What are Centipedes?
Centipedes are a frightening, unsightly pest that lurks in corners of homes. Centipedes have a long, thin, flattened, elongated body with one pair of short, skinny legs that extend from each segment. Centipedes can be found in sizes ranging from one-half inches to six inches. They are typically yellowish-gray, brown or brown in color. The majority of them are between an inch and an inch and a quarter.
A centipede also has a long antenna, first pair of sharp claws and a pair of legs with sharp claws. These predators use their claws and inject venom into victims to paralyze them.
Centipedes can be helpful as predators by helping to control the population of nuisance insects. However, unwanted pests can be created when large numbers of these arthropods invade our homes and gardens.
What kinds of centipedes are there?
House Centipedes
House centipedes are long-bodied, flattened creatures with bodies up to 1-1/2 inches in length. The body is yellowish-brown and has three dark stripes along its top with lighter shading in the middle.
Giant Desert Centipedes
Giant Desert Centipedes measure approximately 6.5 inches in length on average, but can grow up to 8 or 9. The head and the first two segments of the body are different shades of red. Other body segments are black, with traces green, but there are many variations.
Black Centipedes
Black Centipedes can grow between 5-inches and 10 inches in size with an average height of seven-inches. Like other centipedes with venomous claws, black centipedes dig into prey to neutralize it.
Texas Redheaded Centipede
Texas redheaded centipedes are also known as giant desert centipedes. They can grow up to 8 or nine inches in length. The head and the first two segments of the body are different shades of red, while the rest of their body are black with traces green.
The Behavior and Habitat of Centipedes
They are hiding where?
In winter, adult centipedes prefer to hide in dark, moist and isolated areas. In spring or summer, they place eggs on moist soil. When they become adults, centipedes develop a full set of legs and additional segments. The majority of centipedes can live more than one year, while some may live up to six.
Nocturnal
Although they may be allowed to enter buildings and houses, centipedes do not roam freely during the day. Centipedes can move fast, are agile, and are nocturnal. They are attracted to damp places such as basements, closets, basements, and other areas that are infested with pests.
What are they eating?
Centipedes are carnivorous, and eat soft-bodied insects, spiders and worms. Learn more about and what they eat.
How about damage?
Centipedes will not eat wood. Arthropods, commonly known as centipedes that eat wood, are milipedes. Millipedes resemble centipedes in that they are herbivores. However, millipedes eat dead or decaying plant material such as wood and cellulose.
Are they willing to bite?
Centipedes can be venomous. Centipedes are venomous and can attack prey, defend themselves against predators, and protect themselves from other natural enemies. Although the bite of centipedes isn't life-threatening, it can cause severe pain.
Lifespan
Centipedes can survive for up to six years if they are able escape predators and their environment is conducive to their survival. This is the longest lifespan of any arthropod.
Eyesight
Some centipedes possess compound eyes that contain as many as 200 optical units. Others do not. All centipedes have poor eyesight. They track their prey by touch and smell.
How to get rid of my Centipede problem?
Centipedes can be classified as a variety of Arthropods, with many behavioral characteristics. If centipedes become an issue, contact your local Alta Pest Control professional to request an inspection.
