar reasons. They mainly come into a home searching for a moisture-rich environment when the outdoors is uncomfortable for them. As they are both carnivores, they can sometimes be attracted to other small insects in your home.
When they live outdoors, you can often find these pests under things like rotting logs or decaying leaf piles as they look for damp, dark places. Once inside, they usually look for places such as bathrooms, basements, and crawl spaces where there is moisture and they can hide undisturbed.
How To Prevent Centipedes And Millipedes
When it comes to dealing with any kind of pests, the best way to deal with them is to prevent them from getting inside in the first place. Prevention methods can’t completely ensure you won’t have issues with centipedes or millipedes, but they can lower the chances that they will be a problem. The best way to go about prevention is to address things in your home that attract these insects. Since millipedes and centipedes look for moisture-rich, dark environments, you can lower these attractants. Here are a few prevention tips:
- Clean up decaying plant matter on your property including decaying wood.
- Repair leaky pipes and faucets to reduce moisture.
- Make sure that places like crawlspaces and attics are well-ventilated.
- Store firewood away from the outside of your home.
- Use dehumidifiers if your home has moisture problems.
Advice And Assistance With Centipedes And Millipedes
Even though centipedes and millipedes aren’t dangerous pests, they still aren’t welcome in your Plano home because they are disturbing. If you need help with prevention steps or need to get rid of an infestation, contact the pest control professionals at All-Safe Pest & Termite. We provide the pest control protection you are looking for. Give us a call today to learn more.