Centipedes and millipedes

Centipedes are found throughout Australia and the rest of the world. They are very common in urban gardens. Bites may be painful, especially those inflicted by the larger northern species. The venom is usually associated with only local effects, but systemic illness and even death have been reported. However no fatalities have been recorded in Australia. No specific first aid treatment is recommended beyond the application of ice water or packs for local symptom relief.

Millipedes may exude alkaloid-containing haemolymph from their joints when threatened. This may be irritant to the skin and cause skin lesions, often in characteristic circular shapes.