Pest Expert Overview: Centipedes in Bryan & College Station
Centipedes have an elongate wormlike body, similar to millipedes. However, they differ in appearance from millipedes in that they only have one pair of legs per segment and have flattened bodies. The first pair of legs on centipedes are used for capturing prey and defense. They are claw like and contain poison glands. Some species have poison glands on each leg. The four types of centipedes you’re most likely to find in Central Texas are the Texas red head centipede, bark centipede, the house centipede, and the giant desert centipede.
Life Cycle
Centipedes are solitary and thrive in damp habitats. They are often found under debris outside where moisture is held where they are predators of other insects and arthropods. Centipedes overwinter as adults. Eggs are usually laid in the soil during the summer months, but a few species give birth to live young.
The life cycle of a centipede includes three stages: egg, nymph, and adult. Female centipedes lay eggs—sometimes up to 50—in the soil during the spring or summer. The eggs hatch into nymphs, which resemble smaller versions of adults but with fewer body segments and legs. As they grow, nymphs periodically shed their exoskeleton, a process known as molting. With each molt, they gain additional segments and legs until they reach full maturity.
The duration of the centipede’s life cycle can vary widely among species, with some completing the cycle in a single year, while others may take longer. Adult centipedes can live for several years, a relatively long lifespan for an arthropod.
An interesting fact about centipedes is that despite their name, which suggests a hundred legs, they can have anywhere from 15 to 177 pairs of legs, depending on the species.
Why are they Pests?
As predators of other insects, centipedes are beneficial in nature. However, they can inflict a painful bite using their modified front legs. Some species can cause injury with any of their legs. While painful, the bite is typically not dangerous, except in allergic individuals.
Centipede Prevention
Preventing centipedes is very similar to scorpions: reduce their prey, habitat and access to your home. Using LED lights for your outdoor lighting is less attractive to the insects they feed on, so can reduce centipede abundance. Keeping debris and foliage away from your house limits their shelter areas and access to entry points. Make sure that all doors and windows seal properly as well.
Professional Centipede Control
If you are dealing with a centipede infestation, Venus Pest Company can help. Founded by Aggie Entomologist Dr. Scott Lingren, we provide expert, eco-friendly Integrated Pest Management solutions in Bryan and College Station. To get started, fill out the contact form, call/text 979.774.0486 or email [email protected]. Don’t let nuisance pests take over your home!
