Centipedes
Ethmostigmus rubripes
Centipedes usually have flattened heads (like someone has stepped on them). They also have antennae in the front part used for orientation.
Like other myriapods, centipedes leverage their many legs and sometimes use them to hold down their potential dinner.
The antennae and front and back legs are used for orientation based on vibrations due to the lack of seeing eyes. In most species, even if there are organs that look like eyes, they primarily function to tell light from dark. This is an essential survival mechanism because centipedes thrive in the dark.
The centipede is the only arthropod that has its legs as a natural extension and modification of its mouth. This is where their venom glands are located. Their first pair of legs is not an actual mouthpart. They function a bit differently, which makes centipedes unique in this respect.
The body of a centipede is divided into segments. This is what helps them to be so flexible, hide from predators, as well as hunt down prey. Their antennae are finely attuned to seek out smaller insects.
Signs of a centipede infestation
- Visible Centipedes: If you see centipedes, especially in the kitchen, bathroom, or dark corners, it’s a sign that an infestation might be developing.
- Presence of Molted Skins: As centipedes grow, they shed their exoskeletons. Finding these shed skins in corners, basements, or crawl spaces is a clear indicator of an infestation.
- Increased Insect Activity: Since centipedes feed on smaller insects like ants, termites, or spiders, an increase in these pests can signal that centipedes are nearby.
- Droppings: Like many pests, centipedes leave droppings behind. These are often small and dark and can be found in areas where centipedes are active.
Pest control treatment for centipedes
There isn’t special centipede pest control. Once you schedule a visit from a pest controller, they’ll come, evaluate your case and conduct general pest control with proper pest control sprays.
