Ever turned on the bathroom light at night and seen a fast, squiggly creature dart across the floor? Chances are, it was a centipede or a millipede. These creepy crawlers might look alike, but they behave differently, and neither is exactly a welcome guest in your home.
Centipedes move fast and love to chase smaller insects, while millipedes are slower, curling into a ball when touched. Neither bites humans (at least not in a harmful way), but they can become a nuisance if you’re finding them often.
The good news? Getting rid of them isn’t difficult once you know why they’re there and how to make your home less inviting.
In this guide, we’ll cover:
- The key differences between centipedes and millipedes
- What attracts them to your Fort Wayne home
- Natural and chemical removal methods
- Prevention tips that keep them out for good
Let’s start by understanding the pests we’re dealing with.
Centipedes vs. Millipedes: What’s the Difference?
Centipedes are predators. They have long, flat bodies with one pair of legs per segment and can move lightning-fast. You’ll often find them in bathrooms, basements, and around drains where they hunt smaller insects.
Millipedes, on the other hand, are detritivores, meaning they feed on decomposing organic matter like dead leaves and wood. They’re slower, cylindrical, and have two pairs of legs per segment. When disturbed, they curl up tightly to protect themselves.
In short:
- Centipedes = Fast and insect-eating
- Millipedes = Slow and plant-matter-eating
- Both = Love moisture, darkness, and shelter
So if you’re seeing these pests indoors, it usually means your home has too much moisture or clutter, which provides the perfect habitat for them.
Why You’re Seeing Centipedes and Millipedes Indoors
Homes in Fort Wayne often deal with humidity issues, especially in older houses, basements, and crawl spaces. These pests thrive in such conditions.
Here’s what attracts them most:
- Dampness: Leaky pipes, humid basements, or unventilated bathrooms.
- Clutter: Cardboard boxes, piles of clothes, and storage areas where they can hide.
- Organic debris: Mulch, leaf litter, and decaying plants near your foundation.
- Entry points: Cracks, gaps under doors, and broken window seals.
In other words, if your home feels comfortable to you, it’s heaven for them.
But don’t worry. You can reclaim your space with a few smart steps.
Step 1: Reduce Moisture and Fix Problem Areas
The first step to getting rid of centipedes and millipedes is to dry out their environment.
These pests can’t survive long in dry, well-ventilated areas.
Here’s what to do:
- Run dehumidifiers in basements, laundry rooms, and bathrooms.
- Fix leaky faucets, pipes, or drains immediately.
- Improve airflow by keeping vents clear and using exhaust fans.
- Avoid leaving damp towels, rugs, or mops on the floor.
If you have a crawl space, install a moisture barrier to stop humidity from rising into your home.
A dry home is a pest-free home.
Step 2: Tidy Up Indoors and Outdoors
Centipedes and millipedes hide where they feel safe. Decluttering removes those hiding spots and helps you notice them earlier.
Indoors:
- Clean closets, basements, and storage areas regularly.
- Use sealed plastic bins instead of cardboard boxes for storage.
- Vacuum along baseboards and corners weekly.
Outdoors:
- Rake away leaf litter, mulch, and grass clippings from the foundation.
- Trim plants and bushes that touch your house walls.
- Keep firewood and compost piles away from your home.
These small actions go a long way in reducing the number of pests near your property.
Step 3: Seal Entry Points
Centipedes and millipedes are excellent at slipping through tiny cracks.
Sealing those entry points keeps them (and other pests) outside where they belong.
Use silicone or foam caulk to seal:
- Gaps around windows, doors, and baseboards
- Cracks in the foundation or siding
- Openings around cables, wires, or plumbing lines
- Attic and crawl space vents (with fine mesh screens)
Weatherstripping your doors and sealing garage gaps can also help.
If you can feel cool air leaking in, pests can get in too.
Step 4: Remove Existing Pests Safely and Quickly
Once you’ve handled moisture and entry points, it’s time to deal with any bugs already inside.
1. Vacuum Them Up
Use a handheld vacuum or shop vac to collect visible centipedes and millipedes. Dispose of the bag or empty the canister outdoors.
2. Soapy Water Spray
Mix 1 part dish soap to 4 parts water in a spray bottle.
Spray directly on centipedes or millipedes; it kills them instantly without chemicals.
3. Sticky Traps
Place glue traps behind furniture, along baseboards, or near bathrooms to catch wandering pests at night.
Replace them every few days for best results.
4. Diatomaceous Earth (DE)
Sprinkle a thin layer of food-grade DE along baseboards, windows, and damp areas. It’s a natural powder that dries out the pests’ exoskeletons, safe for humans and pets, deadly for bugs.
5. Essential Oils
Scents like peppermint, tea tree, and eucalyptus oil repel centipedes and millipedes.
Mix 10 drops with 2 cups of water and spray around doors, windows, and under sinks.
Step 5: Use Chemical Treatments if Needed
If the infestation is large or persistent, chemical control might be necessary, especially around your home’s exterior.
1. Perimeter Insecticide Spray
Apply a residual insecticide labeled for centipedes and millipedes along your foundation, windows, and door frames.
This creates a protective barrier that kills pests before they enter.
2. Granular Insecticides
For heavy infestations, spread granular insecticide around the foundation or damp yard areas and water it in.
This helps eliminate pests hiding in soil or mulch beds.
3. Indoor Spot Treatments
Lightly spray baseboards, wall corners, and entry points, but only where pests are visible.
Always follow label instructions and keep children and pets away until the area is dry.
Natural and Safe Alternatives
Not everyone wants to use chemical spray, and that’s perfectly fine.
Here are a few gentle but effective natural deterrents:
- Cayenne Pepper: Sprinkle around baseboards or cracks to discourage entry.
- Boric Acid: Works like DE by drying out pests, but should be used carefully around pets.
- Cucumber Peels: Believe it or not, the scent can repel some crawling insects temporarily.
You can also use a mix of essential oils as a weekly preventive spray. It keeps the air smelling fresh while keeping pests away.
Step 6: Focus on Outdoor Prevention
Most centipedes and millipedes start outside before they wander in.
Make your yard less appealing by:
- Keeping gutters clean to prevent water pooling
- Ensuring proper yard drainage so water doesn’t collect near the foundation
- Using rocks instead of mulch near the base of your home
- Storing firewood at least 20 feet away from the house
The drier and cleaner your yard is, the fewer pests will make it inside.
When to Call Professional Pest Control in Fort Wayne
If centipedes or millipedes keep showing up even after you’ve tried everything, it’s time to call in the experts.
At Pest Control in Fort Wayne, we provide targeted treatments designed to eliminate moisture pests at the source. Our licensed technicians can:
- Inspect your property for hidden breeding sites
- Apply long-lasting barrier treatments.
- Recommend a moisture control and sealing solution.s
Professional pest control ensures your home stays protected not just from centipedes and millipedes, but from spiders, ants, and other common Indiana pests.
We use safe, eco-friendly products that protect your family and pets while effectively breaking the pest cycle.
Pro Tips for Long-Term Prevention
- Run a dehumidifier year-round in damp areas.
- Keep indoor plants on trays to prevent excess water from soaking floors.
- Store firewood and mulch away from walls.
- Use LED lights outdoors; they attract fewer insects.
- Schedule seasonal pest inspections to stay ahead of infestations.
Consistency is key. Once your home is sealed, dry, and clutter-free, centipedes and millipedes won’t find it appealing anymore.
FAQs About Centipedes and Millipedes
Are centipedes dangerous to humans?
Not really. House centipedes can bite, but it’s rare and harmless. Their bite feels like a mild bee sting and usually happens only if they’re handled.
Why do I have so many millipedes inside?
It usually means there’s too much moisture or organic matter around your home. Check your basement, crawl space, and garden beds for dampness and leaf debris.
Can I use bleach or vinegar to kill them?
Vinegar can repel them temporarily, but it won’t kill them. Soapy water or insecticidal sprays work better for contact control.
Will pest control permanently get rid of them?
Yes, with the right combination of moisture control, sealing, and barrier treatments, professional pest control can stop infestations for good.
Final Thoughts
Centipedes and millipedes may not be harmful, but they’re not exactly pleasant housemates either. By managing moisture, sealing entry points, and using a mix of natural and professional methods, you can easily keep your Fort Wayne home pest-free.
And if you’d rather not deal with creepy crawlies yourself, the team at Pest Control in Fort Wayne is ready to help. We’ll inspect your home, treat the infestation, and create a prevention plan tailored to your property so you can rest easy knowing those pests won’t be coming back.
Don’t wait until you see another one dash across your floor. Take action today and reclaim your space.
