Wauwatosa Centipede & Millipede Infestation — Reading the Underlying Cause
House centipedes and millipedes are moisture-dependent arthropods that are rarely present in significant numbers unless the conditions supporting them are well established. In Wauwatosa 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 move fast — one pair of legs per body segment, predatory, and capable of a mild bite if directly handled. The house centipede is the most common indoor species and is attracted by the insects it hunts. Millipedes move slowly, coil when disturbed, have two pairs of legs per segment, and feed on decaying matter rather than other insects. They do not bite but produce defensive secretions that can irritate skin and eyes.
Our Integrated Treatment Approach for Wauwatosa Properties
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.