Centipedes are found across Florida’s diverse environments. These multi-legged creatures are a part of Florida’s natural ecosystem. This article provides information on centipede types, the implications of their bites, and strategies for coexisting with them.
Centipedes in Florida
Centipedes are native to Florida and thrive in its warm, humid climate, inhabiting various outdoor spaces and occasionally venturing indoors. These arthropods are characterized by their elongated, segmented bodies, with each segment typically bearing one pair of legs. Unlike millipedes, which have two pairs of legs per segment and are primarily herbivores, centipedes are active predators. They move quickly, using their numerous legs to navigate their surroundings in pursuit of prey.
Common Florida Centipedes
Florida hosts several common centipede species. The house centipede, Scutigera coleoptrata, is frequently encountered indoors. While its body is about an inch long, its many long, banded legs can make it appear much larger, sometimes up to four inches in total length. These yellowish-gray centipedes are known for their speed and often prefer damp areas like bathrooms and basements.
The Florida blue centipede, Hemiscolopendra marginata (also known as Scolopendra viridis), grows up to three inches long. This centipede typically displays bluish-gray coloration and possesses antennae and pincer-like fangs. Bark centipedes, Scolopocryptops sexspinosus, are smaller, usually one to two inches, with a reddish-brown body and yellow legs. They are often found under tree bark or logs.
Understanding Centipede Bites
Centipedes are venomous and bite primarily as a defensive mechanism. A centipede bite typically results in two small puncture marks where their venom-injecting forcipules enter the skin. The sensation is often described as a sharp pain, comparable to a bee sting, followed by localized symptoms such as redness, swelling, and sometimes itching or burning.
While Florida centipede bites are generally not life-threatening to humans, they can be painful. Most symptoms usually resolve within 48 hours. For first aid, wash the bite area thoroughly with soap and water to prevent infection, and apply a cold compress to reduce pain and swelling. Over-the-counter pain relievers or antihistamines may also provide comfort. Seek medical attention if symptoms worsen, signs of infection appear (like fever or red streaks), or if an allergic reaction occurs (such as facial swelling, difficulty breathing, hives, or dizziness).
Coexisting with Centipedes
Minimizing encounters with centipedes around your Florida home involves managing their preferred habitats and food sources. Centipedes are attracted to dark, damp environments and prey on other insects. Reducing moisture around and inside the home is important; this includes fixing leaky pipes, ensuring proper ventilation in damp areas like bathrooms, and using dehumidifiers.
Sealing cracks and crevices in foundations, around windows, and doors can prevent centipedes from entering living spaces. Removing outdoor debris such as leaf litter, woodpiles, and compost piles near the house eliminates their hiding spots. Since centipedes prey on other household pests like cockroaches, spiders, and silverfish, managing these insect populations can naturally reduce centipede presence. Centipedes contribute to natural pest control by preying on other arthropods.