Centipedes can be a nuisance around your home, but with some effort and diligence, you can get rid of centipedes on your Colorado Springs property before you face a much larger problem. The best way to keep centipedes away from your Colorado Springs home is to reduce their access to food and moisture. Keep areas of your home where centipedes might find food sources clean and clutter-free, and reduce the humidity in your house with dehumidifiers. However, these efforts may only provide temporary relief; pest control experts can provide a more effective and permanent solution. Working with a Colorado Springs pest control company with centipede elimination experience is the best way to ensure the results you desire.
How To Identify Centipedes
Centipedes are segmented insects that are often mistaken for worms or millipedes, which are centipede type bugs. They have numerous legs and antennae, making them easily distinguishable from other invertebrates. Identifying a centipede is not difficult once you know what to look for. One of the most distinguishing characteristics of a centipede is its long body, which is composed of many segments. Its head and the first segment, or thorax, have a pair of antennae and two venomous claws. These claws are known as maxillipeds, and they use them to catch prey and defend themselves from predators. There are different kinds of centipedes, all of which come in a variety of sizes and shapes. On average, centipedes have between 15 and 30 pairs of legs. Additionally, centipedes can range in color from yellowish-brown to reddish-brown.
Centipedes Aren't As Dangerous As They Look
People often fear centipedes due to their intimidating size and body segments. However, despite their frightening appearance, centipedes are generally not considered dangerous to humans due to the low toxicity levels of their venom; in most cases, a bite from one of these creatures will cause nothing more than mild pain or irritation. However, it is prudent to avoid centipede bites because, in rare cases, some centipede bites may affect your entire body. Most often, centipedes feed on other pests and arthropods, meaning they can be beneficial in controlling populations of unwanted insects. We can coexist peacefully with centipedes by taking the right precautions.
Eco-Friendly and Effective Centipede Prevention Tips
The following environmentally-friendly precautions can prevent the invasion of centipedes in plants around your house, as well as your home itself.
- Seal off cracks and crevices and monitor entry points.
- Eliminate moisture by repairing leaks in bathrooms and kitchens.
- Remove damp places in your home where centipedes can hide.
- Use natural repellents such as diatomaceous earth, boric acid, and essential oils outside.
These are just a few eco-friendly and effective centipede prevention tips you can use to help keep your home free of these pests.
Professional Pest Control Is A Great Way to Keep The Centipedes Away
At High Country Pest Control, we understand the importance of controlling centipedes before they develop into an unmanageable problem. That's why our team uses highly effective treatments that are effective and yet friendly to the environment. We have provided customer-oriented elimination and prevention services for the past 30 years and can eliminate centipedes in your Colorado Springs home safely and efficiently. We are locally owned and committed to providing professional services customized to your needs. Whether you're looking for a one-time service or ongoing preventative measures, contact us today to get started and to learn more about our residential and commercial pest control services in Colorado Springs.