Q. This insect was found on the west side of town inside
the house. As you can see from the picture, it looks like a centipede. When we approached
it, it became very defensive and acted like
it wanted to attack us! I also found one on a rose bush in the backyard.
It was also very aggressive. What might it be?
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| Desert centipede found by reader. |
A. Thanks for the picture and you are correct, it is a
centipede. This one is probably the common Desert Centipede. They have very
characteristic color differences from other types of centipedes found outside
of the desert.
centipede. This one is probably the common Desert Centipede. They have very
characteristic color differences from other types of centipedes found outside
of the desert.
They can
look intimidating since they can reach lengths of 4 to 8 inches, one of the
largest centipedes, depending on which desert centipede you encounter. There
are several types all with different colorations.
look intimidating since they can reach lengths of 4 to 8 inches, one of the
largest centipedes, depending on which desert centipede you encounter. There
are several types all with different colorations.
They are
poisonous and can deliver a nasty “bite”. It was threatening to use this on you
because you were a threat to it.
poisonous and can deliver a nasty “bite”. It was threatening to use this on you
because you were a threat to it.
If you
search on the internet for “desert centipede” several good sites will come up
from a “naturalist” point of view. They are good predators of other insects
including roaches. However, they do pose a threat to humans with a “bite”
similar to a bee sting which is treated much the same way.
search on the internet for “desert centipede” several good sites will come up
from a “naturalist” point of view. They are good predators of other insects
including roaches. However, they do pose a threat to humans with a “bite”
similar to a bee sting which is treated much the same way.
Some
people may have a “reaction” to the sting so if you have concerns, go to Quick
Care or other medical service where you can get prompt medical attention.
people may have a “reaction” to the sting so if you have concerns, go to Quick
Care or other medical service where you can get prompt medical attention.
There is
very little information on controlling them so the approach is similar to controlling
spiders and roaches. This includes excluding them from the home by caulking all
possible entry points and creating a chemical barrier using a “foundation
spray” if you want to use pesticides.
very little information on controlling them so the approach is similar to controlling
spiders and roaches. This includes excluding them from the home by caulking all
possible entry points and creating a chemical barrier using a “foundation
spray” if you want to use pesticides.
Once
inside the house they may set it up residence if there is a food supply, places to hide and nest. In cases like these,
sprays called “crack and crevice” treatments would be recommended until you can
get them under control.
inside the house they may set it up residence if there is a food supply, places to hide and nest. In cases like these,
sprays called “crack and crevice” treatments would be recommended until you can
get them under control.
Outside
I would just leave them alone and treat them like any other potentially
dangerous desert creature such as bees, hornets, wasps, black widows, brown
spiders, tarantulas, biting ants and bark scorpions.
I would just leave them alone and treat them like any other potentially
dangerous desert creature such as bees, hornets, wasps, black widows, brown
spiders, tarantulas, biting ants and bark scorpions.