Get Rid of Centipedes with a Professional Pest Exterminator

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Centipedes can be a real nuisance, especially if you have them infesting your home. They're attracted to moisture and can be found in damp areas like bathrooms and kitchens.

Centipedes can be a sign of a larger moisture issue, which can lead to mold and mildew growth. This can be a serious problem if left unchecked.

A professional pest exterminator can help you get rid of centipedes for good. They'll identify the source of the problem and develop a plan to eliminate it.

If you're not comfortable dealing with centipedes yourself, it's best to hire a professional. They have the training and equipment to handle the job safely and effectively.

What is a Centipede?

A centipede is a type of arthropod that belongs to the class Chilopoda.

They have a long, flat body that's typically between 1 and 12 centimeters long, with a pair of legs attached to each segment.

These segmented bodies are made up of 15 to 30 pairs of legs, which is how centipedes got their name - they have many legs.

What Do They Look Like?

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Centipedes are fascinating creatures, and their appearance is just as interesting as their behavior. They range in size from 4 to 152 mm, depending on the species.

One of the most distinctive features of centipedes is their head, which has a pair of long and sensitive antennae. These antennae help them navigate and detect prey in the dark.

Their claws are also a notable feature, containing a venom gland that they use to paralyze their victims, such as worms, spiders, and small vertebrates. This is why most centipedes are carnivorous, foraging for food at night.

The name centipede, which means "100 legs", can be somewhat misleading: centipedes may have anywhere from 15 to 177 pairs of legs. This means that their leg count can vary significantly depending on the species.

Here's a breakdown of the average leg count for centipedes:

  • 15 to 177 pairs of legs

This unique feature allows them to move efficiently and catch prey quickly.

Are Nocturnal?

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Centipedes are nocturnal animals, meaning they're active at night. They're fast moving and agile, which helps them hunt and navigate in the dark.

Centipedes tend to hide in damp areas around the house, such as bathrooms, closets, and basements. These are typically the same sites that get infested by pests.

Centipede Infestation

Centipede infestations can be a real nuisance, but the good news is that they're relatively easy to get rid of. To do so, reduce moisture in and around your home by fixing leaks and using dehumidifiers.

High humidity and moisture create favorable conditions for centipedes, so keeping your home well-ventilated is crucial. Regularly clean and vacuum infested areas, paying special attention to basements, bathrooms, and crawl spaces.

Centipedes seek out damp, dark areas, so thoroughly cleaning these spaces is essential. Remove any sources of standing water and ensure proper drainage around your property to discourage centipedes from making themselves at home.

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If you've seen other pests like ants, spiders, bed bugs, roaches, or silverfish in your home, you may be dealing with house centipedes as well. This is because centipedes feed on these insects.

Structural gaps, cracks, and openings provide entry points for centipedes to enter homes. Seal these gaps and cracks to prevent centipede infestations.

Centipede infestations are driven by the availability of insects, their primary food source. Remove clutter and debris where centipedes can hide, such as piles of leaves, mulch, or firewood.

Poor sanitation and cluttered spaces can exacerbate centipede infestations by providing abundant food and hiding places. Regular maintenance and proactive measures can help prevent future centipede infestations.

Centipede Control and Extermination

Centipedes are notorious for their ability to evade attacks from predators, but Arrow's professional centipede extermination ensures they can't hide. They are particularly vivacious, with an average lifespan ranging from two to five years.

Centipedes are attracted to dark, moist, and secluded dwellings, like under rocks and logs, and thrive in rotting wood. They can burrow deep into the ground and are drawn to spots filled with other small bugs to eat.

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House centipedes (Scutigera coleoptrata) are the most commonly encountered species that invade homes. They are fast-moving predators that can slip indoors through small cracks around the foundation of homes.

Centipedes are carnivores and forage for worms, spiders, and small vertebrates at night, detecting prey with their antennae and stinging their food with paralyzing venom. If you attack one of these pests, beware – they may bite you, causing pain and swelling similar to a bee sting.

You will most likely find centipedes around bathrooms, closets, or basements, but they are hard to spot, and effectively remove, because of their nocturnal habits. To remove them, reduce moisture in and around your home by fixing leaks and using dehumidifiers.

Here are some common entry points for centipedes:

  • Cracks and gaps in walls, windows, and doors
  • Under rocks and logs
  • Rotting wood
  • Small cracks around the foundation of homes

Prevention and Safety

To prevent centipedes from entering your home, seal all cracks and crevices around windows, doors, and pipes.

Centipedes are attracted to moisture, so reducing humidity levels in your home can make it less appealing to them.

Curious to learn more? Check out: Natural Pest Control Spray for Home

Credit: youtube.com, House Centipede Treatment | DoMyOwn.com

Regularly cleaning and vacuuming can help remove centipede eggs and larvae from surfaces.

Using a dehumidifier in areas prone to moisture, such as basements and crawlspaces, can also help deter centipedes.

By keeping your home clean and dry, you can make it less hospitable to centipedes and reduce the likelihood of an infestation.

It's also a good idea to remove any standing water or moisture from your yard, as centipedes can also be found outside.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best thing to kill centipedes with?

To kill centipedes, use boric acid to dehydrate them or diatomaceous earth to repel and trap them, especially in damp areas. Effective application involves targeting all entry points and cracks around your home.

Amy Martin

Senior Writer

Amy Martin is a seasoned writer with over a decade of experience in various industries. She has a passion for creativity and enjoys exploring different perspectives on life. Amy's work often inspires readers to think outside the box and embrace new ideas.

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