They do not carry serious diseases and do not damage food or belongings in the home. If crushed, millipedes can leave stains. Many millipedes have glands that produce fluids which are irritating and can cause allergic reactions. These fluids can be dangerous to the eyes and produce a nauseating odor. It is important to wash hands thoroughly after touching a millipede.
Centipedes have poison glands, which they use to paralyze their prey.
Bites of centipedes found in the United States are not toxic enough to be deadly to adults or children. In fact, the jaws of smaller centipedes are too weak to penetrate human skin. A centipede bite is comparable to a wasp sting in its severity. Although somewhat painful, the bites are generally harmless unless one is allergic to insect venoms. There are two pairs of legs on most body segments.