Occasional Invaders
Centipede
Fast-moving, many-legged hunters that live in damp basements and bathrooms. Startling to see, but they actually feed on other insects.
Quick facts
- Size
- 2.5–4 cm body
- Colour
- Greyish-yellow with three dark stripes
- Active season
- Year-round indoors
- Where found
- Basements, bathrooms, crawl spaces, damp areas
How to Identify
- Long body with 15 pairs of very long legs
- Greyish-yellow with three dark stripes down the back
- Extremely fast runner
Signs to Look For
- Centipedes darting across floors at night
- Seen in sinks, tubs and basements
- Often a sign of other insects to feed on
Why It Matters
- Can bite if handled, similar to a bee sting, but rarely do
- Mostly a nuisance and a sign of moisture
- Their presence suggests other pests indoors
Prevention Tips
- Use a dehumidifier in damp areas
- Seal cracks in foundations and around pipes
- Reduce clutter and the insects they feed on
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