If you find a long-legged centipede racing across the basement floor or a cluster of curled-up millipedes near the garage door, you’re not alone. Every October, these two pests show up in Georgia homes. They look similar, but they behave differently and call for different responses.
Centipedes vs. Millipedes
| House Centipede | Millipede | |
|---|---|---|
| Legs | One pair per segment, very long | Two pairs per segment, short |
| Movement | Fast and darting | Slow and wavy |
| Behavior | Hunts other insects | Eats decaying plant material |
| When disturbed | May bite if handled | Curls into a coil |
| Typical location | Basements, bathrooms, closets | Doors, garages, ground-level areas |
Why They Show Up in Fall
Millipede invasions in Georgia are driven by weather and moisture. When fall brings cooler temperatures and heavy rain, millipedes leave soil, mulch and leaf litter and migrate toward foundations and doors, and some end up indoors. Most die within a day or two because indoor air is too dry for them.
House centipedes are different. They come inside looking for prey and moisture. If you have a centipede in the basement, that usually means you also have other pests, such as spiders, silverfish, roaches or ants, because that’s what they eat.
Are They Dangerous?
Neither is a serious health risk. Millipedes don’t bite, though some release a defensive secretion that can irritate skin or stain surfaces. House centipedes can bite if they’re handled, and the bite is generally mild, but they’re startling to find. The real issue is what they indicate: moisture, entry points and a food supply that is attracting them.
What’s Drawing Them In
- Damp basements and crawlspaces
- Mulch and leaf litter piled against the foundation
- Gaps under doors and around utility lines
- Leaky pipes, poor drainage and clogged gutters
- Cardboard and stored clutter
- Other pests living in the space
Fall Prevention Tips
- Pull mulch and leaves back from the foundation.
- Seal gaps around doors, windows, pipes and the foundation.
- Replace worn door sweeps and weatherstripping, especially on garage and basement doors.
- Reduce moisture with a dehumidifier and by fixing leaks.
- Clean gutters and direct downspouts away from the house.
- Remove clutter and cardboard from basements and garages.
- Vacuum indoor millipedes instead of crushing them.
Why Spraying Once Isn’t the Answer
A one-time treatment may kill what you see today, but it won’t change the moisture, entry points or food sources that attract them. That’s why recurring perimeter service works better. Covenant Pest Services promotes quarterly pest control as a long-term approach because pest pressure changes with the seasons in Georgia. A thorough inspection finds where pests get in, and the treatment plan is customized for your property.
Pest Control in Kennesaw and Nearby
If you’re finding centipedes or millipedes in your home, we can help. We serve homeowners in Kennesaw, North Acworth and Marietta. If you’ve also noticed roaches in the basement, see our cockroach control page.
Ready for fewer fall invaders? Request a free estimate or call (678) 437-1234.
