Centipedes are elongated, multi-legged arthropods that can range in size from a few millimeters to over a foot long. They are found all over the world, with the exception of Antarctica. There are over 8,000 known species of centipedes, and they can be found in a variety of habitats, including forests, deserts, and even underwater.
Centipedes are carnivores that feed on other insects, spiders, and small animals like lizards and mice. They are equipped with venomous jaws, or forcipules, that they use to inject their prey with venom. This venom is strong enough to kill small animals and can cause pain and swelling in humans.
Centipedes are nocturnal creatures that prefer to hide in dark, damp places during the day. They are often found in basements, crawl spaces, and bathrooms, as these areas offer the ideal habitat for them. They can also be found under rocks, in leaf litter, and in other moist environments.
Centipedes reproduce sexually, with females laying eggs in moist soil or sand. The eggs hatch into small centipedes, which go through several molts before reaching adulthood. Some species of centipedes can live for several years, while others have a lifespan of only a few months.
While centipedes are generally considered harmless to humans, they can be a nuisance if they invade your home. To prevent centipedes from entering your home, it is important to eliminate their food sources by keeping your home clean and free of clutter. You can also seal up any cracks or gaps in your home’s foundation or walls to prevent centipedes from entering.
Centipedes are fascinating creatures that play an important role in our ecosystem by controlling the populations of other insects and small animals. While they can be a nuisance if they invade your home, they are generally harmless to humans and can be easily prevented with a few simple steps.
What Attracts Centipedes to Homes?
Centipedes are attracted to homes due to an abundance of prey, such as cockroaches and spiders, which they feed on. They may be found in various places within the home, including cement block walls, boxes, clutter on the floor, and floor drains. Additionally, the warmth and safety of a heated home can be appealing to centipedes as it provides an ideal environment for them to reproduce. centipedes are drawn to homes by the presence of their prey and the comfortable living conditions provided by a heated home.
Getting Rid of Centipedes in the House
Centipedes are a common household pest that can be found in damp areas such as the basement, bathroom, or attic. To get rid of them, it is important to thoroughly clean these areas and remove any potential hiding places. Here are some steps you can take:
1. Clean damp areas: Use a vacuum to remove any debris or moisture that may attract centipedes. You can also use a dehumidifier to reduce moisture levels in these areas.
2. Seal entry points: Centipedes can crawl into your home through cracks and crevices. Seal any gaps or openings around doors, windows, and pipes with caulk or weatherstripping.
3. Remove clutter: Centipedes love to hide in cluttered areas. Remove any unnecessary items or boxes from your home to eliminate their hiding places.
4. Use insecticide: To kill centipedes, you can use a household insecticide such as Ortho® Home Defense Max® Indoor Insect Barrier with Extended Reach Comfort Wand®. Apply the insecticide in areas where you have seen centipedes or where they are likely to hide.
5. Keep your home dry: Centipedes thrive in moist environments. Keep your home dry by fixing leaky pipes or faucets and using a dehumidifier in damp areas.
By following these steps, you can effectively get rid of centipedes in your home and prevent future infestations.
Should I Eliminate House Centipedes?
House centipedes are not harmful to humans or homes and serve as natural pest control by feeding on other insects. Therefore, there is no need to kill them. In fact, getting rid of house centipedes can actually lead to an increase in other unwanted pests, as they are one of the few predators of common household insects such as spiders, cockroaches, and silverfish. Additionally, killing house centipedes can disrupt the natural balance of your home’s ecosystem. Therefore, it is best to simply leave them alone and allow them to do their job of keeping other pests in check.
Can Centipedes Crawl on My Bed?
Centipedes are known to crawl on beds, which can be a very unpleasant experience for those who encounter them. Centipedes are attracted to areas that are warm and damp, which is why they may be found in basements or other areas of the home that are prone to moisture. However, they are also known to make their way into apartments and homes, and can sometimes be found crawling on beds.
It is important to note that while centipedes can be unsettling to encounter, they are generally not harmful to humans. However, some species of centipedes do have venomous bites, so it is best to avoid handling them if at all possible. If you do find centipedes in your home, it is recommended that you take steps to eliminate any sources of moisture and seal up any cracks or gaps that may be allowing them to enter. Additionally, you may want to consider using a pesticide or contacting a pest control professional to help eliminate the infestation.
Conclusion
Centipedes are creepy-crawly pests that can invade homes and cause discomfort to residents. However, they are also beneficial predators that feed on other insects like cockroaches and spiders, making them a natural form of pest control. To prevent centipedes from entering homes, it is important to keep damp areas clean and remove any potential hiding places. If centipedes are found inside the home, Ortho® Home Defense Max® Indoor Insect Barrier with Extended Reach Comfort Wand® can effectively eliminate them. While they may seem unsettling, house centipedes do not pose a threat to humans or homes and can actually be a helpful addition to the ecosystem. By understanding their behavior and habitat preferences, homeowners can coexist with these fascinating creatures in a safe and comfortable manner.
