Centipedes in Jamaica

Description

Centipedes(100 legs) are usually brownish, flattened, and elongate animals which have many body segments. Centipedes are flattened, with many different body segments. Centipedes are between 1-6 inches, and the House Centipede is 1-1/12 inches.

Environment and Behaviour

Centipedes usually live outdoors in damp areas such as under leaves, stones, boards, tree bark, or in mulch around outdoor plantings. If they are around the foundation of the house, they may enter the structure. Most centipedes are active at night.

Reproduction

Centipedes lay 35 eggs or more in or on the soil. Newly hatched centipedes consist of four pairs of legs; during successive molts, the centipede gradually increases the number of legs until it becomes an adult. Adults of many species live a year and some as long as five to six years.

Centipede damage and bites

Larger centipedes can bite if they are injured, with a light swelling. A physician should be consulted if the bite has penetrated the skin. The centipede is beneficial, eating other insects. Centipedes do not damage food supplies or household furnishings.

Centipede Management Tips:

1. Close cracks and crevices through which they may enter
2. Cover drain pipes that don’t have a p-trap
3. Reduce clutter that provides centipedes with protection and a place to hide
4. Reduce moisture.

Control and Management of Centipedes in Jamaica

G.O.^® Pest Control Service technicians utilizes an assortment of treatment methods and combinations, which include physical management i.e. preventing access to interior of structure, application of chemicals as a last resort or Integrated Pest Management (I.P.M). Contact G.O. ^® Pest Control Service for consultation.