Centipedes

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What are centipedes?

While their name may mean 100 legs, these critters actually have somewhere between 15 and 177 pairs of legs. Centipedes are an arthropod with a flat, segmented body that can be gray to a brownish yellow in color. Each of their body segments contains one pair of legs. They can range in length from under an inch to 6 inches long.

Centipedes move very quickly but they have poor eyesight so they use touch and smell to find their prey. They are carnivores and will feed on worms, spiders, silverfish, and other small vertebrates. During the day they hide in dark damp areas and become active at night to forage for their food.

Why do I have them?

Centipedes are generally found outside and during the day they like to hide in dark damp areas like under stones, mulch, leaf piles, and rotting logs. Centipedes will move inside if they can find those same conditions; in homes they will hide in crawl spaces, basements, closets, and bathrooms.

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Common Centipede Questions

Are they dangerous?: Centipedes can bite people and are venomous. A bite from a centipede is quite painful, feeling similar to a bee sting. They use their venom to attack and paralyze their prey; however the venom is not strong enough to affect a human beyond the typical symptoms of a bee sting.
How do I get rid of centipedes?: Getting rid of centipedes can be difficult because they are very good at hiding in the dark cracks and crevices of your home. The best way to get rid of centipedes is with the help of a pest control professional. American Pest’s team has the experience, training, and skills necessary to eliminate centipedes from your home quickly and effectively. At American Pest we understand that each home has different needs and therefore will inspect your entire home and property and then provide a customized centipede control plan.
Can I do it myself?: Controlling centipedes with DIY pest control may seem like a solution, but it is actually not a good idea. If pesticides are not mixed properly or placed correctly they can be dangerous for you, your family and pets. Also, DIY pest control generally does not address the root of the problem, while it may get rid of the centipedes for a short period, they will be back. American Pest will find and eliminate the source of the infestation, providing you with long term relief from centipedes.
How soon can you get here?: We work very hard to provide our customers with fast service. At American Pest we will do our very best to provide you with services the same day or the very next day. Contact us today to schedule your inspection appointment.
Is the treatment safe?: The services that American Pest provides to our customers will not cause any harm to people or pets. Every product used by American Pest has undergone extensive testing by the EPA and has been registered for pest control use. You can be confident that by choosing American Pest your pest problem will be eliminated and you and your family will be kept safe.
How can I prevent this in the future?: Preventing centipedes from invading your home can be a difficult task, however there are some steps you can take around your home to help stop them. Seal any cracks or crevices that are visible in your home or building’s foundation or exterior walls. Make sure to keep gutters clear and that they are directing water away from your home. Keep logs, rocks and other organic material away from the exterior of your home or building to prevent attracting centipedes.

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