|
|
|
|
House Centipedes
- Sometimes called "hundred-leggers" -
|
Summary: Centipedes are small to large, multi-legged, predatory arthropods. Most centipedes are found outdoors but one, the house centipede, is found indoors. It is harmless but like any large arthropod centipedes can bite but are not venomous.
Jack DeAngelis, PhD
OSU Ext. Entomologist (ret.)
|
|
What are centipedes?
 Centipedes [right; more pictures of centipedes] are elongate and somewhat flattened predatory arthropods. Centipedes have a single pair of legs on each of their body segments whereas millipedes (Diplopoda) have two pair per segment. They range in size from very small (4 mm ~ 1/8") to very large (150 mm ~ 6"). Larger centipedes can inflict a painful but non-venomous bite.
As predators, centipedes are beneficial to gardeners and no attempt should be made to control them outdoors. They feed on a variety of small prey many of which are garden pests. Wear gloves when working around wood piles and other debris where centipedes are found to protect your hands from bites.
|
|
|
house centipede - notice long, delicate legs and antennae; head is to the right; common names & misspellings: "hundred leggers", "hundred-legged worms", centepede
|
|
|
|
|
House centipedes
The house centipede (above right) has unusually long, fragile legs and is the only centipede that is typically found in houses. The house centipede occurs in southern Europe and eastern Canada and the US. This centipede is about 1-1/2" long and inhabits damp areas of houses, it is harmless but frightens many homeowners.
House centipede control in homes
House centipedes tend to occur in damp, undisturbed areas of homes and generally no control is needed. If possible dry out these areas and clean up any debris where centipedes might hide. Insecticidal dusts can be used in dry areas to control wandering centipedes. Either borate or silica dust will be effective as long as it remains dry. Areas that remain damp can be treated with one of the new plant-based botanical insecticides (see Using Natural Dusts in Home Pest Control).
|
|
|
|
|
 |
If our information is useful click here to help us maintain and grow 'Bugs!
|
|
|
|
Don't forget to bookmark us for next time - press ctrl-D in most browsers.
|
|
|
|
|
Mission: To provide accurate, up-to-date and unbiased information for solving common insect and mite problems around your home, business and landscape using least-toxic methods.
Jack DeAngelis, Ph.D.
Please see the Disclaimer statements as well.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Copyright © 2004-... LivingWithBugs, LLC. All rights reserved. Page Updated: 1/2/2010
|
