Centipedes

Centipedes Identification Guide

Physical Characteristics

Centipedes are long, flat arthropods with many body segments. Each segment has one pair of legs. The number of legs varies by species, ranging from 15 to over 300. Their bodies are usually brown or reddish-brown. They have long antennae that help them find their way in dark spaces. Behind their head, they have venomous claws used to catch prey. While they may look scary, centipedes are more of a nuisance than a real threat.

Common Species

• House Centipede (Scutigera coleoptrata)

• Eastern Red Centipede (Scolopocryptops sexspinosus)

• Stone Centipede (Lithobiomorpha)

Centipedes Behavior and Biology

Centipedes hunt at night, feeding on insects, spiders, and other small pests. They use venom to catch their prey before eating. Centipedes like dark, damp places such as basements, crawl spaces, and areas with mulch or debris outside. They lay eggs in soil or organic matter. Some species can live for several years. Unlike millipedes, centipedes are fast predators rather than slow scavengers.

How We Treat for Centipedes

Our centipede treatment targets existing infestations and prevents future problems.

• Thorough Inspection: We check basements, crawl spaces, and other dark, damp areas where centipedes hide. We also look for entry points like cracks and gaps.

• Interior Treatment: We apply a targeted insecticide along baseboards and areas with known centipede activity.

• Exterior Treatment: Granular insecticides are used around the foundation, mulch beds, and moist areas to reduce centipede numbers before they enter your home.

• Moisture Control Tips: Since centipedes need humid conditions, we suggest improving drainage, sealing gaps, and reducing clutter in basements and crawl spaces.

• Ongoing Prevention: Our tri-annual pest plan (three times per year) includes follow-ups to check for activity and keep centipedes from returning.