Centipede Pest Control

Centipedes have long, segmented bodies that measure anywhere from 1/8 of an inch to 6 inches in length. Each body segment has its own pair of long legs, and the amount of legs a centipede has can be as few as 15 pairs or as many as 177 pairs. Depending on species, a centipede’s color will range from yellow to dark brown. The most common type of centipede encountered by home and business owners is the house centipede. This is because it can complete its entire life cycle indoors, and is the only centipede that is able to do so. Usually, centipedes will not harm humans and are more of a nuisance than a threat. Although it is rare, they are capable of biting. Centipede bites are very painful and some may cause reactions such as chills, fever, and weakness. People with small children and those with bee allergies should exercise caution around centipedes, as the venom from a large centipede’s bite has the potential to cause anaphylactic shock.

Centipedes gravitate towards dark and damp areas. Outside they make their homes underneath decks, stones, mulch, or decaying logs and leaves. Inside, they can be found in places that resemble their outside environments to some extent. Such places include bathrooms, laundry rooms, closets, crawl spaces, basements closets, and occasionally tubs and sinks.

Centipedes can enter homes and businesses through any gaps or spaces, like those around doors, windows, siding, and utility entrances. One reason they will enter is for food. Centipedes eat other pests that live inside such as ants, earthworms, flies, silverfish, and spiders. In fact, the presence of centipedes may be an indicator of another pest infestation. Another reason they will enter a building is because they are attracted to some source of moisture. Brick is particularly attractive to them, because its porous nature can cause it to sweat and leak moisture during periods of high humidity.

Centipede eggs hatch in late spring and early summer. They become a common issue during those months due to the heat and humidity provided by summer weather. These conditions allow centipedes to stay active longer. House centipedes are especially problematic, as their entire life cycle occurs indoors. All centipedes are adults by the time winter arrives, and those that live outdoors will enter buildings to escape the cold and find a source of food. Centipedes are nocturnal, and do all of their foraging at night.

In order to avoid attracting centipedes, it is essential to minimize the moisture in your home or business. This can be done by using dehumidifiers and repairing any leaks inside and outside of the house. It is also important to seal any cracks or crevices centipedes can enter through. Removing potential outdoor living environments such as logs and piles of leaves can limit the number of centipedes on the property. On the same accord, limiting clutter inside will decrease the number of places centipedes can hide. To get rid of centipedes on your property call EXCEL today and have one of our experts visit you.