Hundred Leggers, most commonly known as centipedes, have many pairs of legs. There are house and garden centipedes, and though they are considered an occasional invader, they are common enough people to recognize a centipede when they see one. Centipedes are not always seen as they are nocturnal critters and can move at high speeds. These insects are found all over the U.S., the world, and even in Texas. We at A-Tex Pest Management would like to elaborate on the fundamentals concerning house centipedes.
Centipede Identification
Depending on the house centipede’s species, their colors range from yellowish to dark brown and some will have darker markings or stripes. Always having an odd number of sets of legs, the house centipede can have between 115 and 177 pairs of legs, depending on the species. Centipedes have worm-like bodies that are flattened and elongated and are equipped with a pair of sensitive antennae that are covered with dense hair. Their mouths are small, and they have a venom gland in their large, claw-like structures. The centipedes’ eyes are dictated by their species, some have no eyes, others cluster of simple eyes on each side, and some have compound eyes containing as many as 200 optical units. The common house centipede has 15 pairs of legs and grows 1-1 ½ inches long.
What Causes Centipedes in the House & How to Prevent Them
Other than seeing these pests firsthand inside your home, there is little evidence of an infestation. To help prevent their attraction indoors, reduce the moisture content. The crawl spaces, attics, and basement need adequate ventilation. On the outside be sure to clear away debris, such as rocks, piles of leaves, grass clippings, stones, and logs. As far from the home as possible, store any firewood 18 inches off the ground. The exterior of the home’s cracks and gaps should also be properly sealed to help prevent them from wandering inside.
Centipede Life Cycle
Centipedes lay their eggs in the summer, usually within the soil and overwinter. Females can produce up to 35 eggs in just a few days. Rotting logs, loose bark, in piles of trash, leaves, and grass, as well as under stones where there are high-moisture areas attracts centipedes. Once they infiltrate a building, they look for damp areas such as potted plants, bathrooms, crawl spaces, and basements.
Do Centipedes Eat Ants?
Because centipedes have poor eyesight, they rely on their sense of touch and smell to hunt their prey. Being primarily carnivorous, they tend to their liquids through their food sources as well. Centipedes will eat plant tissue, causing harm to the plants, as well as feed on ants, spiders and flies. They will inject venom through their powerful jaws into their prey. Not necessarily a risk for serious health concerns or property damage, centipedes are more of a nuisance.
Occasional Invader Pest Inspections, Control & More in Round Rock, Leander, Pflugerville, Cedar Park & Austin Texas
If handled too roughly, some of the larger centipede species are known to bite. Often compared to a bee sting, there is pain, potential break in the skin along with additional pain and swelling. Should you ever have a problem with centipedes, occasional invaders or other pests, the certified specialists of A-Tex Pest Management are readily available to deliver top-quality pest control services and eliminate them quickly and efficiently. Contact us for a pest inspection and custom treatment plan today!