Cary 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 Cary 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.
Identifying Which Species You Have in Cary
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.
Treatment Approach in Cary
Lasting centipede and millipede control in Cary requires two parallel actions: chemical treatment to reduce the current population, and environmental modification to remove the moisture and harborage conditions that will sustain a new one. Perimeter treatment alone produces short-term results. Addressing root conditions produces lasting ones.