In residential settings, centipedes and millipedes are best described as which?

• A. They both primarily feed on living insects
• B. They primarily damage building materials
• C. They typically do not cause damage to structures
• D. They require chemical control to survive

Answer: (C)

Centipedes and millipedes in homes are not structural pests. They’re mainly nuisance visitors that don’t damage building materials. Centipedes are predators, feeding on smaller arthropods, which can even help reduce other pests. Millipedes feed on decaying plant matter and organic debris. Neither type damages wood, drywall, insulation, or other structural components, so their presence doesn’t indicate material damage. Managing them usually focuses on reducing moisture, sealing entry points, and removing debris rather than relying on chemical controls, since they don’t need pesticides to survive.