No one likes to think about insects and creatures, but it’s necessary if you want to keep them out of your Fort Worth home or business. As a property owner, you can’t afford to have creepy crawlers on your land. Not only are many hideous to look at, but they can be very harmful. Some can injure or hurt humans, while others are capable of damaging belongings or transmitting diseases. Centipedes can do all three of these things. If you learn about them, you’ll have the tools to protect your Fort Worth property from centipedes.
Since Centipedes aren’t discussed as often as other bugs, there’s less widespread knowledge about them. You can take some time now to read about them and discover what All-Safe Pest & Termite can do to help you avoid them.
How Do Centipedes Look & Behave? What Are the Dangers?
The flat and segmented bodies of centipedes vary in size and color. Their sizes range from less than an inch to a total of five inches long. Several are red-orange or brown, just as many others are white or yellow. They are known for having a long pair of antennae and a bevy of legs, from 15 to 177. Being carnivorous, they consume worms, spiders, and vertebrates. Centipedes hunt at night and catch their prey by using their claws to inject their targets with paralyzing venom.
Moist and dark environments are comfortable for centipedes. Thus, they will settle in your kitchen, bathroom, laundry room, or any place with a sink or drain. Havens for these pests include closets, attics, and basements. They enter properties through gaps around doors, windows, and foundations. Should they remain outdoors, they’ll be living and laying their eggs in damp soil.
Given that centipedes are nocturnal, seeing one in broad daylight is a sure sign you have an infestation. Even worse, it strongly suggests that you have other critters inside your home or business. Remember, bugs make up a centipede’s diet.
The three main issues with centipedes are:
- They can bite humans and cause mild pain.
- Coming in contact with them in any way may result in skin irritation.
- When they’re crushed, they leave tough stains on fabrics and surfaces.
How Can You Prevent Centipedes?
Centipedes don’t pose a significant or lethal threat to humans, domestic animals, or possessions. That doesn’t mean you want to deal with them, though. They have a scary appearance, and you don’t want to be worried about skin irritation or bites, much less a blemished tablecloth or shirt. Scrubbing bug marks off a countertop isn’t fun either.
Make sure you perform these steps to prevent centipedes:
- Immediately repair any leaks causing moisture problems.
- Clean your gutters and exterior air vents often.
- Use dehumidifiers for a temperate climate.
- Cut down on clutter, and don’t stack stored items against walls.
- Vacuum carpets and rugs on a routine basis.
- Patch up cracks and crevices near foundations, windows, and doors.
- Trim greenery, and distance it from your property.
- Groom your lawn and discard rotting matter, like dead leaves.
- Keep outbuildings neat.
- Contact All-Safe Pest & Termite if you have critters centipedes eat.
What Can All-Safe Pest & Termite Do About Centipedes?
All-Safe Pest & Termite is the largest pest control company in the Fort Worth area for several reasons. We offer affordable plans that cover a vast amount of local critters, and our services come with guarantees. Our industrial-grade treatments include low-toxicity options. Last, but not least, our technicians are skilled and experienced. No centipede or creature will be around to aggravate you once we finish. Call us today! You’ll receive a free estimate when you do! We can’t wait to assist you!