Red-Headed Centipede Identification Guide | Covenant Pest Control

Serving Families Throughout Boerne & Surrounding Areas
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Defeating Troublesome Red-Headed Centipedes

Dealing with a huge centipede infestation is a problem, especially if you want to avoid painful centipede bites and ensure that your loved ones are protected from these troublesome pests. Covenant Pest Control offers professional centipede control in Boerne, TX, and surrounding areas that help you defeat this pest.

Frequently Asked Questions About Red-Headed Centipedes

What are red-headed centipedes?

The red-headed centipede, also known as the giant desert centipede, is a large centipede that is common in Texas. These predatory arthropods typically grow to be between 6 1/2 and 9 inches in length, and they have two antennae and 21 pairs of legs. The body of the red-headed centipede is black and green, while it has yellow and black legs and a distinctive red head.

Among the many different kinds of centipedes in the area, red-headed centipedes are somewhat easier to identify due to their size and coloration. However, our pest professionals at Covenant Pest Control are happy to provide identification assistance.

Are red-headed centipedes dangerous?

Red-headed centipedes are venomous, and they do bite humans. Infestations of this pest may be dangerous to have around your property because of this, and you will want to avoid centipede bites. The bite of the red-headed centipede is comparable to that of a bee sting, and the pain of a bite tends to last for an hour or so. Some individuals may have allergic reactions that are triggered by red-headed centipede bites, and these can range from mild to severe anaphylaxis.

Furthermore, sightings of red-headed centipedes around your property are frightening, and this large pest might cause stress, anxiety, and fear among those on your property.

Why do I have a red-headed centipede problem?

Red-headed centipedes in your Texas house are likely to have found their way to interior areas in pursuit of moisture; moisture is one of the biggest factors that attract centipedes. If you have moisture problems, leaks, and build-up of standing water outdoors, your property is at a higher risk of picking up a red-headed centipede problem. 

Other risk factors that might contribute to an infestation of red-headed centipedes include plenty of cracks around your property’s structure that let these pests inside and clutter or debris piles outdoors that make good hiding spots.

Where will I find red-headed centipedes?

Red-headed centipedes prefer being in dark and moist areas. If you notice centipedes in your house, they will likely stay around bathrooms, basements, garages, and underneath porches or decks where moisture tends to accumulate. In outdoor areas, you may see these pests around woodpiles, piles of debris and brush, or hiding in long grasses and fallen logs.

How do I get rid of red-headed centipedes?

Red-headed centipedes are problematic to deal with, and you don’t want to go up against them alone due to the risk of painful bites. Instead, contact Covenant Pest Control at the first signs of these troublesome pests on your property. With our help, you can reclaim your interior and exterior areas from red-headed centipedes in no time and get back to enjoying your property.

How can I prevent red-headed centipedes in the future?

Prevent future problems with red-headed centipedes by following our expert tips that deter them from your property:

  • Clear debris piles from outside, cut down long grasses, and store wood in elevated areas to reduce centipede hiding spots.
  • Address moisture issues both indoors and outdoors to prevent a build-up of water and humidity from attracting centipedes.
  • Seal up cracks around your property’s structure and install weatherstripping to centipede-proof interior areas.

For additional red-headed centipede control advice or assistance, contact Covenant Pest Control today.