We’ve all seen them. Scurrying across the floor in search of food or shelter, these long-bodied pests can be quite a nuisance.
Where do centipedes come from?
House centipedes come from the Mediterranean region. The first mention of centipedes in the US was in 1849. Today the little creatures are well-established in the Northeastern parts of the US. They live mostly in leaf piles, moist dirt, and dead logs. Their contribution to the ecosystem is immense. However, care,epy crawlers sometimes come inside the house, particularly during the winter.
Since then, they’ve become one of North America’s most common household pests. Several different types of centipedes are found in homes today, but the most common is the house Centipede (Scutigera coleoptrata).
This species is typically dark brown or black and has 15 pairs of legs.
They’re also known for their long bodies and fast movements. House centipedes are generally harmless to humans and prefer damp areas like basements or bathrooms. However, their presence can still be unsettling for some people!
The Many Faces of Centipede: Where Does This Pest Come From?
Centipede, the many-faced pest.
Have you ever seen a centipede and thought to yourself, “Gee, that’s a lot of legs!”?
Well, you’re not alone. Centipedes are arthropods, meaning they have jointed legs and can have a lot of them – up to 400!
Centipedes are found all over the world and come in a variety of shapes and sizes. They can be brown, red, black, or even brightly colored.
So, where does this many-faced pest come from?
Centipedes are quite ancient, dating back to the Silurian period, over 400 million years ago. That’s older than the dinosaurs!
They are predators and eat just about anything they can catch, from insects to frogs. Moreover, centipedes are quite beneficial to have around, as they help keep the insect population in check.
A Brief History of the Centipede
The centipede is a multi-legged creature that has been around for centuries. The name “centipede” comes from the Latin word “centum,” meaning “hundred,” and “pedis,” meaning “foot.
” true to its name, the typical centipede has 100 legs, although some species have fewer legs. Centipedes are found in a variety of habitats all over the world.
Centipedes are predators that typically feed on insects, spiders, and other small animals. The centipede’s venomous bite is used to kill its prey.
Centipedes are not considered dangerous to humans, but their bites can be painful.
The first recorded mention of the centipede was by Roman naturalist Pliny the Elder, who described the creature in his comprehensive work “Natural History” in the first century AD.
Centipedes have been featured in various folklore and mythology over the centuries. In some cultures, the centipede is considered a bringer of good luck, while it is seen as a symbol of evil in others.
Despite its long history, scientists still do not know much about the centipede.
How the Centipede Made Its Way to America
The centipede is an ancient creature that has been around for over 400 million years. It is believed to have originated in the ocean but made its way to land during the Devonian period.
Centipedes are found on every continent except Antarctica. It is believed that they made their way to North America via the Bering land bridge during the last ice age.
Centipedes are predators and will eat just about anything they can catch. They are especially fond of insects but will also eat spiders, lizards, frogs, and small mammals.
Centipedes are fast and agile and can deliver a painful bite with their sharp claws. While most centipedes are harmless to humans, a few species can deliver a nasty bite.
These bites are usually not fatal to humans but can be very painful. If a centipede bites you, it is best to seek medical attention immediately.
Different Types of Centipedes Found in Homes Today
Centipedes are one of the most common pests found in homes today. There are many kinds of centipedes, but the house centipede is the most common.
Centipedes are usually between one and five inches long and are brown or black. They have long, slender bodies with many legs.
Centipedes are predators and eat almost any small insect or spider. They are often found in damp areas such as basements, closets, or bathrooms. Centipedes are not dangerous to humans, but their bites can be painful.
If you have a centipede problem, there are many ways to eliminate them.
Why You Might Have a Centipede Problem & How to Solve It
If you’re dealing with a centipede problem, chances are you’re not alone. You might be surprised to learn that centipedes are one of the most common household pests.
But don’t worry, there are a few things you can do to get rid of them. First, it’s important to understand why you might have a centipede problem in the first place.
Common locations of centipedes inside the house
Centipedes don’t usually crawl in the open. You won’t usually see these tiny creatures on the floor or crawling up the wall in the living room. The common locations of centipedes include:
- Bathtubs
- Sinks
- Drain pipes
- Basements
- Sump pump hoses
Centipedes are nocturnal creatures. They come out to eat only during the night. So you may have a difficult time locating them. If your house is not properly caulked, the centipedes may be hiding in the hole in the wall or floor. Moreover, the tiny creatures may hide beneath the furniture as well.
Most centipedes are found in areas with moisture and insects. Bugs and water are too much for the centipedes to resist!
Centipedes may live in your supply of firewood outside the house, and they may hitch a ride when you bring firewood inside the house. The tiny creatures may also lurk under the leaves. If the pile of leaves is near your home, they may crawl inside your house. The little crawlers can also enter the home if there is a rotten tree with thick bark located near the house.
Centipedes also live inside rock crevices. They may crawl through the cracks in the foundation of your house. The little creatures may also crawl up the sump pump hoses and pipes. In addition, they are not shy about crawling through the gaps in the windows and front doors.
Why Are Centipedes Drawn to My Home?
There are a few reasons why these pests might be drawn to your home:
1. Centipedes are Attracted to Moisture.
If your home is damp or has high humidity, it’s more likely to attract centipedes.
2. Centipedes Like to Hide.
They’re often found in dark, damp places like basements, crawl spaces, and closets.
3. Centipedes Are Looking for Food.
These pests are attracted to homes with a lot of insects, which they’ll eat. Now that you know why you might have a centipede problem, it’s time to take action.
So, what prey attracts centipedes inside the house?
The following pests are part of the ‘centipede menu’ that makes your house attractive to tiny creatures.
- Crickets
- Earwigs
- Roaches
- Spiders
- Flies
- Moths
- Silverfish
The above are the common pests that centipedes love to eat. But almost any bug will be part of the centipede diet. The tiny creatures rush the insects and grab them with their evil front legs. The venom in the common house centipedes is not dangerous to humans. But you should still avoid handling the insects to avoid an adverse reaction.
How can you prevent centipedes from coming to your house?
You can take many steps to prevent centipedes from coming inside your house. Here are some tips to prevent these tiny creatures from entering the house.
Place sticky traps
It would be best to place sticky traps near places where centipedes live, such as crevices and corners inside the house. But you should know that sticky traps are only effective for smaller centipedes and are ineffective for large centipedes that will crawl over the glue tarps and leave only a few legs behind.
Caulk gaps inside the house
Another effective tip to prevent centipedes from entering the house is to caulk the cracks and crevices. It would be best if you caulked gaps in the walls and floors inside and outside the house. Make sure to caulk areas around window sills, doorframes, and pipes.
You can also use expanding foam spray to seal the cracks. Sealing the small gaps will prevent the tiny crawlers from entering your home.
Buy a dehumidifier or exhaust fan.
Centipedes are attracted to damp areas inside the house and like moist areas such as the bathroom, attics, closets, and basements. To prevent centipedes from coming inside the house, you should consider using a dehumidifier in these areas. In addition, you should also consider installing exhaust fans in the attic and bathroom.
Get rid of pests
Most centipedes come to the house due to the presence of pests that form their diet. By removing indoor pests, you can reduce the likelihood of centipedes coming to your house. The tiny creatures cannot survive long without eating insects such as ants, bed bugs, spiders, and silverfish.
If there are no critters inside the house, the centipedes won’t infest the house. They won’t thrive and multiply inside the house if you take away the source of their food. The tiny crawlers will either die or leave the house.
Natural repellent
You can use natural repellent to prevent centipedes from coming inside the house. Cayenne pepper is a natural centipede repellent, and the main ingredient in the cayenne pepper is capsaicin, a natural insect repellent. Consider sprinkling cayenne pepper in places where centipedes like to live.
Another natural repellent is neem oil. Neem has anti-bacterial, anti-microbial, anti-viral, and anti-fungal properties. Farmers use neem oil as a biopesticide to get rid of pests. Neem oil disrupts the hormonal system of the centipedes, due to which they stop breeding and feeding.
Keep the outdoors clean.
Keeping the outdoors clean can also prevent centipedes from coming inside the house. It would be best if you cleared grass clippings, leaf litter, and other debris that can harbor centipedes. Consider throwing away the debris instead of keeping them near the house. It would be best to consider cleaning the spaces surrounding the house where centipedes thrive.
If you have sprinklers, you should turn them on early morning, allowing the soil to remain dry throughout the night. It would be best if you also reduced the range of the sprinkler, so they don’t sprinkle water close to the house.
You should consider cutting it down if ivy grows on the outside walls, and Centipedes tend to thrive inside the plant.
Keep Your Home Clean and Free of Clutter.
Centipedes like to hide in dark, damp places. So, the first step is to declutter your home and remove any places they might be able to hide.
Fix Any Leaks.
Centipedes are attracted to moisture, so it’s important to fix any leaks in your home. This will help keep your home dry and make it less attractive to centipedes.
Reduce the Number of Insects in Your Home.
If centipedes are attracted to your home because of the insects, reducing the insect population is important. This can be done by sealing up any cracks and crevices where insects might enter your home.
You can also use insecticide sprays and baits to kill insects.
Call a Professional.
If you’re still having trouble getting rid of centipedes, it’s time to call a professional. Pest control companies have the experience and knowledge to get rid of these pests for good.
If you have a centipede problem, don’t wait to take action.
FAQs about Where Does Centipede Come From?
What attracts centipedes in your house?
There is no definitive answer to this question, as centipedes can be attracted to various things in your house. However, potential attractants could include food sources (e.g., insects, small mammals), moisture, and dark hiding places.
How do you get rid of a centipede?
There is no definitive answer to this question. Some people recommend using a vacuum cleaner to suck up the centipede, while others suggest using a dustpan and brush to sweep it up.
Still, others recommend using a cup or container to trap the centipede and release it outside.
Are centipedes harmful?
There is no definitive answer to this question, as centipedes can be found in a variety of habitats across the globe. While some centipede species are known to be venomous, the majority are not considered harmful to humans.
Should I kill house centipedes?
There is no right or wrong answer to this question, as it depends on personal preferences and opinions. Some people may kill house centipedes because they find them pests, while others may choose to leave them be.
Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to kill house centipedes is up to the individual.