Insect centipede - is the proximity of humans and common flycatchers dangerous?

A millipede, found in its own apartment, often terrifies people. A swiftly running insect seems dangerous and aggressive. In fact, such allegations are justified. The insect centipede is a predator, it really is able to attack and bite, but not a person, but a fly or a moth. She tries to avoid contact with people, hiding in hard-to-reach corners. With a clear threat, a centipede can bite, insect venom causes problems in people with allergies.

The appearance of millipedes

The common flycatcher, which we call the centipede, belongs to a large family of millipedes. It has 12,000 species. The flytrap has a flat body, divided into 15 segments. Each segment corresponds to a pair of legs. The first pair, as a result of evolution, turned into leg jaws, designed to capture prey. It is not difficult to calculate how many legs a centipede has - 30. The number of limbs depends on the age and type of insect, the maximum number is 354. All millipedes have an odd number of pairs of legs.

Interesting fact. The last pair of legs significantly exceeds the length of the remaining limbs. In female flycatchers, it is twice as large as the body. From the side, these legs are similar to antennae, therefore, with a cursory glance it is difficult to determine where the head of the insect is.

The size of a flycatcher is 35-60 mm, an adult, running at a speed of 40 cm / sec., Can make an unforgettable impression. Facet eyes are located on the sides of the head. The insect has excellent eyesight that helps in hunting. The long antennae of the flycatcher consist of hundreds of small segments. She has an external skeleton of chitin and sclerotin - a distinctive feature of all arthropods.

The body of the insect is grayish-yellow with three dark stripes in full length. Purple stripes are also visible on the numerous legs of the flycatcher. Knowing what a centipede looks like, you can not confuse it with another type of millipede - a scolopendra. This insect is much more dangerous, its bite is a strong and painful swelling.

Habitat

The common flycatcher can be found in many temperate regions. In Russia, this is the Volga region, the southern regions, an insect lives in the northern part of Africa, Europe, the Middle East, and Mediterranean countries. Under natural conditions, millipedes hide under stones, fallen leaves, plant debris. The centipede hunts at home at any time of the day.

They move into human housing with the onset of autumn cold weather. Prefer dark and humid places:

• basement;
• bathroom;
• restroom.

During the winter, the insect hibernates; it is active only with the arrival of heat. In southern countries, millipedes are treated kindly, because they help to exterminate pests.

Food addictions

What do centipedes eat? These are carnivorous insects, their food addictions are not limited to a certain type of prey. Predators catch:

• flies;
• cockroaches;
• Worms
• larvae;
• fleas;
• butterflies.

How do flytraps hunt?

They lurk their prey using antennae antennas that capture odors and vibrations. During the hunt, the centipede rises on long legs, then immediately rushes to the spotted prey. Powerful jaw processes are used to hold it. The injected poison instantly paralyzes the insect. After eating, the flycatcher hides in a secluded place for digesting food. Faced with a flytrap, people often wonder if the centipede is poisonous. Yes, the insect has glands that produce poison to kill prey.

If within the reach of the centipede there are several victims, then she catches them all. Moreover, in the process of eating one midge, she holds the rest with her feet.

Propagation of centipedes

During the breeding season, the female begins to secrete pheromones that attract the male. The process of mating insects is peculiar. The male lays a capsule with sperm. The female picks up the spermatophore with genital appendages. The number of laid fertilized eggs is from 60 to 130 pieces. An ordinary flycatcher digs a hole for them in moist soil, then covers it with a sticky substance.

Centipedes are born with four pairs of legs. Their number increases after each molt. It will take at least five links until the number of legs reaches 15 pairs. Under natural conditions, insects live 3-7 years.

Centipedes in the house, why are such neighbors dangerous?

The appearance of a flytrap in the house does not threaten its residents. The insect is more active in the dark, so the risk of encountering it will increase at night. When the light is turned on, the millipede rushes to a secluded gap. If a centipede is seen in the house in the summer, then it is better to catch it and take it out to the street. You need to catch it not with your hands, but with a jar or box. In tropical countries where there are no harsh winters, flycatchers do not migrate in homes.

Having settled next to a person, an insect does not encroach on its food, plants and domestic animals. Millipedes do not gnaw furniture or wallpaper, are not carriers of dangerous diseases. There will be no invasion of a large number of flycatchers, they do not live in families. You can get along peacefully with them, even after benefiting from such a neighborhood. The little predator does an excellent job with annoying flies, and if cockroaches hide in the apartment, the centipede will get to them.

Is a centipede dangerous for humans? If there is a clear threat to life when attacked by pets or humans, it can bite and inject poison under the skin. A small dose of paralyzing toxin is not fatal for pets and especially for people. It causes an unpleasant sensation, but not more than a bee sting. The tendency to be allergic to insect venom can aggravate the situation, causing edema and general malaise.

Do centipedes bite?

Even the most non-aggressive creature can bite with fear. A flycatcher, even attacking an adult, in most cases will not be able to bite through the skin. Children's skin is more delicate and thin, so getting a wound is real. Symptoms of the toxin entering the body will be redness, itching and burning. What to do if a centipede has bitten? The first tip is not to panic. The poison is very weak, it will not cause harm to health. It is worth acting due to the circumstances:

• disinfect the wound with alcohol or hydrogen peroxide;
• with a strong burning sensation and the appearance of swelling - it is worth applying a cold compress, keep until the loss of discomfort;
• if the bite site hurts - take an antihistamine and pain medication.

Attention. Individual intolerance to flytrap venom can lead to complications. If symptoms of an allergic reaction appear - weakness, dizziness, breathing problems and others, you must go to the hospital.

How to get rid of a flytrap

Not everyone likes the presence in the house of an unpleasant insect, which in anyone can fall from the wall directly onto his head. Many people are afraid of the bite of a centipede and its consequences. Forcing an ordinary flycatcher to leave a favorite place can change the conditions comfortable for it. Simple and affordable action against millipedes:

• The flycatcher loves dampness - it is necessary to ensure a normal level of humidity.Wipe puddles on the floor in time, repair leaking taps, do not leave on wet wipes and rags.
• Ventilation and good ventilation also reduce humidity indoors.
• Check the basement, there is often an accumulation of rotten boards, old paper, mold and dampness.
• Try to deprive the flycatcher of food, independently destroy flies, cockroaches and other prey.
• To block the possible paths of entry into the house - pour cracks in the solution, put nets on the windows, repair cracks in the wooden floor.

Attention. Sticky traps for insects, placed on the floor, will not help get rid of an ordinary flycatcher. She runs away from the tape, leaving a few loose legs on the surface. For a centipede, this is a small loss, because the legs grow over time.

A centipede or a flycatcher is not the nicest neighbor, but it benefits. In each house, various parasitic insects exist hidden. A predatory millipede effectively destroys pests. If you do not pay attention to its repulsive appearance, you will get a mutually beneficial partnership.