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There are many different pests you might find crawling or flying around your Dixon home or business. While some of these pests might seem very familiar to you, such as flies or ants, there are some pests you might know as much about.
Centipedes are a pest that can seem like something out of a horror movie because of their multiples pairs of legs. Because of their creepy appearance, it is easy to assume that centipedes are dangerous pests that can bite people, but overall, they are considered a harmless nuisance.
The one thing people associate with centipedes is having thousands of pairs of legs, but the truth is a little less extreme. While they do have many legs, it's usually around 15-150 pairs. Here are the other identifying characteristics of centipedes as well as how to tell them apart from millipedes:
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Long, worm-like bodies
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Long antennae
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Color ranges from yellow to dark brown
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Mouths have an appendage that looks claw-like
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Legs stick out from their bodies more than a millipedes
Are Centipedes Harmless Or Dangerous?
While many pests, like rodents and cockroaches, can pose health risks to humans, and others, like termites, can cause property damage, centipedes are relatively harmless. They don’t pose any real threats to humans or their pets. Plus, they don’t do any property damage.
One interesting thing about centipedes, however, is that they are actually venomous and carnivorous. They use their venom to attack and eat their prey, but this venom doesn’t have any effect on humans or mammals. It’s very rare for a centipede to ever bite a human, and, for the most part, they stay out of the way of humans. In homes, centipedes usually hide in areas that are damp and dark such as basements, closets, and crawl spaces.
Centipede Prevention Tips
The main reason that centipedes are attracted to your home is that they are looking for a comfortable environment. When the outside becomes too hot or doesn’t have enough water, they will look for a moist, safe place to go.
Because of this, the best way to prevent centipedes is to address the factors that make your property attractive to them in the first place. Here are some simple steps you can follow to help keep centipedes out:
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Clean up leaf piles and other decaying plant matter on your property as it provides a comfortable hiding spot for centipedes.
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Keep firewood stored at least 30 feet away from the exterior of your home.
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Repair leaky pipes, and faucets to reduce moisture in the building.
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Use dehumidifiers as needed to address moisture issues.
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Keep crawl spaces and basements well-ventilated.
Assistance With Centipede Infestations
While centipedes are a nuisance pest, this doesn’t mean you want to have them in your home or business. They can be rather gross to look at, and even nuisance insect infestations can be off-putting. If you need assistance or advice with centipede problems, contact the pest control professionals at Pest Control Consultants today. We specialize in effective and fast pest services in the Dixon area, and we are happy to help.
