Centipedes are arthropods that enter our homes and businesses when outside conditions become too uncomfortable for them. Aside from seeking harborage, sources of moisture and food inside your structure draw them. There are some basic identifying features to keep in mind in order to get more familiar with these nuisance pests.
Centipedes measure anywhere from one to six inches in length. They have flattened, elongated bodies that are yellowish-gray/brown/red in color. They have one pair of legs per body segment and are known for always having an odd pair of legs. Their individual leg count can range anywhere from 30 – 354 legs. Centipedes move very slowly by making wave-like motions with their legs. They curl into little balls when they feel disturbed.
We highly recommend securing professional pest control in Denton to protect yourself from an infestation of centipedes. Adams Exterminating Company is here to address all your centipede control and prevention needs. Read on to learn more about these invaders.
Do Centipedes Bite?
Centipedes are venomous carnivores that feed mostly on a diet of insects and worms. If you’re wondering whether centipedes bite or not, the answer is they don’t typically bother humans. However, if you provoke them, they can bite.
Centipedes use their venom to kill their prey, and while most centipede bites are relatively harmless, there are some centipedes with toxic venom. When a centipede’s venom has harmful toxins, the bite can cause allergic reactions and other adverse health conditions in those with allergies.
Unlike other pests, centipedes don’t bite using their mouthparts. Instead, centipedes puncture their victims using their pointy pair of legs located on their first body segment. If you notice two puncture marks on your skin, with red and swollen skin surrounding the area, it may be a centipede bite.
How To Care For A Centipede Bite
If you get bitten by a centipede, the site of the bite can be painful, and you may experience varying levels of irritation depending on the size of the centipede. Here’s how to care for a centipede bite:
- Apply a warm compress or source of heat to the wound to dilute the venom.
- You can reduce swelling use an ice pack or cold compress.
- Use antibiotics on the wound to keep the bite site clean.
- Cover the cleaned and medicated bite site with a band-aid for protection.
If you experience a more severe reaction to the bite, such as fever, chills, and heart palpitations, you should get it looked at by a medical professional.
Four Ways To Prevent Centipedes In Denton
When it comes to keeping centipedes out of your home, there are certain attractants that you should eliminate from the property. Seeing as centipedes like moist, dark places, it’s a good idea to address conducive conditions around your home. Here are four ways to prevent centipedes in Denton:
- Eliminate yard and garden debris around your property, keep your lawn neatly cut, and landscaping around your property well-trimmed.
- Eliminate all decaying wood and keep all firewood off the ground and away from the foundation of the house.
- Fix any moisture issues around the property, correct any drainage and plumbing problems, and use a dehumidifier in damp areas of the house to minimize levels of moisture.
- Check door and window frames for potential entry points and gaps/openings, seal cracks and crevices around your foundation, and block off access points.
While being proactive is a great place to start, there is no method of protection as reliable as professional pest control services. That’s where we come in.
Professional Pest Control To Get Rid Of Centipedes
Adams Exterminating Company is here to deal with centipede activity around your Denton property so that you don’t have to. Our professional pest control treatments get rid of centipedes around your home, and we implement the proper precautionary measures to keep them off your property moving forward. Reach out today to discuss your centipede control and prevention needs.