Why Centipedes and Millipedes in Irvine 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 Irvine 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).
Millipedes, which feed on decaying organic matter, often invade in large numbers after heavy rainfall — migrating from outdoor mulch and leaf litter into foundations and through gaps in the building envelope. Centipedes follow the insects they feed on.
How to Tell Centipedes and Millipedes Apart
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.
Treatment Approach in Irvine
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.