Why You Should Never Squish a Centipede
It is generally not a good idea to squish a centipede because they are beneficial insects that help to control pest populations in gardens and outdoor areas. Centipedes are carnivorous and feed on insects and other small arthropods, including spiders, worms, and other insects that may be considered pests.
Additionally, some people may find the sight of a squished centipede unappealing or disturbing. It is usually best to simply remove centipedes from your home or garden if you do not want them there, rather than killing them.
What bugs do centipedes eat?
Centipedes are carnivorous and feed on a variety of small arthropods, including insects and spiders. Some common prey for centipedes include ants, flies, moths, and beetles. Centipedes are also known to eat worms and other small invertebrates.
They use venomous claws located on the front part of their bodies to subdue their prey before eating it. Centipedes are usually found in damp, dark environments such as leaf litter, compost piles, and under rocks, where they can find an ample supply of food.
Avoid Squishing Centipedes
It is unlikely that eggs will come out of a centipede if you squish it. Centipedes do not lay eggs in the same way that many other insects do. Instead of laying eggs, female centipedes give birth to live young, which are small versions of the adult and already have a full set of legs. The number of young that a centipede gives birth to at one time can vary depending on the species, but it is usually between 10 and 60.
Centipedes usually reproduce by laying their eggs in moist soil or in a nest that they have constructed, and the eggs hatch into small, legless larvae. The larvae will molt several times as they grow and eventually become adult centipedes.
To get rid of centipedes permanently, it's essential to call a professional pest control company.
How To Get Rid Of Centipedes
It is generally not necessary or advisable to kill centipedes, as they are beneficial insects that help to control pest populations in gardens and outdoor areas. Centipedes are carnivorous and feed on insects and other small arthropods, including spiders, worms, and other insects that may be considered pests. If you do not want centipedes in your home or garden, there are several non-lethal methods you can try to remove them:
- Keep your home and garden clean and free of clutter, as this can help to reduce the number of hiding places for centipedes.
- Repair any cracks or gaps in your home's foundation or walls, as this can help to prevent centipedes from entering.
- Use a vacuum cleaner to remove any visible centipedes from your home or garden.
- Place sticky traps or glue boards in areas where you have seen centipedes.
If you decide that you must kill a centipede, there are a few methods you can use:
- Squish it with a heavy object, such as a shoe or a rolling pin.
- Use an insecticide spray specifically designed to kill centipedes. Follow the instructions on the label carefully and make sure to use the spray in a well-ventilated area.
- Use a chemical powder, such as boric acid or diatomaceous earth, to kill the centipede. These powders can be applied to the areas where you have seen centipedes, and they will dehydrate and kill the insects when they come into contact with them.