General Characteristics:
- House Centipedes are very common throughout Canada
- They have an unusual flattened body with 15 body segments
- They have one pair of legs for each body segment (millipedes have 2 per body segment)
- About 1 inch in total length but sizes may vary
- Grayish-yellow in colour with 3 dark bands which extend along back and light bands around them
- Predates on insects and flies
- Can run very quickly in chase of prey
- Primarily nocturnal feeder and hides in cool areas during the day
Reproduction:
- Males search for a fertile female by circling and tapping
- Males creates silk pad to encase sperm which female uses to fertilizes eggs
- Females then lay eggs in the soil and cover them with a tacky film
- 63 to 151 young per litter
- Generally breeds during warm months
Signs of Infestation:
- May live entire life within structures
- They prefer damp moist areas almost anywhere within the home
- They are a beneficial insect because they eat other insects but can bite humans and may cause minor swelling to some people
- Indoors they locate themselves in basements, wall voids, sink voids, attics, etc…
- Outdoors they dwell around structure and you can find them under wood, stone garden mulch, compost, etc…
Control Techniques:
- Remember, these are beneficial insects and can help control other pest populations!
- Removal of harbourage areas and limiting food source(s) (other insects) is critical to the control of this insect
- Professional inspection and evaluation should be conducted to determine structural condition along with most appropriate control measures
Please click here to contact a Focus Pest Control professional to inquire about further treatments for this pest species.
References:
Benett, Gary W., et.al.. Truman’s Scientific Guide to Pest Control Operations. Duluth: Advanstar Communications, 1988. Pp. 250-251, 260.
Olkowski, William, et.al.. Common-Sense Pest Control. Newton,CT. The Taunton Press Inc., 1991.
Pp. 61-62.
Ricks, W. 2001. "Scutigera coleoptrata" (On-line), Animal Diversity Web. Accessed May 15, 2009 at
http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Scutigera_coleoptrata.html.
Disclaimer:
The Focus Pest Control ‘Pest Library’ is an educational resource written largely to educate the general public about common pests in Ontario. The Focus ‘Pest Library’ does not include all species in Ontario, nor does it include the most recent scientific data about species we describe. Though we edit our accounts for accuracy, we cannot guarantee all information in those accounts. While Focus Pest Control staff and contributors provide references to books and websites that we believe are reputable, we cannot necessarily endorse the contents of references beyond our control.
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