Can millipedes or centipedes be kept as pets?

Giant African millipedes, a relative of the much smaller North American millipede species, are sometimes kept as pets. These arthropods grow 4 to 12 inches in length and are so docile that they are readily handled. There are also large species of centipedes that are sometimes kept as pets, but because centipedes are carnivores with biting jaws, the larger varieties carry the potential for biting. Thus, large centipedes are usually not handled if they are kept as pets. Millipedes and centipedes are relatively easy to care for in terrariums. They require moist, dark hiding places and readily feed on dead plant material or bugs, depending on the species.

Do millipedes and centipedes serve any useful functions?

It can be argued that all creatures, even those generally regarded as pests by humans, serve valuable ecological functions. In the case of millipedes, these creatures help in the breakdown and consumption of decaying plant material. It is creatures such as millipedes that cause dead stumps and other plant debris to gradually vanish rather than pile up. Centipedes are carnivores that consume many harmful insects and other small creatures in the landscape. Both millipedes and centipedes add nutrients to the soil through their excrement. When found outdoors in the garden, there is no reason to try to eliminate these arthropods. Indeed, they are a sign of a healthy outdoor ecosystem. It's only when they stray indoors that control measures may become necessary.

Do centipedes or millipedes bite?

Centipedes of the U.S. rarely bite, but when they do, the affected area can redden and swell similar to a bee sting. In other areas of the world where centipedes are often larger, their bite can cause burning pain. Millipedes do not bite but may secrete a toxin that is irritating to the skin and eyes.

Cleaning & Organizing Pest Control Spider & Insect Control

How to Get Rid of Millipedes and Centipedes in Your Home

By

Lisa Jo Lupo

Updated on 05/02/22

Reviewed by

Amanda Rose Newton

Fact checked by

Jessica Wrubel

3 Ways to Get Rid of Millipedes and Centipedes

Move Them Outdoors

If you aren't squeamish about handling the live bugs, scoop up millipedes and centipedes on a sheet of paper or in a cup, then release them outdoors in a wooded area where they can conduct their normal (and beneficial) habits of eating decaying plant material or feasting on small insects.

Kill Them Manually

If centipedes or millipedes are found in the house, you can simply vacuum, sweep up, or crush the bugs. These are not creatures that nest or colonize indoors, so killing them when you occasionally find them is a perfectly good strategy for successful control.

What About Pesticides?

For all but exceptional cases of massive numbers of invading pests, indoor pesticide use is not recommended.

What Causes Millipedes and Centipedes?

These creatures crave moisture, and when they move indoors through cracks in foundations and around ground-level windows, it is usually when outdoor conditions have become hot and dry. Once indoors, millipedes and centipedes often hide in cracks and crevices over winter, emerging in spring.

How to Prevent Millipedes and Centipedes

Preventing millipedes and centipedes indoors is best accomplished by diligently sealing all cracks, holes, and gaps in foundations and keeping window and door frames and sill plates in good repair and properly weather-sealed. Keeping outdoor areas around the house free of leaf litter and brush will reduce outdoor populations. Allow the ground around foundations to dry out thoroughly between waterings of plants and shrubs.

Indoors, use a dehumidifier to keep air dry, and keep cardboard boxes and other organic materials away from concrete slabs and floors.

If outdoor infestations are severe, you can apply a band of pesticide around the foundation to discourage these bugs from seeking entry into your home. A granular form of lambda-cyhalothrin or permethrin works well for this.

Millipedes vs. Centipedes

Millipedes and centipedes are often confused for one another, but there are distinct differences between these arthropods:

	Millipedes	Centipedes
Size	Less than 1 inch to 5 inches	1 inch to 5 inches
Legs	Two pairs per body segment	One pair per body segment
Color	Brown to black	Yellow to dark brown
Body shape	Rounded body	Flattened body
Food	Decaying organic material, occasionally living plants	Small insects, spiders, worms, snails
Movement	Curl up when disturbed	Scurry quickly to dark hiding places

FAQ

Can millipedes or centipedes be kept as pets?

Giant African millipedes, a relative of the much smaller North American millipede species, are sometimes kept as pets. These arthropods grow 4 to 12 inches in length and are so docile that they are readily handled. There are also large species of centipedes that are sometimes kept as pets, but because centipedes are carnivores with biting jaws, the larger varieties carry the potential for biting. Thus, large centipedes are usually not handled if they are kept as pets. Millipedes and centipedes are relatively easy to care for in terrariums. They require moist, dark hiding places and readily feed on dead plant material or bugs, depending on the species.
Do millipedes and centipedes serve any useful functions?

It can be argued that all creatures, even those generally regarded as pests by humans, serve valuable ecological functions. In the case of millipedes, these creatures help in the breakdown and consumption of decaying plant material. It is creatures such as millipedes that cause dead stumps and other plant debris to gradually vanish rather than pile up. Centipedes are carnivores that consume many harmful insects and other small creatures in the landscape. Both millipedes and centipedes add nutrients to the soil through their excrement. When found outdoors in the garden, there is no reason to try to eliminate these arthropods. Indeed, they are a sign of a healthy outdoor ecosystem. It's only when they stray indoors that control measures may become necessary.
Do centipedes or millipedes bite?

Centipedes of the U.S. rarely bite, but when they do, the affected area can redden and swell similar to a bee sting. In other areas of the world where centipedes are often larger, their bite can cause burning pain. Millipedes do not bite but may secrete a toxin that is irritating to the skin and eyes.

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