Centipedes are arthropods often referred to as “hundred leggers” because of their name. “Centi” is Latin for 100, but centipedes rarely have exactly 100 legs and can actually have anywhere from 30 to over 300 legs. Centipedes are easy to identify because of their long, flat bodies, multiple pairs of legs, and murky yellowish or red bodies.

The Common House Centipede

There are an estimated 8,000 species of centipedes in the whole world, but the most common species you’ll see around your home is called a Scutigera coleoptrata, or House Centipede. Although they aren’t fun to have around, they don’t pose a threat to your family or your home.

Where Do They Live?

Generally, centipedes prefer cool, damp places, which is why you’re most likely to find them in basements and bathrooms. But you’re likely to find them in almost any part of the house during the fall and spring when they’re either searching for a warm hideaway for the winter or getting out and enjoying the warm weather.

Centipedes are attracted to your home because of the other pests that they can hunt there, including spiders, termites, bed bugs, cockroaches, silverfish, ants, and other common household pests. They hunt their prey by shooting out poisonous venom from fang-like appendages. They are most active at night and often hide in cracks or underneath objects.

Contact General Pest Control for Help

If you’re seeing a lot of centipedes around your home, it may be time to take action. An abundance of centipedes often signifies that there is some other prey insect that also exists in abundance in your home. Our professional team can help you fight against the centipedes and any other insects and help rid them from your home. Contact us today to request a free estimate for centipede extermination services.