Centipedes 

Centipedes are arthropods with a name meaning "100 legs," although various species have as few as 15 pairs and as many as 200. They have flat bodies that bend along several segments and are usually brown, gray, or yellow. Some are less than an inch long, while the massive ones grow up to eight inches. Most of the ones we find inside homes and businesses in our area are House Centipedes, which can grow to over an inch long. However, be careful, as we have the Giant Redheaded Centipede (Scolopendra heros), which can grow to eight inches. It possesses venomous fangs and can inflict a painful bite, which may cause local inflammation, redness, and swelling. They feed on insects as well as small worms and spiders. While this makes them an essential part of the natural outdoor ecosystem, they are, of course, not needed inside homes and businesses. They usually hide in dark areas near moisture and emerge into the light only when disturbed or searching for food.

Among the bugs and insects that invoke an intense fear reaction, centipedes rank at or near the top of the list. Several scientific theories have been explored over the years regarding the sources of this natural and sometimes immense fear, including cultural beliefs, the evolutionary fear of venom, and the simple appearance of spiders. A generally accepted scientific explanation involves hereditary adaptations developed over many thousands of years in response to our ancestors' encounters with venomous animals and insects that carry diseases. Genetic changes over time can condition us to be either cautious or outright afraid of centipedes and other potentially dangerous pests. In our own life experiences, it is likely that as children, we were conditioned by adults and other children to avoid them. Centipedes are indeed very alien-looking insects and are both distinctive and creepy. It stands to reason that the first step to addressing the fear is to get assistance from New Science in eliminating them and preventing future infestations.

All species are venomous, although they usually only sting humans when disturbed. Although when we think of a "bite" from a centipede, it is actually a sting from their forward-most pair of legs. When they sting, their venom typically causes pain, swelling, and redness; however, a more severe allergic reaction is possible for individuals at higher risk.

Centipede control is essential for our business clients. A public sighting of these pests can cause immediate and potentially irreparable damage to a business's reputation with customers. Foodservice businesses can be particularly vulnerable to regulatory actions.

Let New Science be your trusted choice in Oklahoma for exceptional professional pest services. Whether you're experiencing problems with centipedes or other pests, you can rely on our reputation for complete customer satisfaction when choosing a company to protect your home or business. Please feel free to contact us today for a complimentary estimate of an effective and environmentally responsible pest control plan tailored to your specific needs and budget.