Centipedes in Idaho

Centipedes in Idaho
Centipedes can range from yellow to dark brown, occasionally with darker striped markings. Their length ranges from 1/8 – 6” (4-152 mm). What makes centipedes interesting is the number of legs they have, ranging from 15 – 177 pairs.
Centipedes are found in Idaho as well as throughout the U.S. and around the world. Centipedes prefer areas with high moisture and can be found under rocks, logs, even under leaves and yard debris. When centipedes find their way into homes, they are commonly found in high moisture areas/damp areas such as basements, crawlspaces, bathrooms and sometimes they make it into potted plants.
Centipedes can be somewhat of an unsightly pest. Lucky for us, most species of centipedes tend to keep to areas where they aren’t disturb by humans too often.  Most centipedes that you find around (outside, or even underneath) your home should be considered a helpful pests.  They are beneficial because they help keep other pests under control, eating other insects and pests, such as small spiders, cockroaches and moths.
Centipedes do not pose significant threat to health or property. However, some species of house centipedes have poison jaws which they use to inject venom into their prey. **If not handled with care and too roughly, *some larger* species can deliver a painful bite that can break human skin which may cause swelling similar to a bee sting.
Alpha Home Pest Control 
208-475-4440