Centipedes Pest Control in Toronto
How to identify CentipedesCentipedes are arthropods that belong to the class Chilopoda. They have long, segmented bodies with one pair of legs per segment. The number of legs varies from 15 to 191 pairs, depending on the species. Centipedes are usually brown, yellow, or reddish in color, and may have stripes or markings on their backs. They have a pair of antennae on their heads, and a pair of venomous claws called forcipules near their mouths. They use these claws to capture and paralyze their prey, which consists of other insects and small animals. Centipedes can range in size from a few millimeters to 30 centimeters or more. Some of the common types of centipedes found in North America are:
Signs of an infestationCentipedes are not social animals and do not form colonies or nests. They are usually solitary and hide in dark, moist places during the day. They come out at night to hunt for food. Therefore, it may be difficult to spot them unless you encounter them by accident. Some signs that may indicate a centipede infestation are:
Seeing centipedes crawling on the walls, floors, or ceilings, especially in damp areas such as basements, bathrooms, or kitchens.
Finding centipede exoskeletons, which are shed after each molt, in corners, cracks, or crevices.
Finding centipede eggs, which are white or yellow and covered with a sticky substance, in soil or under debris.
Finding centipede prey, such as dead or injured insects, worms, or small animals, in or around your home.
Experiencing centipede bites, which may cause redness, swelling, itching, or pain, depending on the species and the sensitivity of the person.
How to prevent Centipedes invadingCentipedes are attracted to moist, dark, and sheltered environments where they can find food and hide from predators. To prevent centipedes from invading your home, you can take the following steps:
Reduce moisture. Centipedes prefer humid conditions and will dry out if exposed to dry air. To eliminate these conditions, fix any water leaks, use dehumidifiers, and ventilate your home properly. Also, avoid overwatering your plants, and remove any standing water or wet materials from your home.
Remove clutter. Centipedes will seek out spaces that provide protection and concealment. To reduce these spaces, clear away any piles of leaves, grass, wood, or debris from your yard and store firewood off the ground. Inside your home, keep your floors, counters, and cabinets clean and tidy, and seal any cracks or gaps in your walls, doors, or windows.
Eliminate food sources. Centipedes feed on other insects and small animals, so by controlling these pests, you can also reduce the food supply for centipedes. Use traps, baits, or insecticides to get rid of cockroaches, ants, spiders, silverfish, and other bugs. Also, keep your garbage cans covered and dispose of your trash regularly.
Repel or kill centipedes. If you already have centipedes in your home, you can use natural or chemical methods to repel or kill them. Some natural repellents that may work against centipedes are diatomaceous earth, boric acid, cedar oil, or peppermint oil. These substances can be sprinkled or sprayed around the areas where centipedes are found, such as baseboards, corners, or cracks. Some chemical insecticides that are effective against centipedes are pyrethrins, cypermethrin, or permethrin. These products can be applied as sprays, dusts, or granules, following the label instructions carefully. Alternatively, you can use sticky traps or glue boards to catch and kill centipedes.
Life CycleCentipedes have a simple life cycle that consists of three stages: egg, larva, and adult. The duration and details of each stage may vary depending on the species, but the general process is as follows:
Egg: Centipedes mate in the spring or summer, and the female lays a batch of eggs in a cavity in the soil or under a rock. Some species lay their eggs one at a time, while others lay them in clusters. The number of eggs can range from a few to several hundred, depending on the species. The eggs are white or yellow and covered with a sticky substance that protects them from predators and desiccation. The eggs hatch after a few weeks or months, depending on the temperature and humidity.
Larva: The newly hatched centipedes look like miniature versions of the adults, but with fewer segments and legs. They have four pairs of legs when they emerge from the eggs, and they gain more segments and legs as they grow and molt. The number of molts can vary from six to 15, depending on the species. The larvae are voracious and hunt for small insects and worms to feed on. They also avoid light and seek out moist and dark places to hide.
Adult: The centipedes reach adulthood after their final molt, which usually occurs after one to three years, depending on the species. The adults have the maximum number of segments and legs for their species, and they are sexually mature and ready to mate. The adults continue to hunt for food and hide from predators, and they may also migrate to find new habitats or mates. The adults can live for several years, depending on the species and the environmental conditions.
Commonly Asked QuestionsHere are some frequently asked questions about centipedes and their answers:
Are centipedes poisonous? Yes, all centipedes have venom glands in their forcipules, which are the modified legs near their mouths. They use their venom to subdue their prey and to defend themselves from predators or threats. However, most centipedes are not dangerous to humans, as their venom is not potent enough to cause serious harm. Only a few species, such as the giant desert centipede or the Amazonian giant centipede, have venom that can cause severe pain, swelling, fever, or allergic reactions. Even then, the bites are rarely fatal, unless the person has a pre-existing medical condition or an extreme allergy.
How fast can centipedes run? Centipedes can run very fast, thanks to their many legs and flexible bodies. The exact speed of centipedes depends on the species, the size, and the terrain, but some estimates suggest that they can run up to 16 inches per second, or about 1.5 kilometers per hour. This makes them one of the fastest arthropods in the world, and allows them to catch their prey and escape their predators with ease.
How do centipedes breathe? Centipedes breathe through a system of tubes called tracheae, which open to the outside through small holes called spiracles. The spiracles are located on the sides of each body segment, and they allow air to enter and exit the tracheae. The tracheae branch into smaller tubes called tracheoles, which deliver oxygen directly to the tissues and organs of the centipede. Centipedes do not have lungs or gills, and they rely on diffusion and body movements to transport oxygen and carbon dioxide through their tracheal system.
When to call an centipedes exterminator ?The best is to call us as soon as possible. We service the Greater Toronto Area, call us now 647 849 4441
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