Although the name centipede means 100 legs, they actually have between 15 and 177 pairs of legs. Centipedes have a flat, segmented body that can be grey to a brownish yellow in colour. Each of their body segments contains one pair of legs. Centipedes range in length from 2.5cm up to 15cm long.
Although not considered dangerous, centipedes can bite people and are venomous. A bite can be 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. During the day they hide in dark and damp areas, and become active at night to forage for food.
Geophilomorpha/ Oryidae
Chilopoda
Typically living from 1 to 6 years, centipedes place their eggs in moist soil during spring or summertime. As such, they can be difficult to identify. Mating without direct contact, centipedes grow extra leg segments as they mature.
Centipedes are found where large numbers of other insects are since they feed on them. Their prey are other household pests including spiders, beetles, moth larvae, ants, and worms. They even prey on other centipedes too. They are predators and use ambush tactics to disable their prey. Discovered in places with plenty of cracks and crevices, centipedes infest basements and garages, and are often found outdoors in mulched gardens too.
Centipedes don’t normally leave signs of infestation, nor do they damage buildings or contaminate food. Therefore, they often go undetected for some time. Preventing a centipede infestation can be di fficult, but not impossible. Seal any cracks or crevices that are visible in your home or building’s foundation or exterior walls. Elsewhere, keeping logs, rocks and other organic material away from the exterior of your home or business can help too.
Since centipedes eat other insects, making your home bug-free is a good place to start. Reduce any clutter you have because centipedes thrive in areas that constitute hiding places. The best way to get rid of centipedes is to contact Terminix Canada’s Newfoundland branch. Our professional exterminators can provide the quality centipede control you need.
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Terminix Canada’s Newfoundland branch proudly serves the following areas: Bay Roberts, Brigus, Carbonear, Clarenville, Conception Bay South, Gander, Mount Pearl, Old Perlican, Paradise, Placentia, Portugal Cove-St Philip's, St. John's, Torbay, Whitbourne
