The term creepy is used to describe several pests, but we don’t think this word truly encapsulates what centipedes are. With their oddly bent legs and long bodies, these creatures are better described as bone-chilling, horror inducing, something that makes the alien in Ridley Scott’s Alien look like Hello Kitty. But are these pests as dangerous as they look? Here are a few things you should know about centipedes, and keeping them far away from your Livermore home.
What Are Centipedes?
Centipedes are long, multi-legged creatures from the same family as millipedes. Despite their name, this pest can have anywhere from 15 to 177 pairs of legs that continue growing until the day they die. A female centipede produces upwards of 150 baby centipedes in her lifetime. Although not as creepy as full adults, these babies are equally problematic around properties.
Why Do Centipedes Invade Homes?
Our homes were not built for centipedes, but they have lots of attractors that invite these uninvited guests. Not only are our homes comfy with year-round temperature control, but they are also loaded with nooks and crannies for centipedes to hide. Generally, these pests are drawn inside to avoid the colder weather outside. They could also be hunting in search of other pests like flies, cockroaches, and beetles. No matter the reason, the only thing a centipede needs to invade your home is a way inside.
The Dangers Of Centipedes
Despite their horrific appearance, Livermore centipedes are mostly harmless pests. House centipedes specifically do not possess venom, do not spread disease, and rarely bite humans. The biggest problem that these pests bring into homes is an annoyance and the occasional jump scare.
Some Ways To Prevent Centipedes
There are many methods and motives for centipedes to invade a home. To keep these annoying freaky pests out of your living spaces, here are some helpful prevention tips to consider:
- Trim bushes and tree branches back from your home’s exterior so sunlight can shine on its foundation.
- Mow your lawn at least once a week and more often during times of heavy rainfall.
- Make sure your gutter systems are clear of debris and properly channeling water away from your home.
- Fix leaky pipes and fixtures and use a dehumidifier to solve moisture issues.
- Use high-quality caulk to fill holes, gaps, and cracks in the exterior of your home.
- Check windows and door screens for rips and tears and fix any damage you find.
- Make sure all of your exterior doors are equipped with door sweeps.
- Inspect weather stripping around your home and make sure it is damage-free.
- Eliminate debris and clutter from around your yard.
- Organize your storage areas and minimize clutter around your home.
- Clean, clean, and clean some more: the cleaner your home and yard are the better.
Why It’s Wise To Invest In Professional Pest Control For Centipedes
Centipedes are one of the more difficult pests to keep out of a home. If you’re having trouble preventing these pests or need a more reliable solution to handle these creepy creatures, get the experts at ProActive Pest Control involved.
We will implement advanced general pest control measures around your property and monitor them with scheduled service visits to ensure pests stay out of your Livermore home. Contact our team today to find your solution to troublesome centipedes.