In your opinion, how many legs are too many legs? We think if a creature has more than four legs it does not belong inside a home, or at the very least should be kept inside a cage. That said, if pests were judged strictly by the number of legs they have, centipedes would be the worst around. These invading insects are terrifying to look at and a bane to many property owners around Plano. If you own a home or business in the area and are looking for a way to keep centipedes outside where they belong, here are some things you should know.
What Are Centipedes?
There are many different species of centipedes that live across the globe. The most common species in our area is the house centipede. This yellow to dark brown arthropod has anywhere from 15 to 177 pairs of legs and grows to be up to 6” long. One thing that makes centipedes extra scary is the speed at which they skitter about. The average adult centipede moves at 16 inches a second. This is the equivalent of a human sprinting at 42 miles per hour. What makes things worse is that a centipede can transition from floors to walls to ceilings without breaking pace.
Why Centipedes Invade Properties
Centipedes are a lot like spiders in that they survive on a diet of insects such as ants, flies, and beetles. If your home or business has trouble with a variety of pests like these, centipedes will want to come inside to hunt. Infestations become even more common during the colder months of the year as many different insects, arachnids, and arthropods seek shelter indoors away from the unsurvivable conditions outdoors.
The Dangers Of Centipedes
Some species of centipedes have painful bites. These bites are laced with venom which can be life-threatening to certain individuals. To find out if you are allergic to insect venom, consult with your local doctor. The good news is that house centipedes are not nearly as venomous as some of their close cousins and they only bite if they are trapped or directly threatened. However, it is never wise to pick up one of these pests with your bare hands.
How Centipedes Get Inside
Centipedes get inside by using entry points like gaps and cracks in the exterior of homes and businesses, spacing under doors and around windows, and through damaged window/door screens, weatherstripping, and door sweeps. As structures grow older, more and more of these openings present themselves. This is important to know, especially if you live in, or run your business out of an older building.
Five Prevention Tips For Centipedes
- Identify and seal up gaps, cracks, and holes in your home or business’s exterior foundation.
- Address damage to door sweeps, weatherstripping, and door/window screens.
- Use a dehumidifier indoors and fix leaky piping/fixtures.
- Keep your home or business as clean as possible and clutter-free.
- Clear debris and clutter, such as leaf piles, sticks, toys, and containers around your property.
What To Do To Keep Centipedes Out For Good
For the best solution to a centipede infestation, look no further than All-Safe Pest & Termite. We work closely with home and business owners to make sure pests like centipedes stay outside where they belong. If you have never considered the benefits of a general pest control plan for your property, today is your day to do so. Contact us today to discuss your options with one of our friendly service representatives. They will walk you through our service plans and find one that best fits your Plano property’s pest control needs.