Centipede and Millipede Bites - Types, Complications, Symptoms, and Treatment

Introduction:

Centipedes and millipedes are both arthropods having long bodies with lots of legs. Centipedes are carnivorous and venomous. They sting and eat their prey, typically insects and worms. They are closely related to shrimp, crayfish, and lobsters.

Millipedes are members of the Diplopoda class. They are characterized by having two sets of legs. A millipede will not bite or sting as a defense mechanism; they are more likely to curl up into a tight little ball.

What Are Centipedes?

Centipedes' legs are positioned on the side of their body, having one of the legs set per segment. From the side view, their bodies appear to be flattered. Centipedes can be seen in damp and wet climates, though they can survive in deserts and dry areas. Basements, floor drains, cement blocks, forests, and gardens are their pet place.

How Do Centipedes Bite or Sting?

Centipedes attack by puncturing the skin with pointed legs on their first body segment. If centipedes are picked up or handled harshly, they may bite, which can be very painful. They also use their venom to fatally kill any of their prey; the larger the size of the insect, the more painful the bite eventually is. Their bites rarely cause health complications in humans and are not typically dangerous or fatal.

Their venom produces a variety of toxins, including chemicals such as histamine and serotonin. Centipede bites do not usually cause systemic effects; these toxins can cause serious allergic reactions in people allergic to bee and wasp stings.

What Are the Symptoms of a Centipede Bite?

Centipede bites can be pointed out by two puncture marks where they inject venom into the skin. Their bites can be compared to bee stings in terms of pain. Pain, redness, and swelling can be seen immediately upon being bitten. The symptoms may last from several hours to several days.

Other symptoms may also occur and indicate a severe allergic reaction, including:

• Fever.

• Chills.

• Nausea.

• Extreme swelling.

• Swollen lymph nodes.

• Heart palpitations.

• Itching.

What Should Be Done if a Centipede Bites?

• If there are no complications, things can be controlled at home. Apply heat to the site of the bite as soon as possible. Soak the wound in hot water or can put hot compresses to dilute the venom.

• Use ice packs to reduce swelling.

• Use antihistamines, anesthetics, and anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce pain, allergic reactions, and inflammation.

• Topical antibiotics can be applied to the bite.

• Try to keep the site clean and covered.

What Are the Complications of a Centipede Bite?

The doctor may give a tetanus shot or, if suspects an infection, may prescribe antibiotics. Allergic reactions such as intense itching, dizziness, hives, or a rash may occur. If swelling of the lips, throat, mouth, or tongue is there, call emergency services immediately.

What Are Millipedes?

Millipedes also do not have powerful venomous jaws, and their antennae are shorter. Millipedes hunt for decayed organic matter, like leaves and compost.

Where Do Millipede Survive?

They tend to be dark and damp and prefer to hide deep in the soil or under several kinds of debris, such as dust, leaves, old bushes, rotting wood, as well as, mulch.

What Are the Different Types of Millipedes?

There are different types, ranging in size, shape, and color.

• Giant African Millipede: They can grow longer than 15 inches in length and are three inches around. Sometimes also kept as a pet, and despite its size, it has about 256 legs.

• Shocking Pink Dragon Millipede: Beautiful and ornate millipede types use their spines as well as bright colors in order to warn predators so that it emits a toxin, and thus they should not try to eat them. This is a way to savr themselves.

• Cave Millipedes: Millipedes prefer cool, moist places. Cave-dwelling millipedes are not common and also vary drastically from cave to cave, where they will be adapting to their surrounding environments. They are also blind and ghostly pale in color.

Do Millipedes Bite?

Millipedes release toxins secreted from their glands to fight against predators like insects, spiders, and ants. They can spray toxins two feet away when detecting a threat.

Is Millipede Poisonous to Humans?

The toxin that the millipede secrete is made up of hydrochloric acid and hydrogen cyanide which has a burning and asphyxiation effect on several kinds of predators. In extremely large quantities, the toxin of these insects are very harmful to humans as well.. Although the quantity millipedes emit is so small that it cannot poison people. The liquid can be washed off from hands but might stain temporarily.

Is it Possible to Be Allergic to Millipedes?

The liquid millipedes emit is not toxic to humans but can cause skin irritation or even allergy. Following are the symptoms after handling them: Blisters or hives, redness, rash, itchiness, and burning.

What Is the Treatment for a Blister Caused by a Millipede Bite?

1. Wash the skin right away to prevent a possible allergic reaction.

2. Apply aloe vera gel to soothe the blisters.

3. An over-the-counter Antihistamine may help with an itchy rash.

4. Soothing topicals, such as oatmeal lotion, can be applied.

Emergency care is needed if the following symptoms occur:

• Facial swelling.

• Breathing problem.

• Rapid heartbeat.

• Rashes all over the body.

• Unconsciousness.

• Most symptoms go away within a day after exposure. A brownish discoloration of the skin can be present for months.

How to Keep Millipedes at Bay?

• Intact around doors.

• Sealing window edges.

• Obstruct openings.

• Sealing any holes or openings in the home.

• Fixing any plumbing leakages.

Conclusion:

Centipedes and millipedes are tiny creatures that do not cause any harm to humans until provoked; they do not cause serious complications. They can be kept away from home while taking certain precautions.