Millipedes and Centipedes

Diplopoda; Chilopoda

Millipede

Adult millipede (Whitney Cranshaw, Colorado State University, Bugwood.org)

centipede

Adult centipede (Joseph Burger, Bugwood.org)

Centipede

House centipede (Joseph Burger, Bugwood.org)

Identification

millipedes:

  • 1/16 inch to 2 inches long (commonly); rounded
  • dark brown to gray, sometimes clear
  • two pair of legs per segment
  • common in pest monitors; curl up when dead

centipedes:

  • 1/8 inch to 2 inches long (commonly); flatter
  • yellowish to brown
  • one pair of legs per segment

Nesting Habits

millipedes:

  • lay eggs in soil or organic material
  • need high moisture

centipedes:

  • areas of high moisture, especially in basements, wash rooms, etc.
  • under bark, under organic material, under rocks, etc.

Diet

  • millipedes: decaying/moist organic material
  • centipedes: predatory on other insects and spiders

Significance

  • can be a nuisance indoors
  • presence of either indicates a moisture issue inside or outside of the building
  • not a health risk

IPM Recommendations

  • Reduce or eliminate moisture issues indoors and outdoors.
  • Exclude entry via caulking, weather stripping, door sweeps, screens, etc.
  • Vacuum when present.

For more information, see our Millipedes fact sheet and Centipedes fact sheet.