Centipede-Like Insect in a Dracaena

Centipede Look-Alikes

• Those centipede-looking invertebrates in your dracaena plant could be millipedes, which are not harmful to humans, pets or plants. They are more of an annoyance than a serious pest. An adult millipede may measure between 1/2 to to 6 1/2 inches long and has a reddish-brown or brown, cylindrical body. Some varieties have bodies that are slightly flat on one side. The smaller variety curls up like a pill bug when disturbed. Unlike centipedes, which are prone to attack, millipedes don’t bite. Some varieties do secrete a defense liquid that can cause skin irritation. Millipedes typically live in moist outdoor areas where there is an abundance of decaying plant matter. Sometimes, millipedes can make their way indoors via cracks and crevices, or stow away in houseplants while they are outside soaking up the fresh air.

  Another centipede-like invertebrate that can invade your dracaena plants is the symphylan. Symphylans measure only about a quarter-inch long and are often mistaken as centipedes. Like millipedes, symphylans thrive in damp soil with a high level of organic matter and do not bite. They can attack the underground parts of plants causing varying degrees of damage.

Controlling Arthopods in the Dracaena

• Since millipedes and symphylans thrive in moist areas rich in organic matter, your garden may offer the ideal location for these critters. An abundance of mulch spread around the dracaena plant provides the perfect hiding place for them, while decaying plant matter provides food. By removing mulch, keeping the ground free of fallen plant debris and avoiding overwatering, you will discourage millipedes and symphylans from the area. If the dracaena is outdoors in the garden, you may want to leave the millipedes since they are beneficial to the soil. Only a large infestation is apt to harm your plants' roots.

Controlling Arthodpods Indoors

• If the centipede-like critters are infesting your houseplants, simply pick them off the dracaena with a gloved hand and dispose of them outside. Once you have removed the insects, regularly discard leaves that have fallen from the dracaena, get rid of excessive mulch and remove any moss growing in the potting soil. Furthermore, allow the top few inches of the soil dry out between watering. These steps will help discourage millipede and symphylans from making your indoor dracaena their new home.

Considerations and Precautions

• Millipedes and symphylans generally don’t need to be controlled, according to the University of California Statewide Integrated Pest Management Program website, and chemical control is not typically warranted. Instead, alter the environment to create an unpleasant area for them. If millipedes and symphylans are regularly finding their way into your home, make sure to fill any holes or cracks in your home. Furthermore, dry out moist areas in your home such as under leaky pipes or in damp basements.