Centipedes are creepy arthropods that seem to come straight from a horror movie. The bugs have worm-like bodies with multiple pairs of legs on the segmented bodies. The hindlegs form a claw-like structure used to deliver venom to their prey. Centipedes in Lincoln may be hard to spot due to their nocturnal habits and the speed they move with. Lincoln pest control companies can keep the scary bugs from your home through effective treatments.
What Are Centipedes?
Centipedes are arthropods of the class Chilopoda and a branch of myriapods. Myriapods have numerous similar body segments fused into one. Here are quick tips to help you identify centipedes in your home:
- Centipedes have flat, elongated, worm-like bodies.
- They have multiple pairs of legs; 15-177 pairs.
- Centipedes can measure 1/8 of an inch to six inches in length.
- The bugs are yellowish-red to dark brown.
- They have long antennae protruding from the head.
- They have a tail-like pair of hind legs that contain the venom gland.
If you spot a centipede in your house, contact pest experts to help you determine the extent of the infestation and the different kinds of centipedes present.
Are Centipedes Dangerous?
Centipedes feed on smaller insects such as spiders, caterpillars, ants, moths, and crickets. They use their modified legs to inject a necrotic venom into their prey. The many-legged bugs will typically avoid human interaction and only sting if they feel threatened.
Centipede venom typically causes no harm to humans. Initially painful, the sting hurts for about 20 minutes and leaves a small red welt for a few hours. People allergic to bug bites can develop more severe reactions, including hives, dizziness, and intense itching.
While centipedes are generally harmless and even beneficial creatures that should be left undisturbed in their natural habitats, this does not mean you want them in your home. Call pest control experts in Lincoln to eliminate the huge centipede infestation on your property.
Why Are There Centipedes In My Home?
Centipedes are nocturnal and will come out at night to forage. Here are factors that could be attracting the bugs to your home:
Food
- Centipedes feed on other bugs such as spiders, flies, and beetles. An insect infestation inside your house provides a ready food source, luring the centipedes into your home. Eliminating the prey insects can help eliminate the centipedes in your basement.
High Moisture
- Centipedes can't survive in dry spaces. They prefer to live in damp environments like bathrooms, basements, and crawl spaces. You can check your house for excessive moisture content by using a hygrometer. Using a dehumidifier in your home can eliminate the red centipedes in your Lincoln house.
Shelter
- Centipedes prefer dark, damp spaces, and older homes often have more cracks, crevices, and crawl spaces for them to hide in. They are also attracted to dry materials such as wood and paper to form nests. Decluttering your home and sealing gaps in your exteriors can help eliminate the centipede with babies in your home basement or attic.
How Do I Get Rid Of Centipedes In My Home?
To get rid of centipedes, you need to eliminate whatever attracts them to your house. Getting rid of the food and water sources and harborage spots is an effective pest control measure. If you are afraid of the centipedes, you can hire professional pest exterminators in Lincoln.
Experts at Pro Active Pest Control can identify where the centipedes on your Lincoln property are hiding. We also use effective, eco-friendly products to eliminate the bugs from your home. Call us today to learn more about our home pest removal services.