Centipedes in Phoenix, AZ
Scolopendra spp.
Centipedes deliver a painful pinch and thrive in damp hiding spots. Learn how to identify and manage them.
Notes: From a Phoenix, AZ Exterminator
Appearance
Centipedes are elongated, fast-moving arthropods with one pair of legs per body segment, ranging from an inch to several inches long in Arizona, typically brown or reddish with a flattened body.
Harborage
They favor damp, dark hiding spots — under rocks, mulch, leaf litter, and occasionally bathrooms or garages indoors — and are most active at night hunting other insects.
Are They Dangerous?
Larger centipede species can deliver a painful pinch/bite similar to a bee sting, with localized pain and swelling. Serious reactions are uncommon but possible in sensitive individuals.
Treatment
Since centipedes hunt other insects, reducing their food source through general pest control is the most effective long-term approach. Antidote Pest Solutions treats the full insect population driving activity. Talk to one of Antidote Pest's Service Pro's today.
Prevention Tips
Reduce moisture around the foundation by fixing leaks and improving drainage
Remove leaf litter, mulch, and woodpiles from against the house
Seal cracks around the foundation, doors, and windows
Use a dehumidifier in damp areas like basements or crawl spaces
Limit outdoor lighting that attracts the insects centipedes prey on
Behavioral Notes
House centipedes have exactly 15 pairs of legs as adults, and can run in short bursts at speeds around a foot per second — among the fastest land arthropods relative to body size.
They're actually beneficial predators, feeding on spiders, roaches, and other household pests, even though most people find their appearance unsettling.
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