Which Arthropods Should Lead to a Pest Control Visit?
Millipedes and centipedes are both lumped under the heading of Arthropod, but this doesn’t mean that they should be treated equally. In fact, millipedes can actually be beneficial if you have a garden, but centipedes are harmful and should be dealt with quickly. Many people get confused about the physical differences between these two creatures, so it’s a good idea to take some time to familiarize yourself with them so that you can instantly determine whether or not it’s necessary to contact a professional pest control company.
How Can I Tell Centipedes and Millipedes Apart?
Centipedes have long antennae and one pair of visibly extended legs per body segment. These Arthropods are also fast runners, predatory in their eating habits and able to bite as a defensive tactic. Meanwhile, millipedes have short antennae and two pairs of legs in all but three of their body segments. These legs are not visibly extended from their body, and this one physical characteristic makes it easy to tell millipedes and centipedes apart. Additionally, millipedes are slow walkers that scavenge for food and do not bite.
Are Centipedes Dangerous?
Although not all centipedes will bite, there’s a risk of being pinched or bitten if these creatures get inside your home. It’s possible in the Dallas area to end up with centipedes that are more than six inches long, and they do have the ability to create venomous compounds that can be transferred via their mouth or leg segments. If a centipede manages to pierce your skin, you’ll likely experience a very painful sensation, and you might also develop fever, chills, weakness and severe swelling. It’s very rare for these bites to be fatal, but they’re more dangerous to children and people who are allergic to bee stings. Fortunately, most of the smaller centipedes are not able to bite through human skin.
Are Millipedes Beneficial?
Millipedes are helpful for your garden because they love eating decaying detritus such as old leaves and rotting vegetables, fruits and wood. However, millipedes can become problematic if they begin breeding in large quantities because they’ll eventually move on to eating your fresh fruits and plants. On the plus side, they typically restrain their eating activity to items that are touching the ground. It’s also important to note that centipedes can be helpful as well in your garden because they’ll eat insects, but you definitely don’t want to allow them to take up residence in your house.
If you have an issue with centipedes or millipedes in your Dallas area home, you can contact ABC Home & Commercial Services and schedule service with a pest control specialist.