The centipede, also called the “hundred-legged worm” can be an annoying pest both on the interior or exterior of your home or business. Preferring a wet moist environment the centipede will move indoors during dry weather. You can often find centipedes indoors around sinks, drains, crawl spaces, basements, sump pumps, bathrooms or other humid dark places. Centipedes can range in size from 1 to 12 inches. They are a long-lived insect and sometimes can be found to live as long as 6 years. They are typically reddish-brown in color, but subterranean species are whitish as they lack pigmentation. Centipedes are beneficial insects as they do prey on other insects, spiders, worms, and small animals. Their bite, although not poisonous, is painful when inflicted. Some people do experience allergic reactions to their bites. Centipedes are fast runners and have no trouble climbing walls.
The millipede, also called the “thousand-legged worm” typically will be found on the exterior as well, but during the late summer and fall months, will become a nuisance pest as they venture indoors to escape drought or excessive rain conditions. Millipedes are dark reddish-brown or brownish-black with cylindrical worm-like bodies. They grow to about ½ to 1 ½ inches long depending on the species. They crawl very slowly and secrete an unpleasant odor when threatened. Millipedes do not bite humans. They won’t damage structures, household possessions, or food sources, but they are an annoying pest to have in your home or business.
You can keep these and other New Jersey problem insects under control by hiring a licensed pest control specialist like Allison Pest Control. Sign up for the Home Pest Protection Plan today, and let Allison Pest Control protect your New Jersey home from a pest invasion.
