A centipede in your house might not be the worst pest problem, but that doesn't mean you want them as permanent residents. While many centipede species prefer to live outdoors in dark, damp spaces, some, like the house centipede, also enjoy hiding indoors. Understanding their diet and habits is crucial for effective pest control.
What are Centipedes?
Centipedes are arthropods with flat, elongated bodies, ranging in size from ⅙ inches to 6½ inches long or longer. Despite their name, which means "100 legs," centipedes can have anywhere from 15 to 177 pairs of legs, depending on the species, with each segment containing one pair. Centipedes are found in several colors, but brown and reddish-orange are the most common. The United States has a wide array of centipedes, and some can reach up to 8 inches long.
Perhaps the most common species of centipede in the United States is the house centipede.
What are House Centipedes?
House centipedes are usually 1 to 1½ inches long. They are grayish yellow with three dark stripes running the length of their back. Their body has 15 segments, each with a pair of long legs banded with white. Adult house centipedes have 15 pairs of legs, with the last pair (on adult females) nearly twice the length of the body, giving the centipede an overall appearance of being from three to four inches in length (including legs and antennae). Newly hatched larvae have four pairs of legs. During the next five larval molts, the centipedes will have 5, 7, 9, 11, and 13 pairs of legs.
House centipedes are generally solitary, so infestations are rare. They can be found crawling around damp areas of the house, like basements, closets, and bathrooms. Sometimes they even try hiding in tubs and sinks. During the warmer months, they may also try out your attic or crawl spaces.
Read also: Guilt-Free Waffle House Dining
House Centipede Diet: What Do They Eat?
Centipedes are carnivores; they don’t feed on plant matter and prefer to dine on other insects. House centipedes are active hunters that constantly search for prey. Many people consider them beneficial to find inside homes because they kill and eat unwelcome pest insects, like silverfish, roaches, spiders, moths, flies, and even termites.
Centipedes consume a variety of invertebrates and small insects as part of their diet, preying on creatures such as ants, spiders, bed bugs, termites, and cockroaches. The role centipedes play is vital for keeping pest populations in check and contributing to ecological equilibrium. They primarily feed on small insects and a range of other invertebrates, demonstrating their crucial function in sustaining ecological equilibrium.
A diverse diet makes them effective predators of household pests, helping to keep your home free from these unwanted guests. In addition to household pests, centipedes also prey on other small arthropods and other insects found in their environment.
Armed with distinctive hunting skills, centipedes excel as predators. Their rapid movement and nimbleness enable them to pursue potential prey swiftly, often ambushing them unexpectedly. Thanks to this deadly blend of agility and venom potency, centipedes are proficient in capturing a vast range of prey items that include tiny insects as well as sizeable arthropods.
Centipede species exhibit a diverse range of dietary preferences that are influenced by their size, the type of species they belong to, and the prey available in their surroundings. Certain centipedes might have a predilection for particular kinds of food sources. Conversely, some display more eclectic feeding habits. Smaller varieties tend to consume insects and assorted small invertebrates as part of their diet. Meanwhile, larger types of centipedes may hunt down amphibians or even small mammals.
Read also: Comprehensive Abby House of Keto Analysis
House centipedes serve as natural enforcers of pest control in domestic environments. They feed on a multitude of indoor pests, which include insects like silverfish and firebrats, along with carpet beetle larvae, cockroaches, and spiders. The existence of house centipedes within your living space can often indicate a larger issue with pests since they are drawn into houses by the plentiful prey that is present. House centipedes typically feed on a diverse range of small insects and arthropods that inhabit indoor spaces. Carpet beetle larvae, silverfish, as well as other diminutive arthropods common in household settings are among their usual prey. Regular encounters with house centipedes may signal the presence of additional pest troubles since these centipedes gravitate towards homes where there is an abundance of food sources.
In garden ecosystems, centipedes play an important role by helping in the control of pests. Centipedes found outdoors are voracious carnivores, feasting on various insects and small invertebrates that inhabit their surroundings. Reflecting the array of available prey within their environment, outdoor centipedes boast an eclectic diet. Centipedes in gardens are known to feed on a variety of soil-dwelling insects, larvae, worms, and slugs. When centipedes are found within a garden environment, it signifies an active ecosystem where natural pest control mechanisms are effectively functioning.
Some species of centipedes are distinguished by their exceptional predatory strategies, distinguishing them from other arthropods that serve as prey. Certain species of centipedes, notably the sizable Giant Sonoran Centipede (Scolopendra heros), have the ability to ambush and feed on substantial animals. Various species of centipedes have exhibited cannibalistic tendencies, with bigger specimens preying on their smaller or wounded counterparts.
Centipedes as Prey
Centipedes can be predators, but they can also be prey. The following animals may feed on centipedes:
- Birds
- Spiders
- Snakes
- Lizards
- Toads
- Shrews
Centipedes vs. Millipedes
Centipedes are commonly confused with another multi-legged pest: millipedes. There are a few key differentiators:
Read also: Deep Dive: Keto Cereal
- Legs: Centipedes have one pair of legs per body segment and average about 30 legs per insect. Millipedes, on the other hand, have two pairs of legs per body segment and average fewer than 100 legs per insect. Centipedes have longer legs than millipedes and can move faster.
- Body shape: Both of these insects have elongated bodies, but centipedes are flattened, while millipedes are cylindrical in shape.
- Antennae: Centipedes have long antennae, while millipedes have shorter, less visible antennae.
Do They Bite?
While many people believe that centipedes can bite, they actually pinch. If they are not hunting, this behavior is a defense mechanism. Fortunately, they are relatively harmless to humans. However, they may cause an allergic reaction in some people. Signs of a centipede pinch include:
- Pain
- Redness
- Swelling
- Lymph node swelling (rare)
- Numbness (rare)
The following signs may indicate an allergic reaction to centipede venom:
- Trouble breathing
- Rapid heart rate
- Throat swelling
Despite the fact that centipedes possess pincers and are capable of biting, their bites tend to be non-critical and seldom lead to any grave health complications. While a bite from a centipede may result in some discomfort, it’s rare for an individual to have an allergic reaction. Although experiencing a bite from one can cause pain, such incidents do not pose fatal risks.
What Attracts Them?
In homes, centipedes are most likely to be found in areas where their prey - other insects - are common. These places include damp areas like bathrooms, closets, and basements, although they may also be seen around baseboards, doorways, and windows. Food, moisture, and shelter are the main attractants for insects. Obviously, if your home has an existing pest problem, you’re at higher risk for finding centipedes. They may wander inside during the night as they search for food. So, if you’re seeing centipedes in your home, you may have a bigger pest issue on your hands.
House centipedes often infiltrate homes as they seek refuge or pursue various smaller pests found within households. These arthropods are particularly drawn to environments offering nourishment, humidity, and concealment.
How to Get Rid of Centipedes in Your House
Centipedes don't really leave any evidence that indicates they are in your home. Instead of building a nest, they find a new hiding place each day. You are most likely to find a house centipede by accident-either resting on a wall, darting out from their hiding place, or trapped in a sink or tub.
To get rid of centipedes in your house, thoroughly clean damp areas of your house, like the basement, bathroom, or attic, and remove their hiding places. You can kill centipedes you find with Ortho® Home Defense Max® Indoor Insect Barrier with Extended Reach Comfort Wand®. When addressing current infestations, consider using chemicals such as baits, aerosols, and powders only as a final measure.
Here are some strategies that focus on making your home less inviting to any type of centipede:
- Use Sticky Traps: Sticky traps can be a practical way to capture centipedes. These traps use a strong adhesive on a flat surface, capturing any insect that steps onto it. They're best placed in dark, damp corners, where these arthropods tend to hide. Consider getting traps designed for small insects, as they are more sensitive to the weight of light critters. This increases the chances of catching them before entering less visible spaces.
- Seal Entry Points: House centipedes often find their way indoors through unsealed crevices and cracks. Carefully examining the house for entry points can reduce their numbers. Use caulk to seal gaps in areas such as around windows, doors, and baseboards. Besides sealing cracks, consider using door sweeps to prevent pests from finding a way through door gaps. These minor installations create a physical barrier, further discouraging entry. By closing any openings or cracks on the outside of your house, such as those near windows and doors, you can stop centipedes from entering.
- Reduce Humidity: Centipedes thrive in moist environments with high humidity. A dry climate within the home deters them, making it less accepting of their presence. Using dehumidifiers can lower moisture levels in damp areas like basements and bathrooms. Exhaust fans in places prone to dampness, such as kitchens and bathtubs, can maintain optimal moisture levels. Addressing leaks promptly also helps to keep excess moisture in check.
- Sprinkle Diatomaceous Earth: Diatomaceous earth offers a natural, non-toxic way to tackle centipedes. Made from fossilized algae, this powder damages the exoskeletons of insects. It’s most effective when sprinkled in areas where centipedes frequently move. While diatomaceous earth is safe for humans and pets in its food-grade form, handling it with care is advised. Avoid creating dust clouds when applying, and wear a mask if necessary to prevent irritation from inhalation.
- Vacuum Regularly: Regular vacuuming reduces the number of centipedes and other household pests like cockroaches. This method can remove centipedes, the eggs, and debris that attract them. Paying special attention to carpets, baseboards, and under furniture can make a difference. Set a consistent vacuuming schedule, aiming for at least once a week. This disrupts their living environment and helps maintain an unwelcoming home to pests.
- Apply Essential Oils: Essential oils have been noted for their natural repellent properties. Mix a few drops of essential oil with water in a spray bottle. Spray the solution around common hiding places like baseboards, door frames, and dark corners. You can also use essential oil diffusers to spread the scent throughout your home. Here are some effective ones to consider:
- Peppermint Oil: Known for its strong scent, it disrupts their navigating ability.
- Tea Tree Oil: With its antibacterial and insect-repellent properties, it can effectively repel centipedes.
- Eucalyptus Oil: Its strong, sharp scent is a powerful deterrent to inhabiting treated spaces.
- Lavender Oil: While commonly known for its calming effects, its fragrance overwhelms centipedes.
- Cedarwood Oil: Centipedes and other pests avoid cedarwood oil due to its naturally repellent properties.
- Lemon Oil: Citrus-based oils like lemon oil repel centipedes by disrupting their sense of direction.
- Try Boric Acid: Boric acid, a naturally occurring substance, can control house centipedes. When ingested by centipedes, it interferes with their metabolism, ultimately leading to death. Apply lightly in hard-to-reach areas where they are most active. Avoid placing it in areas that are accessible to children and pets. Boric acid can be hazardous if ingested by them.
- Remove Indoor and Outdoor Clutter: Cluttered environments offer excellent shelter for these creepy crawlies. By reducing clutter inside and outside the home, areas become less hospitable. Clear out old boxes, unused bags, and unnecessary stacks in basements or attics. Outside, pay attention to garden debris. Leaf litter, mulch, and tree bark can give them hiding spots. Regularly rake leaves and remove decaying wood to limit outdoor shelter options. This action helps reduce the chance of these critters migrating inside. Maintaining cleanliness in outdoor spaces by clearing away rubbish and cutting back plants will help discourage these pests.
Natural strategies for eliminating centipedes encompass applying diatomaceous earth that disrupts their outer shell causing them to dehydrate. Utilizing diatomaceous earth or boric acid is an effective approach as these substances erode the protective exoskeletons of centipedes and ultimately cause them to become dehydrated.
How to Prevent Future Centipede Problems
To help prevent future centipede problems inside your home, there are several things that you can do:
- Reduce moisture: Centipedes prefer moist, high-humidity environments to live. To eliminate these areas, repair water leaks, use dehumidifiers to keep basements dry, and run exhaust fans in bathrooms and attics to help eliminate excess moisture.
- Remove clutter: Reducing clutter in basements, crawl spaces, and attics will limit a centipede's options for hiding places. Outside, move piles of leaves, grass clippings, and firewood away from the house.
- Eliminate their food source: If they can't find spiders and other insects to eat, centipedes will lose interest in your house as a place to hunt. By determining what other types of arthropods, in your house, are providing a meal for the centipedes by distributing 'sticky insect traps', also called monitors, around the house.
- Seal entryways: Seal holes, cracks, and gaps around the outside of your house to keep centipedes and other insect pests from getting inside. Repairing tears in screens and adding weather stripping to doors and windows also helps keep unwanted pests out. With appropriate fillers, fill or seal cracks and crevices in concrete slabs and block walls. Seal the covers to sump pumps with screen and caulk.
Is It Time to Call a Pest Control Service?
If someone is experiencing centipede bites-though rare-it could suggest a larger infestation problem. While house centipede bites are not common and usually harmless, their presence may signal a greater pest issue. Should you regularly encounter house centipedes inside your living space, it may indicate a significant pest problem that warrants immediate attention. In situations where a substantial infestation occurs, it’s wise to seek assistance from a professional in pest management. Professional pest control companies can offer peace of mind when DIY insecticides just won’t cut it.