Size: Centipedes vary in length, typically ranging from 1 to 2 inches but can grow larger depending on the species.

Body: These pests have elongated, flat bodies with segmented legs that give them a "many-legged" appearance. Common household centipedes have 15 pairs of legs.

Color: Most centipedes are yellowish to brown, with some featuring dark markings or stripes.

Movement: Known for their speed, centipedes scurry quickly when exposed to light, making them difficult to catch.

Centipedes are nocturnal hunters, actively seeking out other pests like spiders, cockroaches, and silverfish. While this can make them helpful in reducing pest populations, their presence in your home is often a sign of underlying pest issues. Here are a few insights into centipede habits:

Where They Hide: Centipedes prefer dark, damp areas like basements, bathrooms, and crawl spaces. Outdoors, they thrive in moist environments like mulch, leaf piles, and under rocks.

What They Eat: Centipedes feed on small insects, and a high number of centipedes in your home could indicate a larger pest problem.

Seasonal Activity: Centipedes are most active in spring and fall when they search for food and seek out warm shelter indoors.

Understanding centipede biology helps in creating effective control strategies:

Lifespan: Centipedes can live up to 5-6 years, especially in favorable conditions.

Reproduction: Female centipedes lay eggs in moist soil or indoor hiding spots, usually during spring or summer.

Development: Young centipedes have fewer legs than adults and gain more as they mature, developing into full adults over the course of several molts.

These biological characteristics make centipedes resilient and challenging to control without professional intervention, especially indoors.