Bugs can be creepy and if you have a hang-up on bugs with multiple legs, then centipedes will be an issue for you. Centipede translates to “100 legs”, but most species don’t have that many. If you have a little more knowledge about these bugs, you might not freak out the next time you see one in your home.
Centipede Size
Centipedes are creepy-crawly arthropods that belong to the Myriapoda which means “myriad legs” – subphylum. There are 8,000 species of centipedes found throughout the world that have adapted to different environments, from tropical forests to arid deserts. Centipedes also come in a variety of sizes. Some can be a few millimeters long, others can grow up to 12 inches! Most species prefer to live in moist habitats. They can be found in compost, under rotting wood or under stones, inside logs, and in wet soil. They are more attracted to humidity and environmental moisture than other pests.
The House Centipede
The most common centipede found indoors is the house centipede. House centipedes are dirty-yellow, brown, or grayish-yellow in color. They usually have light and dark, banded striping that runs lengthwise over their bodies and is an inch long. They have one pair of long, jointed legs for each of their body segments. This totals to 15 pairs of legs and the last pair of legs can be twice as long as the length of their body. They will also have a clear stripe on each leg. They eat other pests like spiders, cockroaches, silverfish, moths, beetles and fleas. Centipedes are nocturnal and become creepier when you see how quickly they can move. They hunt by ambushing their prey with quick speed and darting movements. They catch them and inject them with venom before they even know what has happened. They are more scared of us than we are of them and will flee to any spot that is protected if you come across them. While they can inject humans with venom, they will only do so as a last resort. The venom is not a serious threat to humans. The bite of larger centipedes might be more painful, but these species rarely enter homes.
House Centipede Infestation
Just like other pests, centipedes will come into your home looking for food, water and shelter. They need to find a nice warm place to live until spring arrives. They prefer to shelter in areas where they can be active without having to hide. Your home can provide centipedes with moist, warm places to shelter and reproduce in the winter. These areas are usually basements and attics. To keep them out of your home, keep your basement clean, dry and clutter-free. Regular pest control will also keep them away because they won’t have anything to eat. Seal openings to your home, consider using a dehumidifier, and make sure plumbing is secure and free of leaks.
Pest Inspections, Control in Round Rock, Leander, Pflugerville, Cedar Park & Austin Texas
Centipedes can’t harm you, but they can be annoying and distressing. They love to reproduce indoors, so taking care of a problem quickly is the best way to prevent an out-of-control infestation in your home. Contact A-Tex Pest Management today to deal with any pest problem!