There have been reports of centipedes biting humans, but centipedes are not aggressive and the bite, while a bit painful, is not dangerous. Most common centipedes rarely grow beyond a few inches but can grow up to six inches long. A six-inch long centipede is certainly intimidating and will scare young children and adults alike. Millipedes can grow up to about four inches long. How to tell Centipedes from Millipedes Millipedes are elongated and almost worm-like whereas some species of centipedes are somewhat flattened.
Most millipedes are very dark in color.
Most centipedes are yellowish to dark brown or even striped. Most centipedes have poisonous claws behind the head where millipedes do not. Food preferences for millipedes include decaying vegetation whereas centipedes feed on small, insects. Your pest control professional can provide advice on reducing centipede or millipede populations. Eliminating harborage and perhaps performing a treatment to prevent entry into your house will make your summer more pleasant.