What is the difference between a house centipede and a millipede?
Short answer: Both are arthropods, not insects. Centipedes have two legs per body segment, run fast, and hunt small prey. Millipedes have four legs per segment, move slowly, and feed on decaying plant material. Neither damages the structure. Dry the space with a dehumidifier and seal gaps.
Quick ID
- Centipede: long legs, two legs per body segment (one on each side), fast predator.
- Millipede: shorter legs, four legs per body segment (two on each side), slow, often curls when disturbed, feeds on decaying vegetation.
Classification matters because insects only have six legs. These animals are different. Neither is aggressive toward people. A centipede can pinch if pressed. Most millipedes homeowners see indoors are small; a few outdoor species get several inches long.
Behavior that scares people
Centipedes often startle people in a damp basement when the light comes on and they scramble for cover. They are hunting insects in dark, damp spots, including bathrooms at night. Millipedes look more worm-like, do not dash from light the same way, and usually just make people want them out of the house. Centipedes win the fright factor; neither threatens the building. Keeping “helpful” centipedes around as pest control is not a plan most homeowners want.
Control that actually helps
Both prefer high humidity. That is why basements and other moist rooms host them, along with spiders and camel crickets. Step one: dehumidify so prey insects and these arthropods cannot thrive. Step two: seal door gaps, window gaps, crawl vents, and wall openings. Indoor sprays are a weak substitute for dry air and exclusion. Details and a comparison chart live on the millipedes guide; also see the centipedes guide.
Related guides
References
- UC IPM: Centipedes and Millipedes
- Clemson HGIC: Millipedes
- University of Minnesota Extension: Sowbugs, millipedes and centipedes
This article was written by Greg Baumann, founder of Pest Sherpa, and reflects more than 40 years of professional pest management experience.
About the Author
Greg Baumann | Pest Control Expert
Greg Baumann is the founder of Pest Sherpa and a Pest Control Expert with more than 40 years of professional pest management experience. His articles combine decades of field experience, technical expertise, and science-based guidance to help homeowners identify pests correctly, understand real-world risks, and make informed pest management decisions.
Mission: Identify the pest. Understand the risk. Stop the problem. Prevent the comeback. Know when it’s time to call a professional.