What Do Common House Centipedes Look Like?
Common house centipedes average one to two inches in length, but their legs make them appear larger. Juveniles and adults have flattened brownish-yellow bodies with three black stripes. Babies develop another set of legs with each molt totaling 15 pairs when the house centipede reaches maturity.
How Can I Tell if I Have a Common House Centipede Problem?
Most homes or businesses provide the perfect place for the common house centipede to live, eat, and breed. A few signs of this pest include:
- Sighting – You may spot these pests in your basement or around drains.
- Other Pests – Insects, spiders, and other arthropods are the preferred food source for house centipedes, so they usually move into buildings with existing infestations.
- Molts – Common house centipedes molt up to ten times throughout their lives, so you might find their shed skins if there is a large population.
How Do Common House Centipedes Get Inside Homes and Businesses?
A common house centipede enters homes through cracks in foundations and concrete slabs. Tiny holes in baseboards and doors, as well as open spaces near sump pumps, are also easy access points. You can even carry them into the house by accident on potted plants or firewood.
Warehouses usually have plenty of dark corners for house centipedes to hide. Industries that draw other infestations, such as food production and grocery stores, are also appealing to these pests. Buildings with damp basements, like apartments or schools, may also experience problems.
Are Common House Centipedes Dangerous?
Common house centipedes can bite if they feel they’re in danger, injecting a small amount of venom. This can cause painful red and swollen wounds similar to a bee sting. Those allergic to other stinging or biting pests may have a severe reaction and should seek treatment right away.
While common house centipedes can help control pest populations, many people find them frightening. This can cause issues for businesses. If a customer spots a house centipede, they may leave poor reviews or stop coming to your store or restaurant.
How Can I Prevent Common House Centipede Infestations?
Sealing up gaps in walls and building foundations may keep centipedes from getting indoors. Additionally, you should control excess moisture that draws these pests by running a dehumidifier. If you have common house centipedes, contact Waltham Pest Services and speak with a professional.