As a property owner in Worcester, you already know there are plenty of pests in the area. One pest that is relatively misunderstood is the centipede. Often confused with the millipede, this pest is actually quite different.
Commonly known as the "hundred-leggers" thanks to its many pairs of legs, this pest is often considered to be a threat thanks to myths and rumors that have circulated over the years. The truth is that centipedes are barely noticed thanks to their nocturnal habits and fast movements.
You can be sure you've identified a centipede if the many-legged pest in question is yellow or brown with dark stripes and markings. For further identification, you can tell it’s a centipede if it has long antennae present on the head. However, it's rare that you'll sight one, which is why you'll have to look closely for the slightest signs.
Are They Dangerous?
While centipedes are both carnivorous and venomous, they are generally considered a nuisance pest rather than a dangerous one. While house centipedes can bite, they rarely do so to humans or pets, and bites will not cause any serious or lasting harm. House centipedes are not known to spread any diseases to humans or pets.
That doesn't mean they belong in your home though. If you have a centipede infestation on your hands, you'll want to bring in trained professionals to do the job of eliminating them.
Centipede Prevention Tips
Since it's not safe to perform removal without the help of trained professionals, it only makes sense to practice centipede prevention instead. The best prevention tips are:
- Reduce moisture: Like most pests, this one needs moisture to be nearby. The drier you keep your property, the less likely centipedes are to stick around.
- Landscaping: Centipedes like to hang out in your grass clippings, leaf piles, and other clutter. If they're in the yard, they'll end up in your home at some point. Good landscaping can stop that from happening.
- Maintain ventilation: Rooms need ventilation to remain dry. If your ventilation system isn't working properly, then be prepared for a centipede infestation.
- Seal entry points: Centipedes get in through gaps, cracks, and holes. If you seal these entry points up, then it won't matter how attractive your home is since they can't get inside.
- Professional assistance: Professional ongoing coverage is a great option for keeping centipedes and other pests away from your property. Consider investing in a residential pest control program.
Control Centipede Populations With Big Blue Bug Solutions
For more than 80 years, our team at Big Blue Bug Solutions has worked to keep our customers safe from all manner of pests including but not limited to insects, rodents, wildlife, and of course centipedes. While centipedes don't represent a threat by themselves, if left unchecked, the population can grow out of control, which disrupts your daily lives. At Big Blue Bug Solutions, we know that's unacceptable.
Whether you're looking to secure pest prevention services or need to address an existing infestation, we offer a number of residential pest control programs designed with your specific needs and budget in mind. We believe in putting the customer first, which is why we also focus on cleanliness as part of our service approach. Without fail, we always show up wearing blue gloves and booties so your home remains as clean as it was before we arrived.
Are you ready for centipede prevention services? Then give our team at Big Blue Bug Solutions a call to speak with one of our agents about our professional centipede control options or fill out our online form to schedule your free inspection.