There are around 8000 specious of centipedes throughout the world. Centipedes are most common North America. They have a scary appearance and causes no damage to house and foods. If handled carelessly, it may bite that results in a mild pain and swelling .They generally live outside but can live indoors damp, moist basements, cellars, bathrooms, crawlspaces or unexcavated areas under the house.

Centipedes Identification

Centipedes or "hundred-legers," are elongated, flattened animals. They have one pair of legs per body segment and the total number of legs in most species is from 30 to 100. The adult centipedes are more than one inch in length and are usually brownish. In house centipedes have long legs that enable it to run fastly.

Centipedes Habitat

Some Centipedes are nocturnal especially the one who hunt on ground and prefer moist places. During daytime they hide under logs and stone where they keep moist. Many Centipedes live in the soil and leaf litter. The fangs are located on the body segment just behind the head.

Centipedes Life Cycle

Centipedes can live up to 6 years. They spend the winter whether in protected areas and become active in the spring. The female lays eggs during summer in soil and cover them with a sticky substance and are protected by the adults. They larvae hatch after a few days and is similar to the adult centipedes but have less number of legs as it is of small size.

Centipedes Prevention

As centipedes prefer moist area, make sure to eliminate excess moisture. Close all the openings, if any, in foundation wall and around door and window frames. Make sure that old wood, compost piles, leaves, stones etc are not near the house foundation. If possible, place the trash away from the house in the sunlight so that it dries from the air and sunlight. Maple Pest Control Inc. has a wide range of products and techniques to control and prevent from centipedes and from re-infestation.

Preparation Guidelines for a Centipedes Treatment

1. Vacuum rugs, carpet and upholstered furniture and throw the vacuum bag immediately on completion.
2. All unwashed wool, fiber clothing should be washed or place it in a hot dryer for one hour.
3. Remove the furniture from the edges of rooms and clear the closet floors and shelves
4. Vacate the areas.
5. Do not enter in the areas during treatment and after for minimum of 4 hours or until the product dries.
6. After re-entry if possible open windows and doors for about 20 minutes.
7. Pregnant women, infants and people suffering from heart, kidney, and other such major ailments should consult doctor before service and if possible avoid the areas for at least 24 hours.