Centipede Identification & Prevention
What are centipedes?
Centipedes have long, flat bodies with long antennae. As arthropods, centipedes have a hard exoskeleton and a segmented body. They have one pair of legs per body segment, unlike their close relatives, millipedes, that have two pairs of legs per segment.
This pest can come in various colors, but most centipedes that you will see in Birmingham are yellowish-gray or dark brown.
Are centipedes dangerous?
Centipedes are usually regarded as nuisance pests because they do not pose serious health risks or cause dangerous property damage as many other pests do. However, they have venom and can bite but are not likely to break through the skin.
In any case, it is best not to handle this pest with bare hands because their bite can be painful, and some people may be allergic to their venom.
Why do I have a centipede problem?
Two main factors invite centipedes into a home; food and moisture. For this pest, food consists of insects and spiders. You may not realize that you have a pest problem, but centipedes will, and they will follow these pests inside through cracks in the exterior of your home.
A home with a lot of moisture will undoubtedly attract pests, including centipedes.
Where will I find centipedes?
You will find centipedes around gardens, and other insect places their insect prey congregate. If they make their way inside, you can find them in damp areas such as the basement, garage, bathrooms, and under sinks. However, they are nocturnal, so you may not see them during the day.
How do I get rid of centipedes?
Because the presence of centipedes can mean there are other pest problems, you are best off calling in the experts for assistance.
At EnviroCare, we pride ourselves on:
- Being environmentally responsible.
- Offering detailed and customer service services.
- Employing trained experts.
- Guarantee our services.
With our residential pest control offerings, you can have a pest-free in no time. Get started by contacting us at EnviroCare for professional pest management you can rely on!
How can I prevent centipedes?
No one wants to have their home professionally treated for pests, just for the pests to come back again, but unfortunately, this can happen. If your property continues to provide conducive conditions for these pests, they will return. You can remove and reduce these conditions by:
- Removing entry points such as cracks in the foundation and gaps around door and window frames.
- Reducing moisture by using dehumidifiers and ensuring you have proper ventilation, especially in kitchens and bathrooms.
- Keeping water away from your foundation by using crushed rocks to create a barrier between the foundation and soil. You should also keep your gutters free of debris and make sure downspouts guide water away from your home.
- Removing organic debris such as leaves and grass clippings from your yard.
- Treating plants and gardens that have pest problems.
Remember, centipedes are predators, so if you have these pests in your home, there can be plenty of others too! So call us at EnviroCare for pest control services in Birmingham, AL!
