Boston Centipede & Millipede Experts

Everything You Need to Know About the Creepy-Crawlies of Eastern Massachusetts

Millipedes and centipedes are similar pests. Though they may be unusually repulsive, they are not a major threat to people or animals.

A centipede in Boston and Eastern Massachusetts can be easily distinguished from a millipede because it has fewer legs; specifically, one set for every segment of its body. Millipedes have two sets of legs for every segment, and when they move, their legs appear to be moving in a wave-like motion. A millipede's legs are also shorter and, in general, a millipede cannot move very fast. A centipede, with its fewer legs, can travel considerably faster. Both centipedes and millipedes are generally hatched from eggs, but some varieties are born live. Some centipedes may live as long as six years.

If you have questions about Boston’s most common species of centipedes and millipedes, reach out to us online or give us a call at (781) 531-9290 for all the answers you need!

Can Millipedes or Centipedes Harm Your Family?

Centipedes can bite and are poisonous. The poison from their fangs, located behind the head, is used to kill insects, which are their primary food. To a human, a bite feels like that of a bee sting, and can be dangerous, especially if there is an allergic reaction in response to the bite. Children will be more sensitive to a centipede's bite.

Millipedes are not poisonous and do not have fangs, but they can emit an obnoxious fluid to defend themselves. Some varieties can spray this fluid several inches. The fluid can irritate the skin in some people and should be removed right away. Additionally, it may take some scrubbing to get rid of the odor.

Where Do They Like to Make Themselves at Home?

Millipedes feed on decaying plant matter and sometimes living plant roots. Millipedes can damage those roots if there are too many of the pests in the soil. Some varieties are known to be especially bothersome to greenhouse plants. If this occurs, you may need to contact a pest control agency to eliminate your millipede infestation.

House centipedes are an indoor variety. They can move quickly and do not require the moisture that the other varieties need. Centipedes are beneficial to the control of other insects, which may be a good reason to keep them around. The most likely time of year to see centipedes in your home is in the spring or fall.

Let Our Professionals Help You

General Environmental Services, Inc. specializes in residential pest control and commercial pest control. Read our services page to find out more information about what services are available. We pride ourselves in exterminating ants, bed bugs, bees & wasps, beetles, centipedes & millipedes, cockroaches, flies, mosquitoes, moths, rodents, spiders, termites, and ticks. We also offer wildlife animal control, an FAQ section, and a guide to choosing a pest professional.

If you want centipedes or millipedes removed from your property, let us know! We’ll get you started with a complimentary inspection and estimate.