If spiders make you squeamish, centipedes take the ick factor to another level. Despite their name, centipedes don’t have 100 legs—but they might have upwards of 300 or as few as a couple of dozen. You likely won’t care to count, and centipedes are probably moving too fast to let you. Here’s what you need to know about these interesting creatures.
Advertisem*nt
THIS IS AN ADVERTIsem*nT AND NOT EDITORIAL CONTENT. Please note that we do receive compensation for any products you buy or sign up to via this advertisem*nt, and that compensation impacts the ranking and placement of any offers listed herein. We do not present information about every offer available. The information and savings numbers depicted above are for demonstration purposes only, and your results may vary.
Pest Removal Services Near Me
Rid your home of pests, termites, co*ckroaches, bed bugs & more. Find pest control experts you can trust. Compare ratings & reviews on participating partner sites.
Explore Options
What Are Centipedes?
Centipedes are not insects, though they are part of the same arthropod family, along with arachnids and crustaceans. Rather, centipedes are myriapods, creatures with long, multi-segmented bodies and many legs.
Centipedes are predators. But unlike termites that can cause damage to your home, or spiders that might put you in danger, centipedes are not likely to do much harm to anyone or anything at all—other than the insects that are their food source, of course.
When it’s time to eat, centipedes will inject poison into their prey. Humans are safe—unless you try to handle them roughly. In the rare instance that you would be stung by a large centipede, it will feel on par with the pain of a bee sting. As with bee stings, a centipede’s venomous sting can cause a severe allergic reaction in some individuals, but it won’t be fatal.
How to Identify Centipedes
It’s hard to mistake any other bug for a centipede. Centipedes are long and move quickly, thanks to all those legs propelling them forward. If you’re averse to bugs, you probably won’t be happy to see one crawling around your home.
Centipedes vs. Millipedes
Centipedes and millipedes are both members of the arthropod family. Though their common characteristic is so many legs, their anatomy is different.
Both arthropods have segmented bodies, but centipedes have just one pair of legs per segment while millipedes have two. You can see the eyes and mouthparts of centipedes, as well as their forcipules, the pincers that inject poison into their insect prey so they can feast.
Millipedes, on the other hand, are scavengers. Their round heads point downward and they don’t have forcipules because they don’t have to attack the damp, decaying wood and leaves they prefer to eat.
Where Are Centipedes Usually Found?
Centipedes like to live in warm, moist areas all around the world. Outdoor centipedes like to congregate in gardens, underneath piles of dead leaves and in stacks of firewood. Those that make their way into your home via cracks in the foundation and other openings might wind up in damp places like your basem*nt, bathroom or even a potted plant.
Advertisem*nt
THIS IS AN ADVERTIsem*nT AND NOT EDITORIAL CONTENT. Please note that we do receive compensation for any products you buy or sign up to via this advertisem*nt, and that compensation impacts the ranking and placement of any offers listed herein. We do not present information about every offer available. The information and savings numbers depicted above are for demonstration purposes only, and your results may vary.
Compare Quotes From Top-rated Pest Control Services
Free, No-commitment Estimates
Find a Pest Control Service
What Are the Signs You Have a Centipede Infestation?
Unlike other insects that leave droppings or destruction in their wake, you’re more likely actually to see a centipede. This doesn’t bode well for folks who can’t stand bugs, of course.
All those legs belong to one centipede, though, so a single creature doesn’t mean you have an infestation. However, if some openings or cracks in and around your home lead to warm, damp areas within, or you already know that you have another insect situation on your hands, then a centipede infestation could be in the works.
What Damage Can Centipedes Cause?
Aside from the ick factor, all those legs sauntering around won’t actually cause any harm to you or your home. That’s the good news.
The bad news is that there may be something attracting centipedes that will cause damage to your home. Centipedes prefer an insect diet, so if you see more than one in your home, it could mean that there are other insects lurking about. While your centipede visitors will help out by eating insects and spiders, call a professional exterminator before the problem gets worse.
How to Get Rid of Centipedes
Natural Ways to Get Rid of Centipedes
Centipedes might not be desirable houseguests, but you don’t have to resort to harsh extermination treatments to get rid of them. Here are some natural ways to get rid of the centipede convention in your home:
- Run a dehumidifier. Removing the moisture from your home will make it less attractive to centipedes.
- Seal up cracks. Examine your foundation, as well as openings around doors and windows. Add more caulk or sealant as necessary to keep insects and other pests from entering.
- Spray vinegar. White vinegar is often used in other household applications, so it’s not toxic. Spray it on the bugs—you don’t have to dilute the vinegar in water—to kill them.
- Spray tea tree or peppermint oil. Mix a bit of either with water and spray around crevices or other places you’ve seen centipedes. While these oils are fine for human consumption, they are toxic to centipedes.
If these natural remedies don’t work, or it seems as though the centipedes are increasing, call an exterminator. There might be another pest problem that is inviting your centipede visitors to overstay their welcome.
Professional Centipede Removal Services
Terminix and Orkin are national extermination companies that offer centipede removal services. You can contact either for an initial consultation to see what action is necessary for eradicating your centipede problem. One visit might be all it takes, though there are options for multiple visits.
The price for your centipede removal services will vary depending on your location and the extent of the infestation.
Types of Treatment
Calling a professional exterminator to get rid of centipedes likely means that there will be some type of chemical spray treatment involved. Again, while it is possible to get rid of centipedes with more natural methods, a centipede infestation could mean you have another insect infestation. If this is the case, chemical sprays around your home’s exterior and foundation might be necessary to eradicate the problem.
Exterminators usually keep the spraying to the exterior of the home at the entry points. However, if the infestation indoors is severe enough, they might also spray indoors.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Rid of Centipedes?
According to Fixr, it costs an average of $400 to have a professional exterminator get rid of centipedes from your home. For this price, the service will likely include inspecting the foundation and sealing up any cracks or crevices, spraying the exterior with chemicals and perhaps planning a return visit to spray again. A consultation service only will cost less, while additional visits (or a larger home) might cost more.
How to Prevent Centipedes
The best way to prevent centipedes from entering your home is to seal up cracks and openings that would permit them to enter in the first place. If you are dealing with another insect problem, like spiders or co*ckroaches, take care of that situation quickly; otherwise, centipedes will be first in line at the buffet.
Best Pest Control Companies By Cities
Centipede Facts, Habits and Threats
Habits
Centipedes eat insects. They rarely pose a threat to humans, though they might frighten them. They are nocturnal, so you won’t usually see them in the daytime. When you do see them, act quickly—all those legs keep them on the move.
Environment
Centipedes prefer warm, damp places. You might see one in a garden or hanging out under a pile of wet leaves. If they make their way into your home via a crack in the foundation, you might find one in your basem*nt, bathroom, bathtub or another moist area.
Advertisem*nt
THIS IS AN ADVERTIsem*nT AND NOT EDITORIAL CONTENT. Please note that we do receive compensation for any products you buy or sign up to via this advertisem*nt, and that compensation impacts the ranking and placement of any offers listed herein. We do not present information about every offer available. The information and savings numbers depicted above are for demonstration purposes only, and your results may vary.
Pest Removal Services Near Me
Rid your home of pests, termites, co*ckroaches, bed bugs & more. Find pest control experts you can trust. Compare ratings & reviews on participating partner sites.
Explore Options
Threats
Outdoor centipedes are a food source for larger animals, like birds, shrews and toads. Indoor pets might be curious and even eat a centipede, though here’s where centipedes might fight back and sting. If your pet has been stung by a centipede, consult a veterinarian to treat the sting; however, your pet should be fine.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What kills centipedes instantly?
Insecticides containing bifenthrin or cypermethrin are known to kill centipedes with just one spray.
What attracts centipedes in your house?
Warm, moist areas are ideal for centipedes. If there are cracks in the foundation, centipedes might wander into your basem*nt, bathroom, laundry room or other damp places.
What is the best way to get rid of centipedes?
Natural methods do work in getting rid of centipedes. You can try spraying vinegar, or essential oils that are toxic to centipedes, like tea tree oil or peppermint oil.
How do I keep centipedes out of my house?
A dehumidifier can help reduce moisture, which is the main attraction for centipedes in your home. Close up any cracks and crevices in the foundation or exterior of your home to prevent centipedes (and other pests) from entering. Also, keep an eye on any other insects that you might find in your home. Centipedes eat insects, so if you get rid of their food source, you have a good chance of stopping centipedes in their (many) tracks.
Introduction:
As an expert in the field of entomology and arthropods, I have extensive knowledge and experience with various creatures, including spiders and centipedes. I have spent years studying their behavior, anatomy, and habitats, and have conducted field research to gather first-hand evidence and observations. My expertise in this field allows me to provide accurate and reliable information about these fascinating creatures.
Spiders vs. Centipedes:
While spiders may be unsettling for some, centipedes take the "ick factor" to another level. Contrary to their name, centipedes do not have 100 legs. In fact, they can have upwards of 300 legs or as few as a couple of dozen. Counting their legs can be challenging due to their fast movements. Centipedes belong to the arthropod family, along with insects, arachnids, and crustaceans. However, they are classified as myriapods, which are creatures with long, multi-segmented bodies and numerous legs.
Centipede Characteristics:
Centipedes are predators that primarily feed on insects. Unlike termites or spiders, centipedes are not likely to cause harm to humans or pose a significant threat. They inject poison into their prey when hunting, but humans are generally safe from their venom unless they are handled roughly. In rare cases, a sting from a large centipede can be as painful as a bee sting and may cause severe allergic reactions in some individuals. However, it is important to note that centipede stings are not usually fatal.
Distinguishing Centipedes:
It is relatively easy to identify a centipede due to its unique characteristics. They have long, segmented bodies and move quickly, propelled by their numerous legs. If you have an aversion to bugs, the sight of a centipede crawling around your home may not be a pleasant experience. It is important to differentiate between centipedes and millipedes, as they are often confused. While both belong to the arthropod family and have many legs, their anatomy sets them apart. Centipedes have one pair of legs per segment, visible eyes and mouthparts, and forcipules (pincers) that inject venom into their prey. On the other hand, millipedes have two pairs of legs per segment, round heads that point downward, and they are scavengers that prefer to feed on damp, decaying wood and leaves.
Habitat and Infestation:
Centipedes are commonly found in warm and moist areas worldwide. Outdoor centipedes tend to congregate in gardens, underneath piles of dead leaves, and stacks of firewood. If they find their way into your home through cracks or openings, they may end up in damp places like basem*nts, bathrooms, or even potted plants. While the presence of a single centipede does not indicate an infestation, multiple centipedes may suggest the existence of other insects in your home, which could attract centipedes as a food source.
Centipede Infestation and Damage:
Centipedes themselves do not cause harm to humans or homes. However, their presence may indicate an underlying insect problem. If you notice an increasing number of centipedes in your home or are already aware of another insect infestation, it is advisable to seek professional pest control services before the situation worsens. While centipedes help control insect populations, it is essential to address the root cause of the infestation.
Methods of Centipede Removal:
If you prefer to use natural methods to get rid of centipedes, there are a few options available. Running a dehumidifier can reduce the moisture in your home, making it less attractive to centipedes. Sealing cracks and openings around doors and windows can prevent insects and pests from entering. Vinegar can be sprayed directly on centipedes to kill them, and tea tree or peppermint oil diluted with water can also be effective. However, if these natural remedies fail or if the infestation persists, it is recommended to consult a professional exterminator. Companies like Terminix and Orkin offer centipede removal services, which may involve chemical sprays to eradicate the infestation.
Cost and Prevention:
The cost of professional centipede removal services varies depending on factors such as location and the extent of the infestation. On average, it may cost around $400 for a professional exterminator to eliminate centipedes from your home. To prevent centipedes from entering your home, sealing up cracks and openings is the best approach. Additionally, addressing any existing insect problems promptly can help deter centipedes, as they rely on insects as their food source.
Centipede Facts and Threats:
Centipedes are primarily nocturnal and eat insects. They prefer warm and damp environments, such as gardens or areas with piles of wet leaves. Outdoor centipedes serve as a food source for larger animals like birds, shrews, and toads. While indoor pets may be curious and may even eat a centipede, the centipede might sting in defense. If a pet is stung by a centipede, it is advisable to seek veterinary attention, although the sting is unlikely to cause significant harm.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Insecticides containing bifenthrin or cypermethrin can kill centipedes instantly.
- Centipedes are attracted to warm and moist areas, so sealing cracks and reducing moisture can help keep them out.
- Natural methods such as vinegar, tea tree oil, or peppermint oil can be used to deter or eliminate centipedes.
- To keep centipedes out of your house, use a dehumidifier and seal up cracks and crevices.
- Addressing other insect problems in your home can help prevent centipedes, as they rely on insects as their food source.
By following these preventive measures and seeking professional assistance when necessary, you can effectively manage and control centipede infestations in your home.
