How To Identify Centipedes
Chicago centipede identification can be a difficult task, considering how many different kinds of centipedes exist and how easily they're able to evade people's efforts at catching them. These nocturnal arthropods are rarely spotted out in the open and can crawl surprisingly quickly, so if you do happen upon a centipede-type bug, it can be difficult to correctly identify it before it gets away. Here are a few characteristics common to centipedes that you can use to specifically identify an encounter:
- Elongated, segmented body with one pair of legs per segment and many pairs of legs
- Long antennae, usually covered in tiny hairs
- Brown or yellow color, sometimes with darker markings
The common house centipede is what you're most likely to spot indoors. It's only about an inch long and has much longer, wispier legs than other types of centipedes. One thing it does have in common with other species is its venom gland.
Are Centipedes In Chicago Venomous?
Centipedes can indeed bite people, and depending on the different kinds of centipedes involved, it can be quite painful. Thankfully, you can avoid centipede bites easily enough simply by avoiding the creatures themselves. Centipedes tend to avoid human contact and only bite when they feel threatened. However, even with the utmost caution, you could still end up being bitten in an accidental encounter, especially if you're fighting an infestation.
What Attracts Centipedes To Chicago Homes
Centipedes in Chicago are attracted primarily to easy sources of food, shelter, and areas of high moisture content. In the outdoors, centipedes tend to hide under logs, in mulch piles, and other damp, secluded locations. However, when they invade homes, they can be found in some incredibly inconvenient places such as kitchens, bathrooms, attics, garages, inside cabinets, near plumbing, and under appliances.
You can deter some of them simply by practicing proper food storage and garbage disposal, as well as addressing any potential moisture problems, but an infestation may need more serious attention. Poisonous centipedes in Chicago can be particularly troublesome depending on where they choose to hide, so if you're noticing a few too many of these pests around your home, it may be time to take the next step.
How To Get Rid Of Centipedes For Good
If you want to avoid centipede bites, the only surefire way is to remove them from your home entirely. Poisonous centipedes in Chicago can be incredibly difficult to deal with on your own due to their evasive nature, so if you think you have a centipede infestation on your hands, don't hesitate to contact the experts at Aerex Pest Control for comprehensive treatment and ongoing guidance.
Our team of certified technicians is only a call away. Partner with Aerex Pest Control, and we'll work with you every step of the way to remove any pesky centipedes and establish proven prevention measures against them to ensure another infestation never arises. Reach out and discover why so many homes across Chicago entrust us with all their pest control needs.