Centipedes
Chilopoda
General Info
- Centipedes are most active at night, feeding mainly on insects and spiders
Size
19.05 to 31.8 millimetres, excluding the large legs
Colour
Black | Brown | Tan
Commonly Mistaken for
Additional details
- They are usually associated with damp, dark places such as under stones, flowerpots, boards, or similar debris where there is abundant moisture
- Indoors they may be found in basements, closets, and bathrooms where there is usually high humidity
- Centipedes are looking for food (small insects)
- Centipedes are technically beneficial since they are predators and eat insects; however their appearance and presence in the home are frightening to most people
- Larger centipedes, if provoked, may bite, causing pain and some slight swelling -centipede bites are usually not serious, but a physician should be consulted in all cases where the skin is punctured
- Keep compost piles and decaying vegetation away from the house
- Caulk windows and holes to prevent entry
- If you notice centipedes in your basement, try running a dehumidifier to make the area less humid, and therefore less appealing
Related products
Raid Max® Home Insect Killer kills a variety of household insects on contact including ants, fleas, centipedes and bed bugs.