“NEVER Kill The Tiny Heroes Of Pest Control"

House centipedes(Scutigera) may startle you with their yellowish-gray long body and numerous legs, but they're far from the villains you might think. These anthropods are nature's tiny superheroes for several reasons.

Firstly, they're not insects but close relatives of spiders and scorpions. Their up to 15 pairs of long legs are designed for efficient movement. While they can bite when threatened, it's usually more uncomfortable than harmful to humans.

Their intricate design, including long legs, segmented bodies, exoskeletons, and compound eyes, serves a purpose. House centipedes move with a mesmerizing ripple effect, allowing them to be agile hunters, excellent at self-defense, and skilled at evading predators. Also, you might think these anthropods grow fast. WRONG! They have a considerably slower development process compared to spiders and other insects, often requiring over 3 years to reach sexual maturity. Impressively, these creatures also boast a longer lifespan, with some individuals living as long as 7 years!!!

These superheroes excel at pest control, dining on pests like cockroaches. By doing so, they help maintain nature's balance, keeping troublesome critters at bay.

So, next time you see a house centipede, remember it's a beneficial protector. Rather than squishing it, consider leaving it alone or gently relocating it if necessary. If you are scared of them, you can prevent their entry, and seal up cracks and crevices around your home. House centipedes are fascinating creatures that work tirelessly to keep your living space pest-free. They deserve lots of love and respect

Source: https://portal.ct.gov/.../House_Centipede_Scutigera.pdf

Photo: https://pictureinsect.com/