Centipedes are one of those pests that cause panic. Between their strange appearance and their unusual behaviors, they can be an intimidating insect to encounter. But to properly get rid of centipedes on your Houston property, you’ll need to know more about these peculiar pests first.
All About Centipedes
As you’ve probably heard, the name “centipede” means “100 legs.” However, the number of legs centipedes actually have can range from many fewer to significantly more than 100, and always in an odd number. The most recognizable feature of these pests is their long segmented bodies, each segment outfitted with its own pair of legs. There are only four recognized species of centipedes in North America which all share some similar traits.
Centipedes can range between 1/8 of an inch to over 6 inches in length. They are venomous and have powerful mandibles but are not likely to bite people or pets. The rare experience of a centipede bite can be painful but is no more dangerous than a sting from a wasp or bee.
As predators, centipedes feed on various smaller pests, including spiders, silverfish, cockroaches, and other centipedes. They prefer to live in habitats with lots of moisture, like beneath rotting logs, piles of leaves, loose bark, and heavy stones. While they are capable survivors outdoors, centipedes may occasionally find their way inside your property.
Why Centipedes Come Indoors
Your yard has everything a centipede could ever want — places to hide and bugs to eat. Generally, centipedes remain in their outdoor habitat and don’t bother people. But a sudden change in the weather, especially extremely cold temperatures, may cause centipedes to seek warmth and shelter indoors.
But centipedes aren’t the only pests to seek shelter during periods of inclement weather. If you’ve got a warm, humid basement, you’re likely to attract the bugs that centipedes feed on. Once centipedes have found reliable shelter and prey to eat, they are more likely to settle down, reproduce, and further infest your home or business.
Easy Ways To Prevent Centipedes
As scary as the sight of centipedes can be, you don’t have to worry about a full-fledged infestation if you stick to some simple prevention methods. Easy ways you can prevent centipedes from infesting your Houston property include:
- Cleaning up – Consistent cleaning doesn’t just make your home look nice; it reduces the presence of hungry pests that centipedes prey on. Clean floors and counters to get rid of food debris. Store food in sturdy containers with locking lids and always dispose of trash promptly.
- Yardwork – Eliminate any rotting logs, leaf piles, or other yard waste on your property where centipedes can hide. Mow the lawn and trim hedges regularly to reduce the areas where prey insects hide.
- Moisture control – Clear drains and gutters of blockages to prevent water backup. Seal any leaking pipes or fixtures. Ventilate basement areas by opening windows and running fans, or try installing a dehumidifier.
- Sealing entrances – Examine the exterior of your property for gaps, cracks, or splits. Seal any openings you find with silicone caulk. Be sure to check your weather stripping and door sweeps for damage and replace them as needed.
If you’ve spotted centipedes wriggling around on your Houston property, don’t wait for the problem to get worse. Get in touch with the experts at All-Safe Pest & Termite for the professional centipede control services you deserve.
We offer residential and commercial pest control services to address your centipede problems, whether at home or work. And with more than 30 years of experience in the greater Dallas/Fort Worth & Houston area, you know that you’ll get the best pest control around. Contact us today for more information.