Centipede

Pest Status:

Name:

Chilipoda

Bodies size:

Flattened, segmented bodies with one pair of legs per segment.

Centipedes are unsightly and can bite, causing some swelling and nuisance. Some species live their entire lives indoors while others come in through cracks in your doors and windows. Let’s take a look at what makes them centipedes.

Facts, Identification, and Control

Keep these things in mind.

Facts about Centipedes

Don’t forget these things.

Where Do They Live?

They prefer moist environments with dirt and debris. They often feed off of organic matter, so they go looking for it in your house or your yard. They’re common across the world.

What Do They Eat?

They eat decaying matter such as leaves or other debris. Some also scavenge dead insects for protein.

How Did I Get Centipedes?

They probably came in through cracks underneath your door or other points of entry. They may have also hitched a ride in plants coming in from outside.

How Serious Are Centipede Problems?

They’re a big potential nuisance.

Problem #1

Centipedes don’t often bite, but they will if you disturb them. A human centipede bite can cause a painful swelling at the site. Other house centipede bite symptoms include allergic reactions. They can be hiding in shoes or other damp areas where you might stick your hand.

Problem #2

They can cause a lot of panic because of the way they look, and there’s nothing like a centipede scaring your guests.

Problem #3

They can be hard to find until you’re right on top of them, risking a centipede bite. They’re even harder to get rid of once you’ve got them in your house.

What Can I Do about Centipede?

Signs of a Centipede Infestation?

There aren’t many signs of an infestation, but you may catch a stray one or two trying to run through your house. If you spot them, there’s a good chance there are more around.

Centipede Prevention and Control Tips

Try these things to handle the problem.

Control tip #1

Clear debris away from your house. Moist leaves and brush could attract them. The next step is inside your home.

Control tip #2

Regular spring cleaning can bring them out of hiding where they stayed for winter. Clear out clutter as well.

Control tip #3

Glue traps can help you determine if your efforts are going noticed. New centipedes that go across the traps tell you how often you’ve got them wandering around.

Centipede Professional Pest Control

If you don’t know how to get rid of Centipedes or don’t want to find out how to kill a centipede, a professional can help. They can teach you tricks for how to get rid of house centipedes and get your house back.