Family Owned Pest Control in Washington & Utah
License # 101704
- officestaff@zunexpestcontrol.com
- License # 101704
House centipedes - they feel like the stuff of urban legends. But unlike Sasquatch and the Chupacabra, these little guys are real - and they’re real creepy.
Although they aren’t as harmful as people might think - and actually pose a few real benefits to the environment - with their long legs and quick movements, they’re no treat to look at.
House centipedes, scientifically known as Scutigera coleoptrata, are tough to mistake with their many wiggling legs as they scamper across your floor. They look menacing and terrifying, to say the least.
So let’s cut to the chase - do house centipedes bite? And if so, should you be worried about their presence in your home? Before you reach for that shoe to swat them away, let’s break down the truth.
The name is confusing, since it leads many people to believe house centipedes always have 100 legs. However, they typically have between 15 and 177 pairs, with most of the centipedes you have in your house resting on the lower end of that range.
Nevertheless, 15 pairs of legs truly is enough, giving them a distinct, elongated look. Their bodies can range in color from black to gray to yellow with dark stripes.
What makes them particularly unpleasant is that they have a knack for camouflage, blending into the nooks and crannies of your home. Their many legs allow them to move at high speeds, something that can be either fascinating or terrifying to watch.
You might think they resemble something straight out of a science fiction movie, but their unusual appearance plays a critical role in their survival.
Those long legs, equipped with sensitive hairs, help detect prey and predators alike, allowing them to dash off when needed. Believe it or not, those legs aren't just for show - they're their ticket to survival in the domestic wilderness known as your home.
Ever wondered what house centipedes are up to when you're not looking? These nocturnal creatures prefer the cover of darkness, making their rounds while you're fast asleep. Their primary mission? To seek out and devour other household pests.
Centipedes might be creepy, but they’re nature’s pest control, working tirelessly to keep your home free from unwanted guests like cockroaches, ants, and spiders.
While their erratic movements might give you a jump scare, they're simply executing their version of pest management. Equipped with venomous forcipules - modified legs that deliver venom to their prey - house centipedes are efficient hunters.
Their venom is potent enough to subdue their prey but poses little threat to humans. In rare cases of bites, which occur only when they feel threatened, the experience is akin to a mild bee sting.
House centipedes are creatures of habit, thriving in damp, dark environments. They’re often found lurking in basements, bathrooms, and closets.
Centipedes appreciate a good hiding spot, particularly in cluttered spaces, which offer ample opportunities to hunt and escape prying eyes. Seeing one usually means there's a silent war on pests happening right under your nose, with centipedes leading the charge against insects you’d rather not think about.
It's important to note that spotting a house centipede isn't necessarily a sign of infestation. They rarely gather in large numbers, preferring solitary ambushes over social gatherings.
If you're seeing them frequently, it might be a sign to check on your home's moisture levels and look for areas where other pests could be hiding.
Remember, house centipedes are a symptom, not the cause, of pest problems in your abode.
Surprising as it may seem, house centipedes can be beneficial for your home ecosystem.
As we’ve mentioned, they do a great job of keeping other pest populations in check. As a result, they reduce the need for chemical pesticides, offering a natural and eco-friendly solution to pest control.
While their appearance might send you running, they’re doing you a favor by taking down the real bad guys.
In an odd way, having a centipede or two around could mean fewer cockroaches, ants, and spiders. It’s an unconventional partnership, but one that really should make you think twice before reaching for the bug spray.
House centipedes, despite their otherworldly appearance, might just be the unexpected heroes
in your home. While they have the potential to bite, it's a rare occurrence, and their presence often signifies an all-natural pest control operation in action.
Before you panic at the sight of those many legs, consider the bigger picture. They’re part of a complex ecosystem that, oddly enough, benefits from their presence.
But if the sight of a house centipede still sends you into a frenzy, there are steps you can take to manage their presence without resorting to drastic measures.
First, eliminate their favorite hangouts by reducing clutter and sealing cracks and crevices. You will also want to take steps to reduce and manage moisture levels, since they like it humid. Dehumidifiers can be a big help.
Should you find their presence overwhelming, consider reaching out to professional pest control services like our team at Zunex Pest Control.
We offer expertise in managing all kinds of insect infestations and can provide tailored solutions to keep your home comfortable and centipede-free. We’ll not only get rid of the centipedes, but also all the other insect pests that might be luring them in.
With services available in Auburn, WA, Salt Lake City, and Provo, Utah, professional help is just a call away.
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