Centipedes
Chilopoda
Soil Pests & Nematodes Low Risk 20-150 mm
📖 Description
Centipedes are generally beneficial soil-dwelling predators that feed on insects, slugs, earthworms, and other small soil organisms. Their venomous fangs help them subdue prey, and they play an important role in controlling soil-dwelling pests. However, in rare cases, particularly in greenhouse or container situations, they may feed on young seedlings or tender root vegetables. The damage they cause to plants is usually minor compared to the pest control services they provide. Most garden centipedes are harmless to humans, though large tropical species can deliver a painful bite.
⚠️ Symptoms to watch for
- Chewed roots or stems on very young seedlings,Small holes in tender root vegetables,Centipedes visible under pots, rocks, or mulch,Occasional damage to sprouting seeds,Rapid movement of elongated multi-legged creatures when disturbed
🩹 Treatment
- Remove hiding places like boards and stones near seedlings (organic),Reduce mulch depth around vulnerable seedlings (organic),Allow soil surface to dry between waterings (organic),Use diatomaceous earth around seedling bases (organic),Apply pyrethrin dust to affected soil areas (chemical)
🌿 Organic treatments
- Remove hiding places like boards and stones near seedlings,Reduce mulch depth around vulnerable seedlings,Allow soil surface to dry between waterings,Use diatomaceous earth around seedling bases
🧪 Chemical treatments
- Apply pyrethrin dust to affected soil areas
🛡️ Prevention
- Maintain good garden hygiene by removing excessive debris,Reduce heavy mulch layers near seedlings and young plants,Allow soil surface to dry slightly between waterings,Keep compost piles away from seedling beds,Monitor under pots and containers regularly,Start seedlings indoors before transplanting to reduce vulnerability
🪴 Affected plants
- Primarily beneficial but may damage seedlings
🦋 Natural predators
- Birds,Frogs,Spiders
🌱 Host plants
- N/A — predatory on other soil organisms
🔄 Lifecycle
- Centipedes are long-lived arthropods with some species living 5-6 years.
- Females lay 15-60 eggs in soil or under debris and may guard them until they hatch.
- Young hatch with fewer segments and legs than adults, adding segments and legs with each molt.
- Development to adulthood takes 2-3 years depending on species.
- Most species have one generation per year with slow, gradual development.
- They are nocturnal and prefer dark, moist environments.
📅 Season
- Year-round in soil (most active in warm, moist conditions)
🔎 Appearance
- Elongated, flattened arthropods with one pair of legs per body segment.
- Colors range from pale yellow to dark brown or reddish-orange.
- The first pair of legs behind the head are modified into venomous fangs (forcipules).
- Garden centipedes are typically brown and move very quickly.
💥 Damage level
- Low
🔁 Reproduction rate
- Slow
🗺️ Geographic regions
- North America
- Europe
- Asia
- Africa
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