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FAQs On Centipedes In New York Homes
11/21/13
House centipedes have been a common pest to invade homes in Westchester County and throughout New York this fall and winter. Many people consider them to be an insect but they are not, they are actually small arthropods. Centipedes often enter into homes to find shelter and to seek areas with high moisture. They most often live outside but may build up in high numbers in the moist soil located around your home’s foundation and enter through cracks and crevices in your home. Homeowners often have questions about centipede invasions since they aren’t quite as common of a pest as say an ant or spider. Answers to commonly asked questions are found below.
Are centipedes dangerous?
Centipedes will inject venom into their victims; but their venom is generally not strong enough to cause an allergic reaction in humans. House centipedes are not considered to be dangerous but they are a nuisance pest.
Do centipedes bite?
Yes, centipedes can bite humans; and their bite can be quite painful, similar to a bee sting. However, smaller centipedes more often than not are too small to actually penetrate the skin. The larger the centipede, the more powerful the bite and effects will be.
How do I get rid of centipedes?
Once centipedes enter into your home they often stay because there are other insects in your home that they feed on. Centipedes are very good at hiding in your home and while you may only see a few here and there in your basement, there actually may be hundreds more hiding in dark areas and cracks and crevices. The best way to eliminate centipedes in your home is to get help from a Westchester pest control company. Professional exterminators will be able to provide a plan to find and eliminate the centipedes living in your home along with getting rid of the other insects that are attracting them inside.
How can I prevent centipedes in the future?
Fixing the areas around your home that are allowing centipedes inside is a great way to prevent centipedes from moving in. Seal any cracks and crevices along the foundation, caulk gaps around windows and doors, and seal areas around utility entrances. Also, reduce areas of moisture in your basement and kitchen to help make your environment less attractive to these arthropods. The most efficient way to stop centipedes and other pests is to put into place a year-round home pest control plan to control and prevent pest infestations no matter what season it is.
If you would like more information about centipedes, how to keep centipedes out of your house, or to see pictures of what centipedes look like to more easily identify them in your home, contact the professionals at Parkway Pest Services today!