If you find one centipede or millipede in your Fort Worth home, you’ve found too many. Before the problem gets out of hand, you should act quickly. Learn how to effectively prevent and eliminate centipedes and millipedes from your property.
Identifying Centipedes And Millipedes In Fort Worth
Two common pests in Fort Worth have too many legs to count – centipedes and millipedes. Although people often confuse the two creatures, they are easy to distinguish from one another. Typically, centipedes vary in length from ¼ inch long to six inches. They have a segmented body with a pair of legs on each segment. On their front legs, you can find a set of claws or fangs.
Meanwhile, millipedes grow up to about 1 ½ inches in length. One Texas species can grow up to four inches long. They have more legs than centipedes, with two pairs of legs on each segment. Due to their brown or black body and round appearance, they resemble worms.
Millipedes tend to move slower than centipedes. While centipedes scurry rapidly, millipedes move in a slow, wave-like motion. When scared, millipedes crawl up into a ball. One thing they have in common is that neither centipedes or millipedes have as many legs as their names suggest.
Are Millipedes And Centipedes Dangerous?
Centipedes and millipedes are more annoying than they are anything else. However, centipedes do have venom in their fangs. They rarely bite, however when they do bites can result in redness and irritation. People who live in parts of the world with larger centipedes are more in danger from centipede bites.
Millipedes can’t bite or sting, but they can cause an adverse reaction. If you try to pick up a millipede, it could secrete a fluid that irritates your skin. Individuals who are sensitive to that fluid will experience a minor allergic reaction.
There’s no real health risk to having millipedes and centipedes around. But they are unsightly and can quickly become a nuisance. If you want to keep them out of your home, you need to take some preventative measures.
Preventing Millipedes And Centipedes
There’s no way to guarantee that you won’t find millipedes or centipedes in your home. Fortunately, there are some things that you can do to deter them. For the best results, you should do the following:
Limit Moisture
Both centipedes and millipedes need moisture to live. If your home has excess moisture, it will attract these pests. You can limit moisture by using dehumidifiers and installing vents in your bathrooms and kitchen. Repair any leaks in your indoor or outdoor plumbing, or the excess water will create the perfect environment for millipedes and centipede.
Remove Organic Material
One way to prevent pests is to eliminate their food sources. Because millipedes and centipedes enjoy eating organic material, you should keep all organic material away from your home. This means mulch, wood chips, and leaf piles. Do the same for piles of firewood. If you have to keep organic material on your property, store it as far from the home as possible. Failing to do so will attract pests into your residence.
Seal Doors And Windows
Another way to prevent pests is to seal up your doors and windows. Millipedes and centipedes can climb, so you should check all doors and windows for gaps or broken screens.
Eliminate Millipedes And Centipedes When You Find Them
When you find a millipede or centipede in your home, you should find a way to get it out. Vacuum it up, sweep it out, or use any other method to remove it.
Work With A Professional
For the best results, you should hire a professional to meet your pest control needs. Contact Romney Pest Control for more advice or assistance.
