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Centipedes inject venom into their prey to protect and defend themselves. Believe it or not, but the house centipede is a skilled predator. They eat everything from larger cockroaches, spiders, and wasps to smaller ants and termites! House centipedes are not dangerous to humans and can actually be beneficial by helping to control other household pests. Understanding their behavior and taking preventative measures can minimize their presence in your living spaces. Using insect screens on doors and windows can also help keep them outdoors.
Consider house centipedes a warning of an even bigger pest problem.
They do not create webs like spiders or infest an area like many types of insects will. Since they feed on other insects, they aren’t going to damage the wood in your home like termites might. They simply find dark corners to live in when they’re not hunting for food. If they persist, seek medical attention right away, especially if you notice signs of infection. However, some centipedes have venom which produces a variety of toxins, including chemicals such as histamine, serotonin, and cardio-depressant toxin-S. House centipedes are known for their lightning-fast movements and impressive hunting skills.
Allergic Reactions to Bites
So, use their presence as an indicator of other potential infestations happening under your nose! You might be dealing with termites, roaches, or a host of other household pests. These bugs wouldn’t be around if they didn’t have the means to survive.
What should you do if you’ve been bitten by a centipede?
Usually, the worst thing that will happen is a bit of swelling and mild, localized pain. The area around the bite may turn into a small red bump while you feed a subtle burning pain under the skin. Instead, they lurk around in the dead of night and search for insects they can ambush. Contrary to popular belief, the average house centipede is not dangerous to humans. Unlike most other centipedes, house centipedes and their close relatives have well-developed faceted eyes. Its body is yellowish-grey and has three dark dorsal stripes running down its length; the legs also have dark stripes.
Symptoms of a House Centipede Bite
Although you may not like the sight of house centipedes, they can be helpful in controlling more concerning pests. Getting rid of other pests from your house will go a long way toward reducing the number of house centipedes you see. In fact, the venom causes more trouble to prey bugs than the initial bite. Generally, the body of a centipede is usually yellow to dark brown in colour, sometimes with dark stripes or markings.
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Unless provoked to defend themselves, house centipedes rarely bite people or pets and mostly prefer trying to escape threatening situations. Also, although house centipede venom is not as toxic as some other centipede species and their bites rarely cause any serious effects. When bitten by a house centipede, individuals may experience a range of symptoms. The most common symptoms include severe pain, swelling, and redness at the site of the bite. These symptoms typically subside within a few hours and are considered harmless in most cases.
Not only may a centipede sting hurt like the dickens, but even imagining a multi-legged creature slithering up your arm can be understandably unnerving. Treat stings and pinches as you would a bee sting or mosquito bite, with anti-itch and pain-relieving medication. You can identify a centipede bite by the two puncture marks where the venom entered your skin.
The house centipede originated in the Mediterranean but now can be found across Europe, Asia, and North America. You may think of centipedes as common insects, but they are more closely related to shrimp, crayfish, and lobsters than to many other bugs. Some people call them “hundred leggers,” but the name “centipede” really means “hundred feet.”. Yes, there are natural repellents like essential oils such as lavender, peppermint, or citrus that can help deter house centipedes. Placing cotton balls soaked in these oils in potential entry points can discourage them from entering.
On the other hand, house centipedes are less dangerous to humans than cockroaches or fleas. Cockroaches can spread dysentery and typhoid fever, and fleas brought Europe the Black Death. House centipedes don’t carry diseases and kill both cockroaches and fleas. If a house centipede bites you, you probably won’t notice anything more than an annoying pinch. If it manages to break your skin, you may feel a burning sensation and some itching. Although house centipedes are “good” bugs, they may still make your skin crawl.
You may find them under your sink or in the bathtub occasionally, as those spots combine the damp and dark conditions they love so much. They tend to be fairly dormant in the winter (they prefer temperate climates) and begin to be more active in spring. Once temperatures begin to get colder in autumn they may want to find an indoor hiding place.
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As a result, they may not have an epinephrine auto-injector available. People may feel anxious when a centipede bites them, due to both the pain of the bite and the appearance of the multi-legged creature. However, in most cases, a person will not need to seek medical attention because a centipede bite is rarely serious. When a centipede bites a person, they inject venom into the skin. The production of the venom takes place in a gland in the forcipule.
Dear Dr. Willis,This common House Centipede is frequently found in the home where it startles residents. House Centipedes are harmless nocturnal predators that will help keep the home clear of cockroaches and other undesirable creatures. Intense itching, dizziness, hives, or a rash may be signs of an allergic reaction.
If the pain persists, or if you see signs of infection, ulceration, or necrosis, consult a medical professional immediately. I switched from another pest control company due to high pressure sales/bad billing practices, and switched to Miche. Excellent customer service, very effective pest treatments, competitive pricing. In the event of a centipede bite, it is always best to contact a health care professional. They’ve even been known to make meals of birds, mice, bats and snakes. Pain relievers and anti-itch medications may help soothe the discomfort of a centipede bite.
Researchers must continue to study centipede bites to determine the effect of the different components of centipede venom on humans. Similar to silverfish, preventing the presence of house centipedes begins with lowering the level of humidity in your home. Though many people use humidifiers in winter for health reasons, this should not conflict too much with prevention measures, as house centipedes are not generally as active in the winter.
These centipedes are generally reclusive and prefer to hide in dark, secluded areas. They are primarily active at night, which is when they emerge to hunt for insects. While they may occasionally venture into living spaces, they do not bite humans unless they feel threatened.
They are generally not considered a danger to humans and mostly help keep other pest populations in check. House centipedes are more beneficial than harmful in a household since they help control other pests. If you encounter a house centipede, it's best to avoid handling or disturbing it to prevent any potential bites.
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