The term centipede means "one-hundred legs," but these creatures actually have somewhere between 15 and 177 pairs of legs. These critters are equipped with front limbs that have sharp claws that allow them to capture their prey and quickly subdue it with their venom. Centipedes are related to shrimp, crayfish, and others.
What do house centipedes eat? Centipedes are predatory creatures that are primarily active at night, hunting for roaches, spiders, and various other insects.
Do centipedes bite? Although they can bite, centipedes generally use their front claws in a manner that can create red, swollen, and irritated skin. What are some of the recommendations regarding how to repel centipedes? Many experts suggest limiting moisture and sealing crevices both inside and outside.
How To Identify Centipedes
Centipedes have a long, flat body that measures at least a ½ inch and may appear in shades of brown, red, orange, grey, and more. The prevalent house centipede (Scutigera coleoptrata) often has a yellow or grey appearance, roughly 15 pairs of legs, and long antennae. Those who have encountered a house centipede can attest that these creatures use their many legs to achieve surprising speed.
Are Centipedes In Rock Island Venomous?
Do centipedes bite? Although they can bite, the house centipede will likely try to use its front legs for delivering a sting, which might be painful but is unlikely to be dangerous. The venom that centipedes possess generally lacks the potency needed to create human health risks.
What Attracts Centipedes To Rock Island Homes?
What do house centipedes eat that might be attracting them? Centipedes are formidable hunters that will pursue cockroaches, termites, bed bugs, and many other creatures.
Experts believe that centipedes originated in regions with warm and humid climates; however, many species have shown the ability to adapt to various climates. During the cold winter months, centipedes will seek the warmth of a home when possible. House centipedes usually avoid light and are likely to be seen in basements and bathrooms.
How To Get Rid Of Centipedes On Rock Island Properties
Are you wondering how to get rid of centipedes naturally? Some individuals have experienced success with repelling centipedes using tea tree oil and peppermint oil. Some of the best practices for preventing them include:
- Limit potential points of entry by repairing or replacing torn screens, applying weatherstripping to the seals of windows, and installing sweeps on exterior doors
Promptly repair leaky faucets or other water-related concerns
Keep basements and crawlspaces ventilated and use a dehumidifier when necessary to reduce moisture and humidity.
Local Pest Control Company That Knows How To Repel Centipedes
At Quik-Kill Pest Eliminators, we are committed to continuously expanding our application methods and extermination capabilities through the training and education of our seasoned technicians. We are proud to report that our organization has earned QualityPro certification, an accomplishment that places us among the industry leaders in the pest control industry. QualityPro recognition extends nationwide and results from embracing best practices that relate to consumer protection and ensuring ecological safety.
Companies that receive this designation demonstrate professionalism by hiring the best people who are all properly tested, trained, and background screened. As a true advocate for public health, QualityPro has created a panel of representation that includes members of the National Pest Management Association (NPMA), the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the American Mosquito Control Association, and others.
We invite property owners in the Rock Island region that are encountering problems with ants, cockroaches, rodents, and other undesirable and potentially dangerous creatures to contact us for an onsite inspection and estimate. One of our specialists will visit the property to assess the nature and extent of the problem so that an appropriate treatment plan can be performed that will create positive results.