Centipedes may seem like harmless pests, but they pack a powerful punch. These insects have powerful jaws they use to bite their prey, and they also inject venom. If you're not careful, a centipede may bite you as well. Keep reading to learn all about centipede bites, how to treat them, and how to keep these pests out of your Hartford home.
Do Centipedes Bite?
Centipedes are worm-like insects with flat, elongated bodies. They are known for their numerous legs, with some bugs having up to almost 200. Their legs come in an odd number of pairs, and each segment of their bodies contains a single pair. Centipedes vary in size and can be anywhere between an eighth of an inch to six inches. They are yellow to dark brown in color, and some insects have dark markings or stripes. It is common to find centipedes in Hartford in moist areas. Outdoors, they are found under stones and logs, in garbage piles, and under leaf piles. When they make their way indoors, centipedes prefer damp basements and crawl spaces. You might also find them in bathrooms, especially under the sink. Centipedes are omnivorous, feeding on plants and other insects like spiders and flies. To catch their prey, they use their strong jaws to bite. They also inject poisonous venom. A centipede will bite a human if it's handled roughly or it believes it's in danger.
How To Care For A Centipede Bite
When they bite, centipedes use their powerful jaws located in their first body segment. These strong mouthparts can break through human skin and cause pain similar to a bee sting. While painful, centipede bites rarely result in the need for emergency medical treatment. A bite typically results in redness, swelling, and discomfort, which subsides within 48 hours. Some individuals may have a more severe allergic reaction to the bite and exhibit symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, chest pain, and headache. If you're experiencing any of these reactions, seek medical attention.
To care for a common centipede bite, apply heat as soon as possible by running the skin under hot water or using a hot compress. To reduce swelling, switch to an ice pack. Choose an over-the-counter pain reliever to reduce inflammation and discomfort. Remember to keep the bitten area clean. Apply a topical antibiotic and cover the bite as it heals. If symptoms don't improve within a few days, get in touch with your doctor.
Four Ways To Prevent Centipedes In Hartford
The best way to avoid centipede bites is to prevent them from invading your home and property. Here are four ways you can keep these pests away from you and your family:
- Eliminate their food sources by ensuring you don't have a secondary pest problem. If you have an existing insect or spider infestation, it will attract centipedes.
- Declutter your property by throwing away old paper, trash, and cardboard. Clean up leaf piles outdoors and keep firewood piles away from your home's exterior.
- Remove moisture from your home by using a dehumidifier in damp rooms like the basement and attic. Fix all leaky pipes and run the exhaust fan in your bathroom.
- Caulk or seal cracks and gaps in your walls to keep centipedes out, and make sure your screens are free from holes
If you have centipedes in your house and suspect you have an infestation, contact one of the most trusted pest control companies in Hartford, American Pest Solutions.
Professional Pest Control To Get Rid Of Centipedes
American Pest Solutions has been keeping Hartford pest free for over 100 years. If you're dealing with a centipede problem, our experienced extermination team will use the latest pest control technology to get rid of these bugs for good. To learn more about how we can help with your home and commercial pest control in Hartford, give us a call today.