Signs You May Have a Centipede Infestation
- Cold weather – Cold Wisconsin winters often drive pests like centipedes into the warmth of homes and commercial buildings.
- Moist conditions – Centipedes thrive in moist, damp conditions. Typically, they settle in cracks and crevices in basements, kitchens, and bathrooms.
- Holes and cracks in the foundation – Centipedes often nest inside small holes and crevices in the walls and foundation of your home.
If you think you have a centipede infestation in your home or commercial building, schedule an appointment with one of our exterminators. We offer friendly and comprehensive customer service to anyone in need of effective and eco-friendly pest control methods.
Milwaukee Centipede Control Identification
Centipedes are often confused with millipedes. The most noticieable difference is that centipedes are flat and run very fast, while milipedes have a rounded, worm-like shape with many more legs, and they move much slower.
Centipedes are yellowish brown and 1 to 4 inches long. Known as “hundred-leggers,” centipedes have one pair of legs per body segment. They need a lot of moisture and thrive in damp outdoor areas like mulch, compost and flower beds. Indoors, centipedes hide in moist basements, closets or bathrooms and are most active at night.
Milwaukee Millipede Control Identification
Millipedes are brown, 1 to 1.5 inches long, with 30 to 90 legs--two pairs of legs per body segment. Like centipedes, millipedes thrive in the same damp outdoor areas. A change in weather conditions, like a change from moist to dry weather, will stimulate millipedes to seek moisture indoors--usually in bathrooms or basements where there is a lot of moisture.
For more identification tips, check out our pest identifcation guide.
Are Centipedes and Millipedes A Risk To Humans?
Even though millipedes are not poisonous, many types of them produce defensive sprays containing hydrochloric acid, which can burn your skin and your eyes. If you handle a millipede for any reason, you will likely incite them to spray you and you will notice a distinct odor on your hands. You should thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water. If this doesn't remove the odor, rubbing alcohol will.
Centipedes will occasionally sting humans if they are handled, but their poison is no worse than a bee sting. However, this can cause a serious reaction for those affected by bee stings and other insect venoms. If you are not as affected, the best treatment for a centipede sting is to wash it thoroughly and ice it. Children are the most likely victims of centipede stings, since few adults would even think of picking up a centipede.
Environmentally-friendly, Pet-Friendly and Wallet-Friendly Extermination Methods
Our centipede and millipede control programs utilize environmentally-responsible, pet-friendly organic insect control approaches like locating and removing inhabited materials and potential habitation sites, as well as sealing cracks and holes in the home’s exterior to prevent future infestation. You’ll receive a full report detailing the insect control treatment performed with additional information on preventing future centipede and millipede infestations.
Your Neighbors are Protected by Ehlers Pest Management
Don’t take our word for it, your neighbors in Milwaukee, Glendale, Franklin, and other surrounding counties have relied on our expertise to have a healthier, cleaner, and safer home or business. Find out what they have to say!
Contact Ehler's Pest Management today for more information about our millipede and centipede pest control services!
414-303-6926
