Centipedes

Need Help?

Get in touch with one of our experts.

Centipedes are elongated, segmented creatures with numerous legs and a venomous bite. While their appearance may be unsettling, most centipedes in Sri Lanka are not dangerously venomous to humans.

Identification

Physical description: Long, flattened bodies with numerous legs (one pair per body segment). They have prominent antennae and a pair of venomous forcipules (modified legs) near their head for subduing prey. Coloration varies, but brown and yellow are common in Sri Lanka.
Habitat:Centipedes prefer moist environments and are often found in basements, bathrooms, laundry rooms, or under rocks and leaf litter outdoors.
Feeding habits: Carnivorous predators that feed on insects, spiders, and other small invertebrates. They inject venom to immobilize their prey before feeding.

Behaviour

Life cycle:Centipedes undergo incomplete metamorphosis with several molting stages. Females lay eggs in a moist environment, and nymphs emerge that resemble adults but with fewer legs. They molt repeatedly as they grow, adding more legs with each molt.
Activity patterns: Primarily nocturnal, but can be active during the day in search of food or moisture. They are fast-moving creatures and can be quite agile.

Signs of Infestation

Visual signs: Seeing live centipedes indoors, especially in damp areas. You might also notice shed exoskeletons after molting.
Behavioral signs: Unexpected disappearance of household insects (potential prey for centipedes).

Health Risks

Bite: Most Sri Lankan centipede bites cause localized pain, swelling, and redness. However, some larger species can inflict more severe bites with burning sensations, nausea, and swelling that may last for a few days.
Allergic reactions: People with allergies may experience more severe reactions to a centipede bite.

Management

Prevention: Reduce moisture in potential hiding spots like basements and bathrooms. Seal cracks and gaps around pipes and windows to prevent entry.
Exclusion: Use caulk or weather stripping to seal potential entry points.
Trapping: Set bait traps designed for centipedes.
Insecticides: Use approved insecticides labeled for centipede control with caution, following label instructions carefully. Focus on potential entry points and hiding spots.

Living with Centipedes:

While not ideal houseguests, centipedes can actually be beneficial by helping to control insect populations. If you encounter a centipede indoors, it’s often best to relocate it outdoors rather than kill it. However, if they become a persistent problem or you have concerns about a potential bite, consider professional pest control services.

809/36, Negombo Road, Mabola, Wattala

+94 77 368 8979

info@ceylonpestcontrol.com

Centipedes

Identification

Behaviour

Signs of Infestation

Health Risks

Management

Living with Centipedes:

Need Help?

Identification

Behaviour

Signs of Infestation

Health Risks

Management

Living with Centipedes:

Fumigation

Pest Control Services

Contact

Subscribe Newsletters