Frequently Asked Questions
How Do Centipedes and Millipedes Get Into My Home?
Centipedes and millipedes typically enter homes in search of moisture and shelter, especially during periods of dry or extremely wet weather outdoors. They often gain access through tiny cracks and gaps in the foundation, window frames, and door seals at ground level. Basements, crawl spaces, and garages, which offer dark and damp conditions, are common entry points and habitats. Poor drainage or excessive mulch near the foundation creates ideal conditions, inviting them right up to your home's exterior. Once inside, they may move to other damp areas, such as bathrooms or laundry rooms.
What Signs Indicate a Centipede or Millipede Problem?
The most obvious sign of an issue is simply spotting the pests themselves crawling across floors, walls, or surfaces in damp areas. Centipedes are fast-moving, flat, and have one pair of legs per segment, while millipedes are slower, rounded, and have two pairs of legs per segment. You might find them dead in dry areas like windowsills, indicating they died from dehydration after entering the home. Since they primarily live outdoors, their presence indoors usually points to an outside infestation or a significant moisture problem near your foundation. Seeing them regularly means you need a professional to treat the exterior perimeter and foundation.
Are The Treatments Safe For Children and Pets?
Professional pest control companies prioritize safety and use targeted treatments that minimize risk to people and pets. Technicians apply most products directly to the exterior perimeter, foundation cracks, and other non-living areas where the pests live and enter. We always follow strict safety guidelines and allow appropriate drying times before people or pets can re-enter treated areas. Be sure to discuss any specific concerns regarding children or pets with your technician before the service begins. Utilizing integrated pest management also focuses on environmental changes to reduce pest populations, thereby minimizing overall chemical use.
Do I Need Ongoing Service Or Can a Single Visit Solve the Issue?
While a single, comprehensive visit can provide immediate and significant relief by eliminating visible pests, ongoing service is highly recommended for lasting control. Centipedes and millipedes are constantly migrating from surrounding outdoor environments, and a single treatment barrier will eventually degrade. Regular quarterly or seasonal service maintains a continuous protective barrier around your foundation, preventing new infestations from occurring. Ongoing maintenance addresses seasonal changes and ensures that your home remains effectively sealed off from outdoor pests year-round. Consistent service is the most reliable way to maintain a pest-free environment.
Can I DIY Centipede and Millipede Control?
You can certainly take some steps yourself to deter centipedes and millipedes, but completely eliminating a recurring problem is difficult without professional help. The best DIY methods involve reducing moisture by fixing leaky pipes, ensuring proper drainage, and dehumidifying crawl spaces and basements. It is also helpful to remove excessive mulch, leaf litter, and woodpiles directly adjacent to your foundation, as these areas are ideal hiding places. However, applying store-bought insecticides is often ineffective for deep-seated infestations and does not create the long-lasting, professional barrier necessary. For guaranteed and comprehensive elimination, relying on a professional with specialized equipment and industrial-grade treatments is the most effective choice.
Contact Us for Trusted Millipede & Centipede Control in Hattiesburg
Don’t let unwanted pests unsettle your home or business. Contact Holifield Pest Management today for a free quote or practical advice. When you call, you reach a local team member who understands Hattiesburg’s unique pest challenges. We offer convenient scheduling, responsive follow-up, and a 24-hour return guarantee if a service needs more attention.
Protect your property from these creepy crawlers with a comprehensive inspection and targeted pest management plan. Contact us at (601) 228-5344 or fill out our online form.
When you choose Holifield Pest Management, you can know you're working with a team that is dedicated to getting the job done right the first time.
