Life Cycle
Centipedes do not go through a metamorphosis like many other bugs. Instead, they go through a series of moults.
With each moult, certain species develop more body segments and functionality until they are fully mature. Other species develop all of their legs as embryos and simply grow larger through their moults.
Centipede life cycle stages:
- Eggs: Centipede females lay a relatively small number of eggs, generally between 15-50. In some species females leave the eggs to develop on their own, while in others they actively protect them from other predators and certain fungi, which can kill them before they hatch. Eggs take a relatively long time to hatch: anywhere between 1 and a few months, depending on climate. In certain species, the newly hatched young eat their mother!
- Immature: After a centipede hatches, it will go through a series of moults on its way to adulthood. This period varies from around 1 year to as many as 3 years, which is a relatively long time to reach adulthood compared to insects, arachnids and other arthropods.
- Adults: Once a centipede reaches adulthood, it may live for another handful of years or more. Many centipedes live for 5-6 years, and certain species can live longer than 10 years. Reproduction simply involves the male producing a spermatophore and the female picking it up. In some species the male just leaves it for a female to find, while in others a courtship “dance” is involved where the male attempts to convince the female to take his spermatophore.
What proof. Professionals Do To Get Rid Of Centipedes
When centipedes are in a home, it is often either because they have a food source there (i.e. insects, arachnids, other arthropods) or there is one or more moisture sources.
We can get rid of centipedes quickly and easily with our Pest Free Guarantee™ seasonal service. This service includes seasonal treatments for full, year round protection from centipedes, as well as 30+ other pests like ants, wasps and mice. That’s why we call it our Pest Free Guarantee™.
Call (888) 658-5191 to learn more and get a free quote right over the phone!