House centipedes are vicious to other bugs, but they are mostly harmless to human beings. You should not have to worry about them hurting you. House centipedes are insectivores that do not recognize us as prey, so they usually leave people alone. To humans, a centipede’s worst offense is that it looks creepy. If you have been dealing with a centipede problem in your home or at your place of work, give The Exterminators a call (647-496-2211). We provide safe and effective solutions to all household pests.
The Scutigera coleoptrata, or house centipede, is a common pest in North America and around the world. The average house centipede is 10cm long and appears yellow, with three dark stripes along its back. It has as many 15 pairs of legs that stick out from the sides of its body, with one clawed pair at the front that is coated with a paralyzing venom. When a centipede attacks another insect, it scratches it with the venom, then eats it later. House centipedes are commonly found in basements, bathrooms, and other humid areas where there is insect activity.
Because centipedes feed solely on other insects, they are unlikely to attack a human being. A centipede might “bite” you with its claws if you held it in your hands, but its claws are so small that they probably won’t break your skin. There is also so little venom in a centipede’s claws that it has no effect on humans. Some people may experience a reddish bump on their skin and some mild irritation, similar to a bee sting. While it is rare, some people are allergic to centipede bites and should consult a physician if there is extreme swelling or if they feel unwell. Simply avoid touching the pests to avoid getting bit.
If there are centipedes in your home, you can get rid of them by removing the things that are attracting them in the first place. Find out which bugs the centipedes are feeding on and eliminate them. If you are unsure of what you are dealing with, call your local pest remover for an inspection. Then, fix leaky faucets and set up a dehumidifier in the most humid area of the home. Keep pests out by using a silicone caulking or expanding foam and sealing the cracks in the window frames, door frames, and siding of the home. Ensure that your bug screens have no holes in them.
In some cases, centipedes require professional intervention. These are nasty pests that will give anyone the heebie-jeebies. A licensed pest remover can identify where the pests are coming from and provide you with a lasting solution. The technicians at The Exterminators are thoroughly trained and experienced in centipede removal and use professional-grade insecticides that work much better than anything available in stores. Our solutions are safe, affordable, and reliable. Call The Exterminators today for high quality centipede control.
