Centipede Identification & Prevention

Centipedes are nocturnal predators that feed on insects, spiders, worms, and other centipedes. These insects are yellowish to dark brown or red, and some may have dark stripes or other markings. Centipedes have a long, flat, segmented body, with each body segment having one pair of long thin, legs. The first pairs of limbs end in sharp claws and contain venom glands that they use to paralyze their prey and as a way to defend themselves from predators.

Though centipedes have poor vision, they are still exceptional hunters using their long, sensitive antennae to find their prey. They can very easily become a nuisance pest in homes in the Honolulu area we service.

While most centipedes you will encounter aren't particularly dangerous to people, no one wants these creepy, leggy insects living inside their homes. Centipedes do have venom, and some species in Hawaii have venom strong enough to affect a person. The pain and allergic reactions most people experience due to a centipede bite are similar to a bee sting.

The good news is that staying away from centipedes is fairly easy. They are not aggressive and won't seek you out to bite.

Centipedes have high moisture needs and dehydrate very easily; the humidity and moisture found in Hawaii allow these pests to thrive. Our properties have plenty of vegetation, decaying matter, and dark, damp areas for these pests to hide in.

When living near our homes and outbuildings, centipedes can cause trouble, often end up wandering inside accidentally through spaces under doors or through openings in the foundation when environmental conditions outside become unsuitable.

Populations of centipedes in Hawaii are quite high, so finding them in your yard isn’t uncommon. Some of the most common spots to find these pests are under rock or woodpiles, in areas of tall grass, under decks, mulch, or within flowerbeds.

If centipedes have moved within your home, they are going to be found at ground level. Crawlspaces, cabinets under sinks, spaces behind tubs or showers, and inside cardboard boxes or within stored clothing are common places to find centipedes inside houses.

Remove unwanted centipedes from your property with the help of the local pest control professionals at Pest Tech Hawaii. Our licensed and insured professionals are dedicated to delivering pest control services in the Aloha spirit! Using up-to-date products, we are committed to providing our customers with a safe and healthy pest-free environment.

Dedicated to our customers, our team works closely together to offer a full range of customizable pest control and remediation services. If you live in Honolulu or Oahu and are looking for affordable and reliable home pest control solutions, reach out to Pest Tech Hawaii today!

Like many insects, centipedes thrive in Hawaii's tropical climate, making controlling and preventing them a difficult task. The following tips will help to make your Hawaii home and property less attractive to these pests:

• Create a barrier between any grass or shrubbery and your foundation. Doing so will help the sun hit the ground around your home, keeping it drier and less attractive to centipedes.
• Remove decaying wood and vegetation from your property that can provide damp, dark places for centipedes to hide like fallen trees, tree stumps, piles of leaves, and brush piles.
• Repair leaky pipes.
• Make sure gutters are in good working order.
• Inside, reduce excess moisture by using dehumidifiers and air conditioners.
• Seal cracks in the foundation and install door sweeps on all exterior doors.