Translated from Latin, centipede means a hundred legs or hundred feet. Centipedes got this name because of the many pairs of legs they have on their long, worm-like body. Centipedes can seem like a scary pest between their many pairs of legs, long antennae, and front claws.
As you learn more about these creepy-looking pests, you will realize that their looks can be deceiving and they aren’t that scary. You will also learn that keeping centipedes away from your home can be challenging. Also, centipede control should be left to professional Kittitas County pest control companies like us at Prosite.
Our trained experts have the tools, knowledge, and experience to keep centipedes and other common pests in Kittitas County out of your home and away from your family. Call us today to see what we can do for you!
How Can I Tell If It’s Centipedes In My House?
In some ways, it can be difficult to determine if you have a centipede infestation in your home. They move quickly and usually only come out at night, meaning the chances of seeing a live centipede around your home are meager. There are also usually no apparent signs of a centipede infestation, so there is nothing for you to see, even if centipedes aren’t around.
If you do get to see a centipede, they are easily identifiable. They are long, flattened, worm-like pests that grow to six inches long. They are typically yellow to dark brown with dark stripes or markings. Of course, their most noticeable feature is their many pairs of legs, sometimes up to 177 pairs.
Are Centipedes Dangerous?
Centipedes are considered more of a nuisance pest than a danger. They don’t pose any threat to humans, and they are not known to destroy property.
While they aren’t dangerous to humans, centipedes do have poisonous jaws that they can use to inject venom into their prey. Their prey usually includes other pests, including flies, spiders, and sometimes plants.
In sporadic cases, larger centipede species have bitten humans. This only occurs if they are handled roughly and feel threatened. A centipede bite will feel similar to a bee sting.
Why Are There Centipedes In My Home?
Centipedes are a pest that prefers to spend their time outside. Like many pests, they come inside searching for the resources necessary for survival, like food and moisture.
One of the main reasons why centipedes come inside is during the warmer, dryer months of the year. They will invade moist areas of your home like damp basements, crawlspaces, bathrooms, and sometimes even the soil of potted plants in search of the moisture they need to survive.
How Do I Get Rid Of Centipedes In My House?
Even though centipedes are a nuisance pest and not a threat, you don’t want them around your home. There are some steps you can take to prevent centipedes, including:
- Reduce areas of moisture around your home
- Ensure your attic, basement, and crawl spaces are well ventilated
- Remove leaf piles and grass clippings from your yard
- Store firewood off the ground
- Consider removing logs, stones, rocks, and pavers that can trap moisture
- Seal cracks and crevices around your home that centipedes could use to gain entry
If you find centipedes around your home, you can remove them using a vacuum, but professional pest control is the best option for eliminating a centipede infestation.
A year-round home pest control plan is the best way to guarantee your home remains centipede-free. We can treat an active centipede infestation and help you eliminate the conditions that attracted centipedes to your home in the first place. Call us today and let us get to work keeping your home pest-free.