Order: Various

Centipedes have many pairs of legs and are often referred to as "hundred-leggers". These pests can be beneficial as they kill other insects and spiders, but they are also a nuisance because they can arrive in large numbers and can inflict a painful bite. These pests are also creepy looking and bring about fear in people. It is believed that centipedes originally came from Mexico and now they are found throughout the United States.

Description: Adult centipedes can range in size from 18-6 inches long. Their flattened, wormlike bodies are yellowish grey to dark-brown. They may have between 15-175 pairs of legs, with one pair per body segment.

Biology: Centipedes live outdoors and over-winter in concealed or protected areas. They lay their eggs in the soil during the summer months. Depending on the type of species, centipedes can live from one to six years.

Habits: Centipedes are often found in high-moisture areas such as landscaping mulch, rotting logs, piles of leaves, compost piles or trash. Extreme environmental conditions (too much rain or too much heat) can force these pests to invade structures. Since they prefer moist environments, they can be found in basements, bathrooms, damp closets or even potted plants.