There is no denying that centipedes are creepy-looking pests. If these long arthropods make your skin crawl, you are not alone. Most people dislike centipedes. The question is, are centipedes dangerous? Today we will be talking about these long, multi-legged pests and determining whether you should kill them on sight or allow them to live outdoors. Here are some things you need to know. Call ProCare Pest Services in Marietta today if you know you don’t want centipedes indoors and you are looking for an easy, long-term option to keep them out.
What Do Centipedes Look Like?
There are many different types of centipedes around the globe. Here in Marietta, the most common type is the house centipede. This pest has a thin body and long legs. Baby house centipedes can have as few as 15 pairs of legs. As they grow, they develop more segments and more legs. It is possible to see an old centipede with up to 177 pairs of legs! It would probably be about six inches long. As for color, house centipedes are yellowish to dark brown and sometimes have dark stripes and markings on its body and legs. Despite their obviously creepy appearance, are centipedes dangerous? Let’s find out.
How Dangerous Is A Centipede's Bite?
There are not many kinds of centipedes in Marietta, and the most common species in our area, the house centipede, does not pose any serious threat to human health. This small, multi-legged arthropod can bite, but rarely bites humans. You are most likely to be bitten if you trap one of these pests in your hands or against another part of your body. Although painful, a centipede bite does not contain venom and poses no risk to health. Mostly these long pests are annoying and cause a disturbance when they crawl throughout homes.
Something you should know is that centipedes are great at killing other pests around your property. If you see one indoors, we suggest using a piece of paper to pick it up and transport it outdoors. As for keeping centipedes out of your living areas, we recommend investing in long-term pest control.
Why Do I Have Centipedes In My Home?
Centipedes invade homes for a few reasons. These creepy pests love areas that are secluded, moist, and have bugs they can hunt. If the weather outdoors becomes unfavorable, centipedes will get into nearby structures to find shelter. If they find pests indoors, they will stick around. One thing you can do to deter these pests is put in place some exclusion tips. Here are a few to try today.
- Seal holes, gaps, and cracks in your home’s exterior foundation.
- Make sure your window/door screens are in good repair.
- Install door sweeps under exterior doors.
- Check the condition of weatherstripping around windows and doors.
For more help dealing with centipedes and other area pests, check out our pest control options at ProCare Pest Services.
What's The Best Way To Get Rid Of Centipedes?
The best way to deal with centipedes in Marietta is to hire a professional. At ProCare Pest Services, we put in great effort to ensure our community has access to top-of-the-line pest inspections, treatments, and long-term pest control care. Let us put our experience to use for you today so you can find out why we are your absolute best option for pest control in Marietta.
Contact ProCare Pest Services to learn about our affordable and effective pest control plans and find one that best fits your needs.