Centipede and Centipede Control
Centipedes are one of the creepiest-looking insects you may find inside of your home. The centipede is a staple in most haunted house-based horror films and the last thing you want to see. Centipedes are often mistaken for their arthropod counterpart, millipedes. Centipede control is one of the best ways to ensure your home does not become a haunted house.
Seeing a centipede creep across the floor is one of the most disturbing sights one can find in their home. There is nothing worse than watching one escape under the couch or bed only to wonder where it will go later. You should not have to live with these uneasy feelings inside your own home. Do not let a centipede take away your sense of comfort in the one place you let your guard down.
About Centipedes
Centipedes come in different species and build, but they all generally share some common characteristics. For example, centipedes will often have many legs that contribute to them looking “creepy” or “gross” to some. Typically, they have one pair of legs per body segment and a set of fangs set just behind their antenna. A centipede’s fangs are essentially hollow legs with claws located on the first body segment that contain venom.
A centipede’s bite is not necessarily life-threatening, but it will not feel pleasant. The affected area will typically remain red, swollen, and sore for days or two. More sensitive individuals are prone to more symptoms, and seeking medical care is always the top recommendation. Otherwise, centipedes are helpful because they are active hunters and manage other pest populations.
Types of Centipedes in Oregon
Brown Centipede
The brown centipede will be most active in soil or under rocks and compost debris. They will have only about fifteen body segments and a total of 30 legs. This centipede will have an orange-brown coloring and appear long like many other common species.
Bark Centipede
The Bark Centipede has a brighter orange top half of their bodies and a yellowish under half. They usually have about twenty-three body segments equaling forty-six legs and claw-like features for attacking their prey.
Soil Centipede
This species of centipede ranges in colors from reddish to complete white. Soil centipedes earn their name by primarily burrowing in gardens, woodlands, yards, or other areas underground.
House Centipede
The House centipede is one of the most terrifying-looking centipede species thus far. They have fifteen pairs of long, slender legs that are barbed to hold onto their prey.
Pest Threat Level 5/10
A Centipede’s Behavior
Centipedes are elusive insects that are nocturnal or only active at night when they are less visible. For the most part, centipedes are solitary travelers, and certain coastal species travel in packs. Most species live alone until they start mating with a partner. The new couple is initially aggressive, and it is not uncommon for them to eat each other.
Centipedes will not deliberately attack humans unless they are cornered and feel they can defend themselves. The average centipede spends most of its day hiding until it is time to hunt for food. They prefer to hide inside areas that provide protection and cooler concealment like the ground, inside logs, or stumps. They are not territorial and often do not stay in one place for too long.
Centipedes vs. Millipedes
At first glance, centipedes and millipedes look incredibly similar, and many individuals often confuse the two. However, some distinct critical differences between centipedes and millipedes will help identify.
- Legs- Centipedes will have one pair, two legs, per body segment, whereas the millipede has four legs per body segment.
- Hunter and Scavenger- The centipede is a known active hunter that often seeks out smaller insects. A millipede is more of the scavenging variety often eaten on decaying plants.
- Shape- A centipede’s body type will be a lot flatter versus a millipede’s more round body shape.
- Threat Response- Centipedes are known for biting their prey and using venom. A millipede is more docile and will coil up or release an awful smelling secretion.
- Commonalities- Both arthropods are great for gardens because millipedes help with decomposition, and centipedes can regulate insect activity.
Eating Habits
One of the few reasons centipedes are not as harmful to keep around is their diet. Centipedes are natural hunters who will eat various insects as their primary food source. They are not the pickiest eaters in the world either; they will eat spiders, cockroaches, bed bugs, and crickets. However, centipedes are aggressive and eat another centipede even if it is their mating partner.
Centipedes will use their antennae to seek out prey since they have an unreliable vision and no eyes at all for certain species. Having all those legs helps them dash in quickly before their prey can escape. Then, they use their front claws to harm, inject paralyzing venom into their game and start consuming with their mandibles. Centipedes are helpful pest control technicians, but you may be susceptible to a centipede bite without control.
Get Centipede Control for Your Home
Centipedes are extremely creepy-looking insects that can leave you feeling uneasy you come across one. When you are ready to get the best centipede control in Oregon, call Prime Pest Solutions. Our team will build up protective barriers during quarterly pest control treatments, stopping centipedes from accessing the home.
The Prime Pest Solutions team comprises community members who personally understand the local pest issues. They will show you areas around the home that may be more vulnerable to infestations and harborage points. You should be able to enjoy your home and not have to worry about a centipede crawling across your foot. Contact Prime Pest Solutions today for a free estimate and get set up for your first treatment!
