Centipedes can inspire fear in homeowners, and it’s not hard to figure out why. These creatures look like something from a horror movie, but they aren’t as scary as they seem. In today’s article, learn whether or not centipedes in Tulsa are dangerous and find out if you need to take precautions to keep them out of your home.
What Are Centipedes?
Centipedes are named for their many legs. They are found throughout the United States and in many other countries. But they aren’t as frequently seen by humans as some other pests. This is due to the fact that they come out mostly at night and they move at a rapid pace.
Identifying this invertebrate is simple, as it has an elongated body and between 15 and 177 pairs of legs. Regardless of how many legs it has, this pest always has an odd number of pairs. While you probably won’t get close enough to count its legs, you will notice its color. Centipedes vary in coloration from yellow to dark brown, and some species have dark stripes on their bodies.
If you take a close look, you’ll find a pair of antennae on the invertebrate’s head. You might also notice appendages that look like claws. But what you can’t see is the venom inside the claws. While hunting, centipedes use their claws to inject prey and immobilize them.
Where Can You Find Centipedes?
Like many species of arthropods, centipedes prefer living in moist areas. They typically reside under dead logs, mulch, piles of leaves, and decks. At times, they make their way into homes and can be found in basements, crawl spaces, bathrooms, and other areas of high moisture.
As previously mentioned, centipedes are mostly nocturnal. You’re unlikely to see these pests during the day, but you might see them scuttling around your home at night.
Do Centipedes Bite?
Centipedes are carnivores, but they do not typically harm humans. Large species of centipedes may be able to bite through human skin, and this could cause pain and swelling. However, smaller species do no damage and all species are unlikely to bite unless you attempt to handle them.
Because centipede species in Oklahoma are smaller, you don’t need to worry about a bad reaction from a bite. Even if you have a bad reaction to a bite, it probably will be minor. At the worst, it will be like a bee sting.
Because of this, centipedes are not considered dangerous pests. Not only are they relatively harmless, but they also don’t cause damage to your home. Despite this fact, many people would prefer not to have them around.
Preventing Centipedes
To keep centipedes out of your home, take a few simple precautions. Remove all areas of moisture from around the perimeter of your home. This means moving all of your leaf piles and raking up grass clippings. If you have any stones or rocks near your home, move them further away as these are items centipedes like to hide under.
Limit the moisture inside your home. Consider waterproofing your basement or using a dehumidifier. If your bathrooms don’t already have working fan/vents, install them and use them every time you shower. Proper home ventilation is essential to limiting moisture and can also keep away other pests.
Another way to keep centipedes out is to seal up all of the holes, cracks, and gaps in your walls and foundation. Without an entrance to your home, centipedes will need to stay outside.
There’s no guarantee that your prevention methods will work. For the best results, consult an experienced pest control technician. Contact the professionals at Montgomery for more advice or assistance.
