Centipedes In Virginia

What do centipedes look like in Virginia? 

The most common species of centipede to cause problems for homeowners throughout the United States, including Virginia, is the house centipede. These centipedes are yellowish to dark brown, and some may have dark stripes or other markings on the body. The body is elongated and worm-like. Each of the body segments has one pair of legs. The word “centipede” means “hundred-legger,” but in reality, most species have between 15 and 177 legs. Centipedes have a long sensitive antenna covered in dense hair. They have very poor sight, and the antenna helps them to locate prey. The first pairs of their limbs (maxillipeds) end in sharp claws and contain venom glands that allow the centipede to capture and paralyze its prey.

Are Centipedes dangerous?

Centipedes are most commonly thought of as nuisance pests and don’t pose any significant threat to people. They are nocturnal and hide during the day, usually only emerging at night to feed when people are sleeping. Avoid contact with centipedes as they deliver dangerous bites to people, injecting venom during the process. Centipede bites are quite painful, but the good news is their venom isn’t usually strong enough to cause health concerns in people. 

Why do I have a centipede problem?

Centipedes are usually found outdoors. Centipedes are viewed as beneficial because they feed on a variety of nuisance insects, spiders, and other arthropods.

During the day, these nocturnal creatures hide out in damp, dark areas like under mulch, stones, landscaping ties, rocks, and leaf piles. Their hiding spots are near the foundations of homes and other buildings. Centipedes will often move inside through cracks in foundations and spaces under doors when the weather outside becomes too hot and dry for them to live comfortably outside.

Once inside homes, they seek out dark, damp areas to nest and hide in. These areas include crawl spaces, basements, closets, kitchens, bathrooms, and areas under sinks.

How do I get rid of centipedes?

Centipedes live outside, close to our homes. Keeping them out of our homes can be a difficult task. The easiest way to control centipedes residing in and around your home is to contact the centipede control professionals at All Pest Control & Solutions. Our seasonal, proactive home pest control plans can protect your home and family from centipedes and other household-invading pests. Serving Salem and the New River Valley areas, our professionals will inspect your property, develop a plan of action and then implement it! The end result – 100% satisfaction guaranteed centipede control for your property.

Does All Pest Control & Solutions have any centipede-prevention tips?

Listed below are a few things you can do to prevent these household-invading pests.

• Seal all cracks and crevices in the foundation of your home.

• Place door sweeps on all exterior doors.

• Seal spaces around utilities entering into your home.

• Place a crushed rock or stone barrier between soil or mulch and your home’s foundation.

• Remove excess leaves and woodpiles from your property.

• Ensure gutters are in good working order and are directing water away from your home’s exterior walls.

• Inside, reduce humidity levels by utilizing de-humidifiers, air-conditioners, and by properly ventilating crawlspaces.