Beachwood, Ohio, is known for its lovely mix of suburban and natural spaces, which presents the perfect breeding ground for a long, many-legged centipede. These creatures are unsettling and can quickly infest any space you inhabit. This guide will help you identify them, gain insights into their habits, and provide some tips for control.
These pests stay relatively small, only growing to about 2 inches, and they can appear yellow or reddish brown. Seeing these guys in a dark, moist environment is very common. You will most likely see them crawling around in your grass and under stones or logs. They also love to burrow to catch their prey, which is why they could end up in your garden area.
The house centipede is one of the more easily identifiable types, with its long, slender legs, gray body, and yellow stripes on its back. These centipedes can only grow up to about one to one and a half inches long. They prefer to be inside your home more than in the outdoors, usually inhabiting basements, crawlspaces, and bathrooms. They will feed on any other pest living in your house and can be seen darting around your floors or walls, chasing their next meal.
These are among the larger species of centipede with its black and white pinstripe body that can grow up to 6 inches in length. Thankfully, these pests are more commonly found in your outdoor spaces but can quickly cause havoc to your garden or lawn if an infestation occurs. Though not typically harmful to humans, these aggressive hunters have a painful bite that is very similar to a spider’s.
Control moisture: Since centipedes thrive in moist environments, it's a good idea to check your pipes and plumbing regularly for leaks and avoid overwatering your garden and grass.
Remove potential hides: clear away any mulch, dead leaves, logs, unnecessary stones, and rocks to discourage any hides for pests. This will help create a less inviting environment and will make them think twice about setting up a shop in your area.
Minimize entry points: Ensure your home is checked for cracks, gaps, and holes in its walls, doors, windows, floors, and ceilings. Centipedes are known for squeezing into places they should be and will gladly set up shop in your home, shed, or garden if given the chance.
While centipedes aren't the most worrisome creatures to have in your backyard, they can quickly become a major problem if left unchecked. If you or someone you know is having issues with centipedes or other creepy crawlies, contact Insight Pest Solutions. Our friendly team of technicians is experienced, ready, and able to work with you to control any infestation you have.