If you see a tan bug in your home that has a lot of thin legs shooting out from its sides, you're looking at a centipede. And, since it is in your house, it stands to reason that we should call it a house centipede. This may seem like a simple description but when it comes to these creepy bugs getting into your home, you probably are not interested in knowing that centipedes belong to a class called Chilopoda, or that they are in the Subphylum Myriapoda family. You want to know why they're getting in, how dangerous they are, and how to keep them out. Here's what you need to know most about house centipedes.
Why Are Centipedes Getting In?
Centipedes are moisture pests. Moist conditions lure them in, and moist conditions keep them in--moist conditions such as:
- A shaded area near your foundation wall where the sun can't dry the soil out after it rains.
- A wet area that is being created on your perimeter from an obstruction in your gutter system.
- A puddle under a leaky spigot that has caused your mulch to become damp.
- A wet basement with high humidity.
- A cellar with weeping pipes.
If you have moist conditions, centipedes will feel right at home around, and inside, your home.
How Dangerous Are Centipedes?
The house centipede is not considered medically important. While they can bite humans, and it can sting, bites from these bugs usually only produce a red bump. They are also not known to spread or carry diseases and harmful bacteria. As long as you have a good heart and can tolerate being scared half to death when something strange, hard, and prickly runs across your foot in the dark, you should have nothing to worry about.
How Do I Keep Centipedes Out Of My Home?
Centipedes can be limited by reducing wetness, drying out interior environments, and sealing up entry points in foundation walls and exterior walls. But, if we're to be completely honest, centipedes are hard to keep out without the use of control products--products that should be handled by a trained and certified professional. These pests can walk up walls and traverse ceilings. This can give them access to entry points you don't even know about.
There are a lot of bugs in the world. Some of the bugs that will get into your home can cause you harm and damage your property. Consider ongoing pest service to keep all the bugs out and you'll be sealing centipedes out along with them. For more information, or to start service, drop us a line. We look forward to serving you.