Controlling Occasional Pest Invaders

Centipedes are sometimes called house centipedes or “hundred-leggers” because of their many pairs of legs. They are widely distributed throughout most of United States and the world. Centipedes are rarely seen by humans due to their nocturnal activity and the speed in which they move. Most centipedes live for more than a year and some up to six years. Read on to learn more centipede facts.

How to identify millipedes:

Millipedes are long brownish, segmented insects with two pairs of legs per segment. They range from 2.5 to 4 cm long. These bugs typically live outside in damp places, gardens, and flowerbeds; and eat dead leaves and decaying wood.

How you get millipedes:

Millipedes migrate during the fall to prepare for winter or sometimes will migrate into homes after heavy rainfall. They often enter through basement doors, crawlspaces, and garages. In a dark, undisturbed basement, millipedes can be very active. They are often found in basements, but also in kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms due to the moisture.

How to prevent millipedes:

To prevent millipedes, keep your home dry with dehumidifiers or air conditioning, and keep mulch and firewood away from the base of your home. Weather stripping under doors is also important to keep up with as this is a common place for many bugs to enter.

Are millipedes dangerous?

While millipedes are not directly poisonous, many species can release toxins that can cause allergies in humans. Some contain hydrochloric acid that can burn skin and cause discoloration. It is important not to handle millipedes with your bare hands or get these chemicals in your eyes.

How we get rid of millipedes:

Since millipedes can contain dangerous chemicals, it is important to call a professional to help remove them. Your professional can use effective chemical treatments on entryways and hiding points where millipedes accumulate.

How to identify earwigs:

Earwigs can have a broad range in size, from 5-25mm. They are slender insects with two pairs of wings. They have pincers on the back of their abdomen used for self-defense and fighting other earwigs, and let out poor-smelling liquid for defense. They also produce pheromones to help bring other earwigs closer to they can cluster together. They are active at night and stay in dark, damp areas during the day.

How you get earwigs:

Earwigs are attracted to light. They become problems on porches and patios in the summer evenings and can be found under cushions overnight. They travel indoors in the winter looking for food and warmth.

How to prevent earwigs:

Keeping hiding places for earwigs like logs, stones, and firewood away from the home and foundation. Keeping a dry zone surrounding your house at least 6” from the foundation will keep earwigs away. Shine outdoor lights away from the house to the yard to attract bugs away from your home. Keep screens in good repair and use dehumidifiers to keep your home dry. Caulk all doors and windows to make sure there are no entryways for these pests.

Are earwigs dangerous:

Luckily, while earwigs look dangerous with their large pincers coming from their abdomen, they do not bite and are not poisonous.

How we get rid of earwigs:

Our experts will be able to place traps and find infestations and put an end to them quickly and effectively.