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House Centipede
Centipedes, or "hundred-legged worms," are reddish-brown, flattened, elongated animals with many segments, most of which have 1 pair of legs. The first pair of legs is modified into poisonous jaws located below the mouth. Antennae have 14 or more segments.
The house centipede is grayish-yellow with 3 dark, long stripes down the back
with the legs encircled with alternating dark and white bands. The actual body
length is an inch or slightly longer (wormlike), surrounded with 15 pairs of
very long legs making the creature appear much larger. The last pair of legs is
more than twice the body length of the female. A pair of very long slender ante
nnae
extends forward from the head.
They move quickly and are sometimes mistaken for long-legged spiders. Other centipedes, found outdoors, often are more elongate with shorter legs and antennae.
The house centipede, unlike most other centipedes that normally live outdoors, can live indoors especially in damp, moist basements, cellars, bathrooms, crawlspaces or unexcavated areas under the house. They are sometimes seen running rapidly across the floor with great speed, stopping suddenly to remain motionless and then resuming fast movements, occasionally directly toward the homeowner in an attempt to conceal themselves in their clothing.
They have a "fearful" appearance but cause no damage to the structure, household possessions or foods. Some can bite when handled carelessly, resulting in a slight swelling or pain no worse than a mild bee sting.
Centipedes are long-lived, sometimes up to 6 years. They overwinter as adults and lay eggs during the warm months. Usually eggs are laid in the soil and protected by adults. Some species give birth to living young.
Centipedes need moist habitats and those living outdoors are found in rotting wood, compost piles, mulch, wood chips, leaves, etc.
The house centipede can complete its life cycle indoors, as it prefers dampness. They mate and breed in dark cracks and crevices. Eggs hatch into larvae which have 4 pairs of legs. There may be 5 or more larval stages with the number of legs increasing with each molt. Following larval growth are 4 adolescent stages, each with 15 pairs of legs. Centipedes prey on insects, spiders and other small animals, being considered beneficial to humans. The last pair of hind legs are modified to lasso and hold the victims until they are paralyzed by venom from the jaws connected to poison glands.
The house centipede runs swiftly when disturbed and can climb walls easily. Some are found around sump pumps in basements or bathrooms and other humid, dark hiding places where they are most active at night. They usually occur in small numbers and, in spite of their fearful appearance, they are considered harmless to humans. Most in the United States do not bite humans, but a few tropical species will bite, inflicting painful wounds. The jaws of young centipedes are usually not strong enough to cause more than a slight pinch when biting.
Treat the outside with a residual liquid such as Demand, Tempo or Suspend. Be sure to treat a six foot swath all the way around the house and one foot up the foundation wall. You should also spray all the potential entry points into the house such as windows, doors, vents, fireplaces, plumbing, etc. Spraying the harborage areas such as under mulch, black plastic, holes or cracks in cinder block walls, retainer walls or hollow trees will also help. For added control, apply a pesticide granual such as Talstar..
Treat the inside with Delta Dust, Borid Turbo, or Drione. These products can be applied to cracks and crevices where these arthropods hide. Be sure to pay attention to plumbing areas, wall voids, and under cabinets. Pay special attention to any areas of your home where there is water. This includes the refrigerator, air conditioner, dishwasher, laundry room and all of the plumbing.
For application equipment, you may need the White Crusader Duster.
Tips for Control
Eliminating or minimizing potential harborages outside is the best way to limit infestations of these centipedes. Remove ground cover and make sure all leaves, etc. are cleaned up. Sealing cracks in the building's exterior helps prevent these pests from entering. Installing screening in all vents is important.
