Generally, commonly known as centipedes, these multi legged critters have many pairs of legs. They are common enough that people recognize a centipede when they see one. There are house and garden centipedes and they are not always seen as they are nocturnal critters that can move at high speeds. Centipedes are found all over the world, and especially Texas. Where it concerns house centipedes, we at A-Tex Pest Management would like to elaborate on the fundamentals of these insects today.
Centipede Identification
While some have darker markings or stripes, the house centipede’s species colors range from yellowish to dark brown. The house centipede can have between 115 and 177 pairs of legs, depending on the species as they always have an odd number of sets of legs. Equipped with a pair of sensitive antennae that are covered with dense hair, centipedes have worm-like bodies that are flattened and elongated. They have a venom gland in their large, claw-like structures and their mouths are small. Some have compound eyes containing as many as 200 optical units in a cluster of simple eyes on each side, and few have no eyes, which are all dictated by the species of the centipede. The common house centipede has 15 pairs of legs and grow 1-1 ½ inches long.
How to Prevent Centipedes in Your House
There is little evidence of an infestation other than seeing these pests firsthand inside your home. Reducing the moisture content can help prevent their attraction indoors, and adequate ventilation is needed in the crawl spaces and attics. Be certain to clear away debris, like rocks, piles of leaves, grass clippings, stones, and logs outdoors. Store any firewood at least 18 inches off the ground and as far from the house as possible. To help prevent them from wandering inside, the exterior of the home’s cracks and gaps should also be properly sealed. Some of the larger centipede species are known to bite if handled too roughly. With additional pain and swelling, potential break in the skin along often compared to a bee sting, there is pain.
What Causes Centipedes in the House?
Usually within the soil and overwinter, centipedes lay their eggs in the summer. In just a few days, females can produce up to 35 eggs. Where there are high-moisture areas attracting centipedes, the rotting logs, loose bark, piles of trash, leaves, and grass as well as under stones are where you can often find them. They look for damp areas like in potted plants, crawl spaces and bathrooms once they infiltrate a building.
Centipede Insect Pest Inspections, Control & More in Austin, Round Rock, Leander, Pflugerville & Cedar Park, Texas
Centipedes rely on their sense of touch and smell to hunt their prey since they have poor eyesight. Causing harm to plants, centipedes eat plant tissue and will also feed on spiders and flies. Their powerful jaws inject a venom into their prey. Centipedes are more of a nuisance, not necessarily a risk for serious health concerns or property damage. When centipedes but humans, it hurts! A-Tex Pest Management is readily available to deliver top-quality pest control services and eliminate them quickly and efficiently in the event you discover a centipede issue. Contact us for all your pest control needs.
