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Centipedes and Millipedes in Overland Park and KC Homes
Seeing a long, leggy bug race across the floor is a bad start to the day. University of Missouri Extension explains centipedes and millipedes. Here is what Overland Park and Kansas City homeowners should know.
Quick Answers
Millipedes are harmless to people and pets. They curl up when bothered.
House centipedes are not a health threat. They eat spiders and other household pests.
Both are drawn to damp, cool spots.
Why do centipedes and millipedes come into Overland Park and Kansas City homes?
House centipedes are bluish-gray with very long legs and antennae, so many people mistake them for spiders. The extension says they live in damp basements and other moist indoor spaces. One usually means a damp spot and other small bugs for it to eat.
What should you do first?
Dry out damp basements and crawl spaces. Fix any seepage.
Clear mulch, leaves, and rotting wood away from the foundation.
Seal gaps around doors, basement windows, and other openings.
Cut down on other small bugs indoors. That removes the centipede's food.
Sweep or vacuum what you find.
What does not help?
Start with moisture and debris. The extension says to use pesticides only when needed and to follow the product label.
Common Questions
Are house centipedes dangerous?
The extension says house centipedes are not a health threat to people or pets, and they eat spiders and other household pests.
Can centipedes bite?
Centipedes have venomous fangs. The extension says most are too small to hurt people, but a large one (4 to 5 inches) can cause a painful wound like a bee sting.
Do you use contracts for centipedes and millipedes control?
No. We do not use contracts.
How We Help
We take a look, explain what we see in plain words, and walk you through your options. No scare tactics. No contracts. Call or text us at (913) 222-2847. You can text a photo of what you found. See our Johnson County page.
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