Centipedes are often considered one of the most repulsive creatures on the planet. They're creepy, crawly, and have a habit of showing up uninvited in Katy homes.
The good news is that these creepy pests don't pose a threat to humans. The bad news is that they can still be a nuisance, and nobody wants them scurrying around their home.
Contact a local Katy pest control firm if you have a centipede problem in your home. They'll quickly and efficiently remove the centipedes from your home so you can rest easily.
How To Identify A Centipede
The first step in getting rid of centipedes in Katy is to identify them. Centipedes are small, elongated creatures with 15 to 177 pairs of legs. They're usually brown or reddish-brown and can range from ⅛ inch to around six inches long.
They have one pair of long, thin antennae and one pair of legs on each body segment. Centipedes are fast-moving creatures and can travel up to one foot per second. They're nocturnal, so you're more likely to see them at night.
Some individuals tend to confuse millipedes with centipedes. Although both have a lot of legs, millipedes have two pairs of legs per body segment while centipede has only one.
Centipedes are also more aggressive than millipedes and can deliver venomous bites, whereas millipedes can't. If you come across a centipede in your house, contact pest control right away.
Centipedes Are More Than Just Creepy Looking
While most people find centipedes creepy and gross, they actually serve a purpose. Centipedes are predators and play an essential role in the ecosystem by preying on other pests.
Centipedes typically eat small insects and spiders, but they've been known to feast on larger prey like lizards, frogs, and birds. Centipedes are also known to eat roaches, moths, flies, silverfish, and termites.
Because of their diet, centipedes can be beneficial to have around. However, that doesn't make them any less creepy. Most people would still rather not have centipedes in their homes, making it crucial to know how to prevent them from coming inside.
Here's a list of preventative measures:
- Keep your house clean and free of clutter: Centipedes like to hide in dark, moist places. By keeping your home clean and free of clutter, you're making it less appealing to centipedes.
- Fix any leaks: Centipedes are attracted to moisture, so fixing any leaks in your home is essential.
- Seal cracks and openings: Take a look around your home and seal any cracks or gaps. This will help keep centipedes out.
- Use a dehumidifier: Centipedes thrive in humid environments. Using a dehumidifier can help make your home less appealing to them.
If you have poisonous centipedes in Katy, don't panic. A licensed pest exterminator can get rid of them safely and professionally. They'll also dispose of any dead centipedes around your property to maintain sanitary conditions.
Factors That Attract Centipedes Into Your Home
Wondering why there are centipedes in your basement or garage? Here are some of the factors that can attract centipedes into your home:
- They're looking for food.
- They're looking for shelter.
- They're looking for moisture.
- They're looking for warmth.
If you have any of these factors in your home, it's more likely that centipedes will find their way inside. Consult a pest control professional to remove any centipede eggs in your home and assist you in getting rid of centipedes for good.
The Best Way To Get Rid Of Centipedes In Your Home
Bottom line: centipedes are creepy, crawly critters that no one wants in their home. If you have centipedes in your Katy home, reach out to All-Safe Pest & Termite.
We're a family-owned and operated business with over 37 years of experience in the pest control industry. We're dedicated to providing our customers with the best possible service and offer a wide range of services to meet your specific needs.
We specialize in residential and commercial pest control, so whether you have centipedes in your home or office, we can help. We also offer termite control, bed bug control, mosquito control, etc.
Contact us today to schedule a free consultation. We'll be happy to help you make the best decision for your property.