Have you ever come across a centipede in Kitchener? If you have, you might have thought you saw a millipede. Besides, centipedes and millipedes are similar in many ways, still the two are not the same. Centipedes are arthropods with bodies which are yellowish to dark brown, plus they have a distinguishing round head and back, as compared to millipedes. In addition, centipedes are carnivore pests that eat insects like termites, roaches, silverfish, etc. They are venomous and rarely bite humans, but humans can suffer from severe pain or swelling for some hours if centipedes bite them. You should wash the area of your body with soap and water if a centipede bites you to avoid pain or swelling due to a centipede bite.
Moreover, centipedes are not a threat to people’s health and properties; still, they are irritating pests to find in the house.
Centipedes Are Arthropods, Not Insects
Centipedes are arthropods related to insects; however, they are not insects, similar to millipedes and sowbugs.
What first appears to be an insect with all its legs might not be an insect. After a closer look, it becomes obvious why this family of arthropods isn’t classified as an insect: they can have anywhere from 15-177 pairs of legs, depending on the species! Insects generally only have six legs, so centipedes get a free pass on that one.
Upon further scrutiny, you can see that centipedes possess antennae and poison claws or jaws, making them even more unique than their arthropod relatives. So next time someone calls them creepy crawlies or tries to swat them away, do point out that they aren’t technically insects – maybe they’ll give them some respect!
Centipedes Prefer Moist Environments and can be found in Gardens, Under Rocks, and Inside Logs
Centipedes certainly have a flair for the dramatic. When you’re out in your garden, it’s as if they granted themselves a complimentary invitation to join, lurking underneath rocks and logs with their hundred legs splayed out. They love a moist environment, but you never know when one might pop up – not even your house is off-limits!
Centipedes have an insatiable curiosity and will show up wherever they think the conditions suit their liking. So watch your step when you’re outside – there may be some unwelcome arthropod friends on the prowl who want nothing more than to surprise you!
How can Centipedes be Dangerous?
Centipedes are surprisingly dangerous animals. Despite emitting squeaky chirps when threatened, they can make a powerful sting thanks to their modified front legs, which act as venomous fangs. This venom is used to immobilize prey, and while it generally won’t harm humans beyond potent burning sensations at the bite site, some centipede species have poison strong enough to cause severe reactions in people with allergic reactions. You should not try to touch centipedes even if these poisonous arthropods appear harmless to you. Also, give a call to an exterminator if you find centipedes in your home instead of taking care of the problem yourself.
How to Eradicate Centipedes If They Infest Your House
Centipedes can possibly infest your house in Kitchener. If they do, call a pest control company to get rid of these arthropods from your home. Further, doing the following things can also help you evade a centipede infestation in your house:
- Use natural pesticides as an insecticide barrier around your house.
- Eliminate conditions to deter centipedes from your house, like using weatherstripping around your doors & windows and reducing humidity in your house.
Final Words
Centipedes are not only the stuff of nightmares but also fascinating creatures with a lot to teach us. If you’re ever unfortunate enough to wake up to one in your bed, just remember: it’s more scared of you than you are of it. And if that doesn’t make you feel any better, contact us, and we’ll be happy to help you get rid of it.