Everyone has seen house centipedes at one time or another. These long, leggy critters are often found shimmying out of a drain or across the floor. Although their creepy visage makes your skin crawl, there are a few facts that exterminators want you to know about these pests. 

The Basics of House Centipedes

Are House Centipedes Dangerous?

House centipedes are harmless and may only cause allergic reactions in people sensitive to them. Even though they have venom, their fangs are tiny and usually can’t penetrate skin. If you do feel a bite, it will be no more painful than a bee sting. For those who suffer from bug bite reactions, call your exterminator to help rid your home of these pests.

What Time of Day Will You See Them Most?      

House centipedes are nocturnal, which explains why most sightings are at night. They will come out to hunt for their meals during the darker hours of the day searching for something to eat. They also love a dark, damp place like closets, basements, or bathrooms.

What Do They Eat?

Exterminators will tell you that these critters eat other critters like termites, cockroaches, silverfish, and ants, making them an effective means for pest control. They even have a taste for spiders and bed bugs. Since they don’t have good eyesight — or on some species, no eyes at all — they find their prey via their antennae.

Do They Really Have 100 Legs?

Their name translates to 100 legs, but they can have anywhere from 15 to 177 pairs. On female centipedes, the last pair is more than twice as long as its whole body. Having so many limbs is what makes them so fast.

Why Do They Curl Up Like That?

House centipedes groom each leg one at a time with their mouth forcipules. When you see them curling around themselves, they are most likely taking care of their bodies, cleaning off any food or dirt that may have accumulated.

 

Take back control of your house by working with pest control professionals that can expertly clear any space. For over 25 years, TAAP Pest Elimination has been Spencerport, NY’s source for pest control services. Family-owned and -operated, these exterminators deliver quality pest removal and rodent control, keeping your property free and clear of unwanted guests. Call (585) 723-­6542 or visit them online to learn more about their offerings.