
Have you ever flicked on the bathroom light and seen a centipede scuttle across the floor? If you live in Florida, this may be an all-too-common occurrence.
Despite their creepy appearance, Florida centipede species play a pivotal role in controlling other pests – they’re good friends to have in the garden!
However, having them indoors can be unsettling, to say the least.
Let’s explore some of the most common centipede species you’re likely to encounter in the Sunshine State and how you can prevent and eliminate these multi-legged intruders.
What Are Centipedes?
Centipedes are arthropods belonging to the class Chilopoda.
Despite their name, which means “hundred feet,” the number of legs can vary from 15 to 177 pairs. They are elongated, segmented creatures with a pair of legs per segment. Most often, centipedes have around 70 legs.
Florida centipedes are predators, feeding mostly on insects and other small animals. Their presence often indicates other pest problems, as they hunt termites, ants, and spiders.
Believe it or not, there’s only one species of centipede that’s actually native to the state of Florida.
However, plenty of others have found their way here, appreciating the warm, humid climate of Florida (conditions that tend to be favorable for pests, and unfortunately, persist year-round). We’ll explore these common centipede species below.
The House Centipede
First on our list – the house centipede (Scutigera coleoptrata) – is the most common centipede found in Florida homes. This species is easily recognizable due to its long legs and swift movements.
House centipedes have 15 pairs of legs and three dark stripes running down their yellowish-gray bodies.
These centipedes prefer dark, damp environments such as basements, bathrooms, and closets. They’re nocturnal hunters, emerging at night to feed on other household pests, including cockroaches and silverfish. While they can be a bit startling to encounter, house centipedes are generally harmless to humans.
The Blue Centipede
The blue centipede (Scolopendra viridis) is another species that has made its way to Florida. This centipede is typically a bluish-green color with a dark stripe down its back. It can grow up to six inches long, making it one of the larger centipedes found in the state.
Blue centipedes are more aggressive than house centipedes and can deliver a painful bite if threatened. They’re typically found outdoors under rocks, logs, and leaf litter but may occasionally venture indoors. These centipedes prefer warm, humid environments, which, again, makes Florida an ideal habitat for them.
The Bark Centipede
The bark centipede (Scolopocryptops sexspinosus) is another common species in Florida. This centipede is reddish-brown with a lighter underside and can grow up to four inches long. It has 21 pairs of legs and a distinct pair of antennae on its head.
Bark centipedes are often found in wooded areas and gardens, where they hide under rocks, bark, and other debris. They are nocturnal hunters, feeding on insects and other small invertebrates.
While they can sometimes find their way into homes, they are more commonly encountered outdoors.
Signs of a Centipede Infestation
Centipedes often enter homes in search of food and shelter. Florida’s warm and humid climate provides an ideal environment for centipedes and their prey. Common indoor pests like ants, cockroaches, and spiders attract centipedes, making your home an appealing hunting ground.
Also, centipedes tend to seek out moisture, which is why they are often found in bathrooms, kitchens, and basements.
While spotting a single centipede may not indicate an infestation, seeing multiple centipedes or frequent encounters can be a sign of a larger problem.
Other signs include:
- Increased sightings of other pests (their food source)
- Droppings or shed skins
- Unusual movements or noises at night
If you suspect a centipede infestation, take immediate steps to address the underlying pest issue. Only then can you address the centipede problem!
DIY Centipede Prevention Tips
The bad news about Florida centipedes is that there are plenty of them. The good news (aside from the fact that they’re relatively harmless) is that they’re fairly easy to prevent and get rid of, and the strategies for doing so tend to be the same regardless of species:
- Maintain Cleanliness: Keeping your home clean and clutter-free is essential in deterring centipedes. Regularly vacuum and dust to remove potential hiding spots. Store food in sealed containers and promptly clean up spills and crumbs.
- Reduce Moisture: Centipedes thrive in moist environments. Use dehumidifiers in damp areas like basements and bathrooms. Fix any leaks and ensure proper ventilation to reduce humidity levels.
- Seal Entry Points: Prevent centipedes from entering your home by sealing cracks and gaps around windows, doors, and foundations. Use weather stripping and caulk to close off potential entry points.
- Use Essential Oils: Certain essential oils, such as tea tree oil, peppermint oil, and eucalyptus oil, can deter centipedes. Mix a few drops with water and spray along baseboards, windowsills, and other entry points.
- Try Diatomaceous Earth: Sprinkle diatomaceous earth around your home’s perimeter and in areas where you’ve seen centipedes. This natural powder dehydrates and kills them upon contact.
- Put Out Sticky Traps: Place sticky traps in areas where centipedes are commonly seen. These traps can capture centipedes and other pests, helping to reduce their population.
While DIY methods can be effective for minor centipede issues, particularly when you’re still at the preventative stage, more severe infestations or repeated sightings may require professional intervention. Pest control experts, like our team here at Orange Pest Control, have the knowledge and tools to identify the root cause of the problem and implement targeted solutions.
We’ll start by conducting a thorough assessment of your home to identify entry points, nesting areas, and the extent of the infestation.
Based on the assessment, we’ll develop a customized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs. This plan may include chemical treatments, traps, and exclusion techniques to prevent future infestations. We’ll also invite you to set up regular, periodic inspections to make sure the techniques remain effective.
Breathe a Centipede-Free Sigh of Relief
Centipedes might be misunderstood heroes in the garden, but let’s face it – no one wants to share their living room with a hundred-legged houseguest. By arming yourself with knowledge about Florida’s common centipede species and taking proactive prevention steps, you can get rid of these pests for good.
If you’re struggling to reclaim your space from centipedes – or any other pests – the dedicated team at Orange Pest Control is here to help.
Reach out to Orange Pest Control today for a consultation and start enjoying a pest-free life!