PEST LIBRARY
MEDIUM RISK
Centipedes & Millipedes
Centipedes and millipedes are moisture-seeking pests that enter Qatar properties through gaps in foundations, doors, and drains. Centipedes can bite and cause localized pain; millipedes are harmless but can invade in large numbers, particularly during hot, dry weather. Both are indicators of damp conditions indoors.
SIGNS OF INFESTATION
- Live sightings in bathrooms, kitchens, garages, or basements.
- Multiple sightings over a short period indicating an outdoor population nearby.
- Centipedes: fast-moving, long with many legs and visible pincers.
- Millipedes: slow-moving, cylindrical body, coil when disturbed.
PREVENTION TIPS
- Seal gaps under doors, around pipes, and in foundations.
- Reduce indoor moisture, fix leaks, and improve ventilation.
- Remove decaying organic matter, leaf piles, and mulch from around the building.
- Store firewood and garden debris well away from the property.
- Use dehumidifiers in damp rooms such as basements and laundry areas.