Millipedes tend to live in dark, damp places, whereas centipedes usually inhabit places where they can forage for insects. Most of the pests encountered are millipedes, particularly the greenhouse millipede. Moist, decaying organic matter is the primary food of millipedes. Centipedes, on the other hand, prey on insects and spiders. These arthropods are more of a nuisance than a threat.
Millipedes occasionally feed on vegetation.
Some species also exude a venom that blisters the skin, and others emit an offensive odor. They do no significant damage to turf, but are annoying when they leave their natural habitat and invade nearby buildings. Though some centipedes inflict a painful bite, the species most likely to enter houses does not. The life histories of these pests are not well-documented. The following information pertains primarily to millipedes, since these pests are more commonly encountered.