[Bobcuse]

I have noticed an unusual number of small one inch long centipedes showing up initially in my garage (dead and alive) and recently a couple have shown up inside my house just ambling along the tile floors. At first I thought they were baby caterpillars because the look and act like them, but after researching on the internet I believe they are centipedes. When I go outside and look along the edge of my driveway I see them crawing around the edges and a few in my turf. I have a lawn service for insecticide and fertilization whom I will ask, but just wondering if anyone else has noticed this problem. I have lived here nine years and have never seen these little guys so often.

[dillywho]

We were told that they are called "earwigs"....dunno why. Seem to be more prevalent with lots of rain.

[dugg52]

What you are seeing are not centipedes.

They are Millipedes (Length: 1" – 1 1/2") Brownish and worm-like in appearance with many body segments, millipedes have two pairs of legs on each segment. They typically live outside in moist vegetation, leaf litter and mulch and feed upon decaying organic wood and plant matter. When conditions are right, migrations can occur and large numbers will find their way inside homes through cracks and crevices. When disturbed, they curl up like a watch spring.

With all of the rain that we have had lately the millipedes are looking for a nice dry place. The usally die within 24-hours because it is too dry in your house. Simply vacuum them up when you find them on your floor.

By the way, they are not easily controlled. Pesticides do not work on them because of their hard shell.

Learn to accept them as part of living in The Villages.

[buggyone]

Yep, millipedes are exactly what they are.

Harmless critters but very messy. I have not had any here in Glenbrook but went to friends houses in St. Charles and they were all over the driveways.