Protect your home or business from Texas redheaded centipedes by learning techniques for identification and control. Scolopendra heros6.5 to 9 inchesRed headBlack & green body2 antennae & 21 pairs of legsYellow & black legs
Texas is home to a diverse range of centipede species ranging from the tiny House Centipede to the intimidating Giant Desert Centipede. While not all centipedes in Texas are venomous some can deliver a painful sting if handled incorrectly. This article provides an in-depth look at the most common centipede species found in the Lone Star State, including tips for identification and control.
An Overview of Centipedes in Texas
There are around 10-15 notable centipede species that reside in Texas The most widespread include
- Giant Desert Centipede
- Eastern Bark Centipede
- Common Desert Centipede
- House Centipede
- Brown Centipede
- Arizona House Centipede
- Eastern Red Centipede
- Soil Centipedes
The average size ranges from 1 to 8 inches, depending on the species Most have an elongated, segmented body with one pair of legs per segment Their color can be yellowish, brown, red, orange, or black.
Centipedes are predators that actively hunt small invertebrates and occasionally small vertebrates. They use venom injected through pincer-like appendages to subdue prey. While not lethal to humans, some species can inflict a painful sting.
These arthropods prefer moist environments and often seek shelter in rotting logs, piles of leaves, loose soil, and cracks in walls or foundations. Heavy rainfall may cause them to venture indoors in search of drier conditions.
The Most Notable Centipede Species in Texas
Below is more information on some of the most common centipedes found in the Lone Star State:
Giant Desert Centipede
- Scientific name: Scolopendra heros
- Size: Up to 8 inches
- Color: Red head and tail, black/green body
- One of the largest centipedes in the US
- Found in arid climates of Southwestern states
- Venom can cause severe pain but is not lethal
- Prefers rodents and reptiles as prey
House Centipede
- Scientific name: Scutigera coleoptrata
- Size: 1-1.5 inches
- Color: Yellowish with three dark stripes
- Commonly found indoors, especially in basements
- Eats spiders, roaches and other small insects
- Venom unlikely to penetrate human skin
- Can run very fast, up to 40 mph
Common Desert Centipede
- Scientific name: Scolopendra polymorpha
- Size: Up to 5 inches
- Color: Pale orange-brown with black stripes
- Found in arid habitats of Southwestern US
- Venom causes intense localized pain
- Unlikely to be fatal but medical care often needed
- Prefers insects and invertebrates as prey
Eastern Bark Centipede
- Scientific name: Hemiscolopendra marginata
- Size: Up to 3 inches
- Color: Olive green with black fringe
- Only centipede with sexually dimorphic venom
- Painful sting but not medically significant
- Found under bark and forest litter
Brown Centipede
- Scientific name: Lithobius forficatus
- Size: 0.7-1 inch
- Color: Reddish brown
- Nocturnal hunter of insects and arachnids
- Frequents gardens and compost piles
- Sting is painful but effects are localized
Tips for Identification and Control
Here are some tips for identifying and controlling centipedes around your Texas home:
- Learn to recognize common species by size, color, and habitat
- Use glue boards or sticky traps to monitor for presence
- Seal cracks and openings in foundations to prevent entry
- Eliminate moisture by improving drainage and ventilation
- Remove piles of leaves/debris near home exterior
- Apply pesticide spray or dust in targeted areas
- Wear gloves and avoid direct handling
- Capture and remove individual centipedes if found indoors
- Consult a pest control professional for severe infestations
With proper identification and preventative measures, centipedes can be controlled safely around the home. Though some species can deliver a painful sting, they pose little medical threat to humans and help control other pests. Monitoring for excessive numbers is advisable, especially if small children or pets frequent the area. With the right knowledge, Texas residents can coexist with these many-legged creepy crawlies!
Behavior, Diet & Habits
Texas redheaded centipedes, also known as giant desert centipedes, are very large, averaging about 6.5 inches long, but range in size up to 8 or 9 inches long. The head and first two body segments are various shades of red and the other body segments are black with traces of green. The centipede’s head segment has two antennae, and the body has 21 pairs of legs. The first 20 pairs of legs are yellow, while the last pair are black and longer that the others. This bright coloration is very effective at warning a potential predator of the dangers that may ensue when dealing with this centipede.
Texas redheaded centipedes live in the American Southwest, parts of the South and Midwest, and northern Mexico.
Longevity depends on many factors, but the normal life span of this centipede is 1-6 years. Their preferred habitat is primarily protected areas under stones, rotted logs, leaves or bark and where there is suitable moisture. During the hot, drier summer months, these centipedes are sometimes seen inside structures as they are seeking a more hospitable habitat. However, more frequently they are seen outdoors on porches, sidewalks or in gardens.
Texas redheaded centipedes are primarily predators that consume insects and other Arthropods. Their prey is seized using the first pair of legs and stunned or killed as venom is injected through the poison claws at the end of the legs. Obviously, one should never handle a Texas redheaded centipede since they can not only bite with the poison fangs under their head, but also can inject venom from their “walking legs” located on its other body segments. Although uncommon, when people are “bitten”, there is a sharp, localized pain that progressively subsides, producing localized swelling. However, if someone that is bitten has insect allergies, their symptoms may be more severe. Therefore, if a Texas redheaded centipede bites someone they should seek the care and advice of a medical professional.
Texas redheaded centipedes live in the American Southwest, parts of the South and Midwest, and northern Mexico.
These centipedes spend the winter months as adults. The females begin laying 15-60 eggs in the warmer months of the year. The female constructs a nest in the soil for the eggs and coils around them for protection from would-be predators. The females are very protective of their eggs – frequently cleaning them and removing microorganisms that might harm the eggs. After about a two-month incubation period, the eggs hatch producing small offspring that look much like miniature versions of the adults.
Since Texas redheaded centipedes usually spend very little time in the open, a visible occurrence of large numbers are rare. However, an appearance of this critter is a good warning sign that it is time to contact your pest management professional for assistance and recommendations for developing a centipede management plan.
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How do I get rid of Tex redheaded centipedes?
Controlling the Texas redheaded centipede may require both chemical and non-chemical means. Some effective control methods include:
- Reducing centipede habitat and preventing entry into homes by keeping compost piles, firewood, rock piles or fallen logs away from the home or removing them entirely.
- Rather than using thick mulch beds, place a 12-24 inch band of gravel or stone around the perimeter of the home. If mulch is preferred, rake the mulch bed every 4-6 weeks to allow it to dry out.
- Sealing any holes, crack or gaps in the foundation wall and repair or replace any damaged weather stripping.
- Since centipedes need moisture, ventilate crawl spaces and use dehumidifiers to enable airflow and reduce humidity.
- If necessary, your pest management professional may use a chemical product spray or dust around the foundation or other locations that centipedes may use to venture inside.
- If centipedes are seen inside, your pest management professional may use approved, registered chemical products in places such as cracks and crevices, wall voids or other hidden, sheltered places that centipedes may occupy.
Your local Orkin Pro is trained to help manage giant desert centipedes and similar pests. Since every building or home is different, your Orkin Pro will design a unique treatment program for your situation.
Orkin can provide the right solution to keep giant desert centipedes in their place…out of your home, or business.
Texas Wild: Centipede
FAQ
Are Texas centipedes poisonous?
Texas Redheaded Centipede
Though its venom is not usually life-threatening to humans, a bite can lead to severe pain, inflammation, and, in some instances, allergic reactions. The Texas Redheaded Centipede is known for its aggressive behavior, making encounters with humans more likely.
Is it bad to find centipedes in your house?
Yes, it is normal to encounter house centipedes in homes, especially in damp or humid areas like basements, bathrooms, and kitchens. They are generally harmless and can actually be beneficial since they feed on other pests such as spiders, insects, and even cockroaches.
How to get rid of centipedes in Texas?
… centipede habitat and preventing entry into homes by keeping compost piles, firewood, rock piles or fallen logs away from the home or removing them entirely
What does a Texas centipede look like?
The castaneiceps variant found in Arkansas, Missouri, Texas, and other nearby areas is commonly known as the “giant redheaded centipede” or “Texas redheaded centipede” because of its distinct red head and greenish black body and tail.