When you think of a centipede, the first thing you probably think about is legs… lots of legs! The name centipede means “hundred feet”, and although they do not usually have that many, it is an accurate description of a centipede’s most distinguishing feature. Most centipedes live outdoors and rarely venture in, but the house centipede can live its entire life in a building. This makes the house centipede a very common household pest.
Identification
The house centipede is a long, flat arthropod with one pair of legs on each of its many body segments. An adult house centipede has 15 pairs of legs, and the last pair can be nearly twice as long as its body. Though most house centipedes are only 1-1.5 inches long, their length and numerous legs make them appear much bigger. House centipedes are a yellowish-brown color with three dark stripes going down their body. They also have light and dark bands on their legs.
Behavior
Centipedes are predators that feed on cockroaches, carpet beetles, silverfish, and other insects. They prefer living in dark, damp environments, such as crawl spaces, cellars, bathrooms, in-floor drains, cement cracks and crevices, or under boxes or other clutter. Although the appearance of a centipede can be a bit scary, centipedes are usually harmless. They have a venomous bite, but they bite very infrequently and usually only cause temporary pain at the site. The bigger concern when you find multiple centipedes in your home is what kind of other insects or prey they are feeding on. This could signal an infestation that might be more difficult to deal with than the actual centipedes.
Pest Control
Centipede management is not usually too difficult. It involves eliminating their food source and sealing any entry points into the home. Begin by walking around the exterior of the house and sealing any cracks or crevices that could allow centipedes to enter. Pay special attention to any holes made to facilitate pipes or wires. Fill any excess space with screens or spray foam. Also, make sure all drains are covered with screens. Since humid environments are the most popular hiding places, fixing leaky faucets and using a dehumidifier is a good idea. After sealing all entry points, you can vacuum up any live centipedes you might see, and then find a way to manage any pests that might be bringing the centipedes in. This might involve contacting a Winchester pest control company that can identify and take care of pest problems.
Six Brothers
Six Brothers Pest Control can help you with your centipede problems. While centipedes may appear scary, there is no need to fear. With a few basic steps, we can rid your home of centipedes and keep them from entering again. For lasting protection, trust expert pest control Winchester NV services to keep your home safe and pest-free.
