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centipede in home
03/15/16

When a centipede settles in your home, you might have just signed on to a six-year roommate contract. Known for making their way into homes and living for several years, centipedes can be a nuisance pest for homeowners. Just the thought of a centipede crawling in your closet or creeping across your bathroom floor is enough to send a shiver down your spine. But if you learn to identify the pests and take preventative measures, you may be able to keep your home to yourself and your family.

What are centipedes?

Contrary to popular belief, centipedes aren’t actually insects — they’re arthropods. Typically between 1/8 of an inch and 6 inches long, the creatures have anywhere between 17 to 177 legs, depending on their length. Centipedes are a yellowish or dark brown color and can have darker brown markings on their bodies. You can identify them by their one pair of antennae and cluster of eyes on each side of their head. Be careful, some species are known to bite. They’re also known to be more active at night, so it can be tough to spot one and take care of it during the day.

What are they doing in my home?

A centipede was likely drawn to your home for a variety of reasons. The critters favor dark, moist areas with an adequate food source, making basements and bathrooms an excellent place to invade. If you see one, you’re not in any immediate danger. Centipedes aren’t very harmful to humans, though a bite can be quite harmful — similar to that of a wasp. And when they begin to accumulate, their large numbers can be an annoyance to deal with and get rid of.

What can I do?

It’s best to let the professionals handle the source of the problem, but it’s up to you to take the necessary preventative measures. Since basements and bathrooms are so attractive to centipedes, consider taking care of the damp environment by investing in a few dehumidifiers and increasing ventilation. Keep your lawn and other grassy areas cut short so the grass can dry quicker without attracting centipedes. If you have thick mulch resting on your property, it can lead to a plethora of centipedes. Be sure to eliminate any food sources while you’re at it — both inside and outside. When you’re in the midst of an invasion or you’re suspicious of a small centipede lurking in the basement, don’t hesitate to contact Plunkett’s Pest Control. We have the tools and expertise to take care of your centipede problem, and our Plunkett-ized technicians have your best interests in mind. Contact us today to learn more or to schedule a service.

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crawling insects

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