Centipedes don't technically bite but can pinch with their venomous front legs, which may cause pain similar to a bee sting. In most cases, centipede pinches can cause blistering, pain, and swelling. In the event of an allergic reaction, more severe symptoms such as difficulty breathing, throat swelling, and hives can occur. Millipedes do not bite or pinch but can secrete a toxin that can cause allergic reactions in humans and vomiting or discomfort in pets.

Neither centipedes nor millipedes can fly. They are ground-dwelling arthropods that move on multiple legs, and don't have wings. Centipedes are known for their quick movement, while millipedes have a slower, more methodical crawling motion.

Despite their names suggesting "hundred legs" and "thousand legs," centipedes typically have 15-177 legs (one pair per body segment), while millipedes can have 30-400 legs (two pairs per body segment). No known millipede species actually has 1,000 legs; the record belongs to a species called Illacme plenipes with up to 750 legs.

Centipedes are predatory and feed on insects like cockroaches, ants, spiders, and silverfish. They're actually beneficial in controlling other household pests. Millipedes primarily feed on decaying plant material and fungi, often found near firewood or cardboard and other decomposing organic matter.

Both centipedes and millipedes prefer moist environments. They seek out damp, dark areas such as basements, bathrooms, and crawl spaces. Outdoors, they live under rocks, logs, leaf litter, and mulch. Centipedes typically seek shelter indoors when temperatures drop, while millipedes are attracted to high humidity and may enter homes during temperature changes or after heavy rains.