Why Centipedes and Millipedes in Charleston Properties Are a Symptom, Not Just a Problem
House centipedes and millipedes are moisture-dependent arthropods that are rarely present in significant numbers unless the conditions supporting them are well established. In Charleston homes, their presence typically indicates excess moisture in basements or crawlspaces, accumulation of organic debris outdoors, or an underlying insect population (house centipedes prey on other insects).
Millipede migration into Charleston properties typically follows predictable conditions: saturated outdoor soil pushes populations toward drier indoor environments, and foundation gaps provide access. Centipedes arrive independently — tracking the cockroaches, silverfish, and other insects that occupy the same basement and crawlspace environments they prefer.
Centipedes vs. Millipedes
Centipedes are fast-moving predators with one pair of legs per body segment. The house centipede can deliver a mild bite if handled. Millipedes are slow-moving detritivores with two pairs of legs per segment. They do not bite but produce defensive secretions that cause skin irritation in some people.
How We Treat Centipede & Millipede Infestations in Charleston
Effective control requires both chemical treatment and environmental modification. Perimeter spray reduces the population entering the structure, while moisture and harborage reduction addresses the conditions sustaining the population.