Centipedes have been around for millions of years and fossil evidence dates back to the late Silurian period, which occurred four hundred and twenty million years ago. These insects are believed to have evolved from marine life and their adaptations have allowed them to live in a wide variety of habitats. Centipedes can be found all over the world, aside from Antarctica.
Despite the name, centipedes do not always have one hundred legs. The number of legs varies depending on the species, but they commonly have between fifteen to one hundred and seventy-seven pairs of legs. Centipedes are known to primarily eat other small insects, spiders, and other small creatures. These insects are strict carnivores with venomous fangs that they use to paralyze their prey. Centipedes are very fast and can quickly catch their prey.
While these bugs are strict carnivores with a venomous bite, they do not typically harm humans or come in contact with them. If a person experiences a bite from a centipede, a reaction may occur, similar to a bee’s sting. People may experience swelling, redness, and irritation. If a bite occurs, it is advised to wash the affected area, use a cold press, and apply an antihistamine cream.
Because centipedes primarily eat other insects and bugs, they are least likely to affect gardens or vegetation around the home. They actually play a great role in controlling the bug population within a garden. They can at times help maintain a balance within a garden’s ecosystem.
There are some steps you can take to keep centipedes out of your home. The most important thing to address is any leaks throughout the house. Centipedes thrive in damp, humid areas and will most likely create their home in a bathroom or kitchen, where water is typically more apparent in those areas.
Another way to help keep centipedes out of your home is by sealing any cracks or gaps in doors, windows, and walls, and by keeping your home clean. Centipedes will only survive in your home if there is a proper supply of their food source. If you see centipedes in your home, chances are, there’s a bigger problem of smaller insects in your area. Treating the smaller bugs first will help keep centipedes from surviving.
Regularly keeping your home clean and free of clutter helps keep smaller bugs and centipedes from entering your home. If you have an infestation of small bugs or centipedes, contact your local Insight Pest Solutions for help. Taking the initiative to keep your home free of smaller bugs will help keep bigger bugs like spiders and centipedes at bay.
