Centipedes

What Are Centipedes?

Contrary to what many people believe, centipedes are actually not insects. They belong to the Chilopoda class and are small arthropods. They can range from yellow to dark brown in color. They can be anywhere from 1/8 to 6 inches in length. Although centipede means “100 legs”, they very rarely actually have 100 legs. Centipedes have one pair of legs per body segment and generally have anywhere from 15 to 175 segments.

Things You Should Know:

• Centipedes are called hundred leggers because of their many pairs of legs.
• These occasional invaders have elongated, worm-like bodies with many legs.
• These bugs are attracted to areas of high moisture including damp basements and bathrooms.

Why Are They In My House?

House centipedes are nocturnal creatures that live mainly outdoors but may come inside. They live in damp places such as rotting logs, under stones, in trash, mulch, and clippings, and can find conditions indoors like moist basements or closets that mimic their natural environment. In the summer months, they can build up in quite large numbers on the outside of a structure and may well enter the house through cracks and other openings and continue to ‘infest’ the home.

Centipedes prefer to live in dark, damp places outdoors. If you have a basement, crawlspace, or closet that mimics these conditions, it is a likely place to find a centipede. They occasionally find their way indoors while foraging for small insects to eat.

Are Centipedes Dangerous?

A centipede does have two small fangs that produce a small amount of venom; however, it is not enough venom to cause any lasting harm to humans so centipedes are not dangerous. It will simply produce a painful bite, similar to that of a bee sting.

What Does It Take To Get Rid Of Centipedes?

Centipedes are very elusive and are good hiders. This can make them very difficult to find and eliminate. Also, until you rid your home of the other small insects that make up a centipede’s diet, you will keep attracting more centipedes into your home. The technicians at Parkway are highly trained and know how to get rid of centipedes and the insects that attract centipedes into your home in the first place.

How Can I Prevent A Future Infestation?

Sealing off cracks and crevices along the outside of your home can help prevent centipedes from entering. Making sure your yard and the area surrounding your home is free of rotting wood can also help, as this is a favorite harborage for centipedes. However, many of our customers choose one of our protection plans for centipede prevention. Parkway’s PestGuard provides you with constant protection from all centipedes and many other common pests. Contact us for more information!

Helpful Articles About Centipedes

• Are Centipedes Dangerous?