Wriggling, colorful centipedes crawl in abundance across the Hawaiian Islands. However, one centipede tends to instill the most fear among residents and tourists alike: the Indonesian giant centipede. Also called Ethmostigmus rubripes, the critters can reach over six inches in length. While they might not bother you when you spot one on the street, spotting one in your home will make you want to call a fumigation company right away.

Centipede Facts, Prevention & Fumigation

1. Lifestyle

Centipedes like to feed on spiders, as well as the occasional rodent or reptile. Due to its large size and powerful bite, it generally looks for moving prey. Thus, it will not bother with your kitchen scraps. To help keep these creatures out of your home, it’s important to keep other pests like mice, rats, and geckos at bay.

2. Physical Threat

Centipedes aren’t only dangerous to small animals; they can also harm you and your family. The centipede’s bite can cause severe inflammation, pain, and fevers. The insect’s sharp claws attach to venomous glands that can cause severe trauma. To minimize symptoms, apply an ice pack, take over-the-counter pain relievers, and apply a physician-approved topical cream to the bite. While a trip to the doctor typically isn’t necessary, if you have trouble breathing or notice symptoms exacerbating, always seek immediate medical support.

3. Infestations 

Centipedes tend to be nocturnal, which means they can live in your home for days without anyone noticing. While other centipedes prefer moist environments, giant centipedes like warm, dry ones. Unfortunately, that means centipedes often flock to piles of clothing, towels, beds, and blankets. To prevent their infiltration, ensure your home’s exterior walls and doors are free of any cracks and flaws. If you find any places where centipedes could enter, seal them up right away. If you think you already have centipedes in your home, fumigation services offer the most effective mode to combat the problem. 

To prevent and combat centipedes in the Maui area, contact the fumigation professionals from Dick’s Fumigation Services. With over 65 years of combating pests like centipedes, bedbugs, and termites, you can count on these technicians to protect you and your family. To learn more about the local Wailuku, HI, business, visit the website. You may also call a helpful professional at (808) 244-7496.