Centipedes
What Are Centipedes?
Centipedes are arthropods belonging to the Chilopoda class of the Myriapoda subphylum and are closely related to insects. They are elongated, segmented creatures with one pair of legs per segment, which gives them their name, as "centi" means hundred and "pede" means feet. Centipedes are found in many habitats worldwide, ranging in size from a few millimeters to over a foot long!
In Raleigh, the most common species of centipede is the house centipede. The house centipede is a long, slender insect typically found indoors. It has a yellowish-brown color with up to 15 pairs of legs, each one much longer than its body segments. The legs are arranged in a manner that allows it to move quickly and easily across walls and other surfaces. The head of a house centipede is broad and flat, with two large, compound eyes and two long, thin antennae. It also has sharp, venomous claws to capture and kill its prey, usually other insects, such as spiders, roaches, and silverfish.
Are Centipedes Dangerous?
Centipedes are generally not dangerous to humans. While some species have venomous claws that they use to subdue their prey, the venom is not usually strong enough to cause serious harm to people. However, a bite from a centipede can be painful and produce swelling, redness, and itching.
Why Do I Have a Centipede Problem?
Centipedes are predators that prey on common pests and insects, such as cockroaches, ants, silverfish, spiders, and more. If you are hosting other infestations, the centipedes are likely attracted to the abundance of prey.
Further, centipedes are attracted to dark, moist places. Be sure to keep your home dry wherever and whenever possible. Centipedes can only survive if they have a consistent source of moisture.
Where Will I Find Centipedes?
Centipedes can be found in many different areas of a home, but they are typically attracted to moist environments.
Here are some common places where you might find centipedes:
- Basements: Centipedes often hide in damp basements, where they can easily find food and moisture.
- Bathrooms: The moisture and humidity in bathrooms can attract centipedes, so keep your bathroom well-ventilated.
- Kitchens: Kitchens can provide a source of food for centipedes, so be sure to keep food stored properly and eliminate any sources of moisture.
- Crawl Spaces: Crawl spaces are often moist and dark, making them an ideal habitat for centipedes.
- Closets and Storage Areas: Closets and storage areas can provide centipedes with a cool, damp hiding place.
It's essential to keep your home clean and free of debris. You should also regularly inspect for and eliminate sources of moisture to prevent centipedes from becoming a problem.
How Do I Get Rid of Centipedes?
The best way to eliminate a centipede infestation is to partner with our team at Pest and Termite Consultants. We have the experience to snuff out any centipede infestation you are dealing with, big or small. We will create a centipede control strategy customized to the specifics of your issue.
How Can I Prevent Centipedes in the Future?
There are plenty of things that you can do to make your home less attractive to centipedes.
To prevent centipedes in the future, you can try the following steps:
- Reduce Moisture: Centipedes require moist environments to survive, so reducing humidity levels in your home will make it less attractive to them.
- Seal Cracks and Gaps: Seal any cracks and gaps in your home's exterior and foundation, to prevent centipedes from entering.
- Remove Hiding Places: Centipedes often hide in piles of leaves, firewood, and debris, so keep these areas clean and free from clutter.
- Use Natural Deterrents: Essential oils, such as eucalyptus, peppermint, and cinnamon, are known to repel centipedes.
If you are dealing with a pest infestation of any kind, our team at Pest and Termite Consultants is here to help. We are backed by 25+ years of industry experience and an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau.
“We really appreciate him fitting us in so quickly and being willing to take care of it despite it being up in the tree.” - Glen and Mandy Steinhardt
