Description
Centipedes, often called hundred-legged worms, are not true insects, but they are closely related. They have no wings; only 2 main body parts instead of 3; and 1 pair of legs on each segment of their body instead of 3 pairs like true insects. Most centipedes have at least 15 pairs of legs. Their bodies are long in relation to width and somewhat flattened, which make it possible for them to squeeze into cracks and crevices of foundations and around windows. Most centipedes are about 1 inch long, but some of the tropical species reach 18 inches in length. Centipedes look like millipedes (see Millipedes), but are more active. Centipedes scurry rapidly away when disturbed; millipedes usually curl into a tight spiral. Centipedes do not injure plants. They are beneficial, preying on snails, insects, and earthworms. Centipedes hide in damp areas under logs and stones, and in plant debris. They can move swiftly to catch their prey, which they paralyze by injecting poison from claws located behind the head. Some of the larger species of centipedes may inflict a painful bite if they are handled by humans.
Control
It is usually unnecessary to control centipedes unless they start infesting your home. Sealing cracks in the foundation or holes in window frames will help prevent centipedes from entering the house. Clear wood, stones, and dead vegetation away from the base of the house. Outdoors, scatter a bait containing carbaryl around areas where centipedes hide. Do not use on food crops. Inside the home, use an insecticide containing pyrethrins.
