Centipedes
Active Seasons
Appearance and Size Facts
- Normally, have a drab coloration, combining shades of brown and red
- Some of the subterranean species of centipedes may lack coloration altogether
- Tropical species may have bright aposematic coloration, warning others to stay away
- Size: Range from under 1 inch in length to over 11 inches in length for some of the tropical species
- Often found in soil and leaf litter, under stones and deadwood, and inside logs
Behavior and Habitat of Centipedes
Centipede males deposit a spermatophore for the female to take up. In certain types of centipedes, this spermatophore is deposited in a web and the male undertakes a courtship dance to encourage the female to engulf his sperm. In other cases, the males just leave them for the females to find. In temperate areas, egg laying occurs in spring and summer but in subtropical and tropical areas, there appears to be little seasonality to centipede breeding. The Lithobiomorpha and Scutigeromorpha lay their eggs singly in holes in the soil, the female fills the hole in on the egg and leaves it. Number of eggs laid ranges from about 10 to 50. Time of development of the embryo to hatching is highly variable and may take from one to a few months. Centipedes can be found in a wide variety of environments. They are found in soil and leaf litter, under stones and deadwood, inside logs, and other such places.
Signs of Infestation of Centipedes
A key trait uniting this group is a pair of venom claws or forcipules formed from a modified first appendage. This also means that centipedes are an exclusively predatory taxon, which is uncommon. Some species of centipedes can be hazardous to humans because of their bite. Although a bite to an adult human may only be painful, those with allergies that are similar to that of bee stings and small children are at greater risk. Smaller centipedes usually do not puncture human skin.
Tips for Prevention of Centipedes
Reduce areas of moisture in and around your home, provide adequate ventilation in crawl spaces, remove leaf piles and grass clippings, and store firewood off of the ground.
Centipede Gallery
Latest Pest & Termite Control News
Be Thankful for a Pest-Free Home This Holiday Season
Nov 15, 2022—Pest Control, Tips & Control Advice
Thanksgiving starts off the holiday season in grand style with a sumptuous feast surrounded by family and friends. If you’re hosting one of these Thanksgiving gatherings, you‘ve probably got a lot on your to-do list getting ready for the big day. Pests, such as roaches, ants, and...
Read More ›
How to Protect Your South Florida Home from Termites this Fall
Nov 10, 2022—Bug Database, Termites, Tips & Control Advice, Florida Termites, Tips & Control Advice, Termites
In South Florida, an untreated home is always at risk for termite activity. In the fall season, termites do not swarm as heavily as compared to spring and summer, but this does not mean that they are not a threat. In fact, because they aren’t swarming, many homeowners might not even be aware...
Read More ›
They Creep, They Crawl, and They Are Here to Make Your Halloween Extra Scary!
Oct 25, 2022—Cockroaches, Identification & Control, Pest Control, Rodents, Termites
What’s that skittering across your front lawn and slithering up your front steps? Could it be giant spiders, rabid rodents, massive hissing cockroaches, or trick-or-treaters?! It’s Halloween, a time to celebrate the scary side of South Florida! On October 31st, it’s fun to see...
Read More ›
