What Are Centipedes and Millipedes?
Centipedes and millipedes are common arthropods in North Carolina that often find their way indoors, particularly during wet weather. Though frequently confused, they are quite different: centipedes have one pair of legs per body segment and are fast-moving predators, while millipedes have two pairs per segment and are slow-moving decomposers.
Habitat & Behavior
House centipedes (Scutigera coleoptrata) are yellowish-gray with long, banded legs and can move surprisingly fast. They are actually beneficial because they prey on spiders, cockroaches, and other household pests. However, their alarming appearance makes them unwelcome in most homes. They can deliver a mild bite if handled.
Millipedes are dark brown or black, cylindrical, and curl into a coil when disturbed. They feed on decaying organic matter and are harmless, though some species release a mildly irritating fluid. Mass migrations of millipedes into homes sometimes occur after heavy rains.
Prevention & Control
Both are attracted to moisture. Reduce indoor humidity with dehumidifiers, fix leaks, clear leaf litter and mulch from foundations, and seal gaps around doors and ground-level windows. Addressing the moisture source is the most effective long-term solution.