Ewww-Why Am I Getting These?
By pyewacket
@pyewacket (43903)
United States
July 22, 2009 2:41am CST
My apartment is thankfully bug free--oh okay occasionally I have a spider and they don't bother me..in fact if I find one I actually scoop it up and place it outside my window as I remember my great-grandmother's saying that to kill a spider was bad luck. In fact, most bugs don't really freak me out. But for a few months now, every once in awhile I have visitors that I have no idea how they get into my home.......centipedes.
The only way I notice them is when my brave "hero" kitty Pyewacket suddenly goes berserk and runs like a maniac chasing the offending bug--I mean these bugs run like grease lightening...in fact, my brave kitty just located one a few minutes ago and got it...killed it to smithereens
My question...why am I getting them? I can understand maybe people living in the country but I live in a city area and environment and yes I realize even in a city area one can get them...but this has only been a recent event with me.
Anyone else get these bugs (centipedes)??---if you have pets do they chase them and kill them like my Pyewacket does? Any clues how to make my apartment centipede free without harsh bug sprays or insecticides? I understand they are attracted to dampness and usually are found in basements of home but my apt isn't damp.
The only way I notice them is when my brave "hero" kitty Pyewacket suddenly goes berserk and runs like a maniac chasing the offending bug--I mean these bugs run like grease lightening...in fact, my brave kitty just located one a few minutes ago and got it...killed it to smithereens
My question...why am I getting them? I can understand maybe people living in the country but I live in a city area and environment and yes I realize even in a city area one can get them...but this has only been a recent event with me.
Anyone else get these bugs (centipedes)??---if you have pets do they chase them and kill them like my Pyewacket does? Any clues how to make my apartment centipede free without harsh bug sprays or insecticides? I understand they are attracted to dampness and usually are found in basements of home but my apt isn't damp.14 people like this
41 responses
@gabs8513 (48686)
• United Kingdom
22 Jul 09
Ok what are Centipedes lol yes Blondie is asking a silly question but I really do not know what they are
So I guess I have not got them,
Very rare I get bugs in here, last year I had a beetle in here, Gissi was playing with it, I told him to get rid of it, but oh no Gissi thought it was a Playmate, I sat on the Settee with my Feet up for an hour, while little Fellow enjoyed playing, the Beetle then disappeared somewhere, I was still up on the Settee for hours after as I did not want to get up and stand on it, Gissi was watching for it for a while then got bored waiting and went to bed, I had no clue where the Beetle had gone lol
@BarBaraPrz (45484)
• St. Catharines, Ontario
22 Jul 09
It either flew away or Gissi ate it.
2 people like this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
22 Jul 09
I have a photo of what centipedes look like..weird looking things--I'm glad whenever Pyewacket spots one...mighty "hunter" that he is
@celticeagle (159008)
• Boise, Idaho
22 Jul 09
Ugh! I did some research on your problem and was totally grossed out. I have seen a few in my life and they are scarey and sure can move. Maybe to you the apt isn't damp. May be that the foundation is or something. I found this link that explains alot and seems very informative. Gives some pointers on getting rid of them too. Hope it helps. http://doyourownpestcontrol.com/centipede.htm?gclid=CNz4_ZD46JsCFRwpawodxRNj5A
2 people like this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
22 Jul 09
Looked at that link. The only thing is that I'm hesitant about using any insecticide with my cats around---as long as I'm not plagued by them and I have a mighty bugkiller like Pyewacket...LOL
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
23 Jul 09
Well my apt isn't damp inside but there's no way of knowing what's going on behind the walls...We've had a LOT of rain especially the whole month of June and it rained just last night too...There could be a lot of dampness in the walls themselves--heaven knows what's there....ewww
1 person likes this
@celticeagle (159008)
• Boise, Idaho
23 Jul 09
Oh, no no no! I didn't mean for you to consider bugkiller. I thought the site had some very valid info on it. Why the bugs are there, that they actually kill other insects. I think you might want to check the foundation of your house/apt and see if it is damp or anything because that is what brings them inside. That is all I meant by the site. It had pics and totally grossed me out. They are ugly little buggers aren't they? I just wanted to pass the afore mentioned info on to you. I did not mean the bug sprays or anything. OK?
1 person likes this
@moondancer (7433)
• United States
22 Jul 09
Many people are under the misconception that only folks in the country get the critters.
Critters are in the ground, in the walls, in dark spaces(for spiders), and just everywhere. You will get them once in awhile as they wonder outside of "their" area. Many times when the young are born and leave the nest they have to make a space of their own. That is just the way it is.
Good luck with your spiders. My dogs are the same way, they chase, pounce on, and throw around any critter they find. I have to rescue it and hopefully can find it before it is desimated, lol.
2 people like this
@moondancer (7433)
• United States
22 Jul 09
yes, it is. Have they been spraying for critters and then stopped for a bit? That is the only thing I can figure that might be.
2 people like this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
22 Jul 09
The thing is, I've lived in this apartment building for 48 years and never, ever had centipedes before until now, so kind of weird no?
1 person likes this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
23 Jul 09
an exterminator comes to spray inside apts once each month to whomever wants the exterminator....I never have since I don't want that smelly toxic crap in my apt ---not with my two "babies' around
1 person likes this
@byfaithonly (10698)
• United States
25 Jul 09
Afraid I have no idea why you are getting centipedes, I've lived places I've had them and then others I never see...
Have to say though may have just figured out why my life stinks so badly - never heard your great-grandmother's saying but I am terrified of spiders and am the cause of hundreds being killed I'm sure - if I don't have spray I'll pay kids to kill them for me :( don't dare get any closer than the spray myself though :(
@byfaithonly (10698)
• United States
25 Jul 09
I cringe at the thought of 'Arachnophobia' have watched it :( but with eyes closed half of it and lots of nightmares or sleepless nights after. I've never heard of '8 Legged Freaks' but am guessing I wouldn't care to :(
1 person likes this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
26 Jul 09
LOL--Arachnophobia is one of my favorite movies--sure wouldn't want those big spiders though around me
@zandi458 (28102)
• Malaysia
22 Jul 09
Don't discount the fact that they are crawling creatures and they can crawl and find their own comfort anywhere regardless of whether it is in town or country. Those you find in your apartment are the town centipedes. LOL..I am staying in a countryside and insects of various species are found here. My cat has been a savior many times and she has even killed a snake that managed to creep in to my house. My cat is a hunter and other go out to the woods to find her prey. You might not believe me but these bugs (all kinds) are a delicacy in Thailand. They are deep fried and coated with flour and spices (like kentucky fried chicken) and sold in open air market.
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
22 Jul 09
Wow your kitty killed a snake once?
Yes I've heard about certain bugs being "delicacies"--like chocolate covered ants..mmmm...think I could live without eating that as much as I like chocolate
Yes I've heard about certain bugs being "delicacies"--like chocolate covered ants..mmmm...think I could live without eating that as much as I like chocolate
@LetranKnight25 (33121)
• Philippines
22 Jul 09
To be honest, it looks cute...only looks...cute..but the ones we have here a bit darker and probably larger than the one you image here. i encountered several of them. they either hide in the drainage or plants.my mom kept telling me to kill them if we ever saw one, she experienced being bitten by one of those and it hurts really, personally i thought it was poisonous
. @pyewacket (43903)
• United States
22 Jul 09
Yes, from what I've been reading about these bugs they can give a nasty bite
@marciascott (25529)
• United States
23 Jul 09
I have a lot of nets, I can't stand them, My backyard looks like the woods, so maybe that is where they come from. I have the big ants too. yes, I noticed that nets like to be around food. and damp things.
1 person likes this
@marciascott (25529)
• United States
24 Jul 09
they are like fruit flys, they are very tiny, they like to be around fruit.
1 person likes this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
24 Jul 09
Mmmm...what are nets? Never heard of them before
1 person likes this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
24 Jul 09
Oh I think I know what you mean know but I've always called them gnats...and believe it or not I was plagued with them for a good long while too...have no idea how they got in as I don't have any food left out, especially fruit
@cloud_kicker_32 (4635)
• United States
22 Jul 09
ughh! ohhhh my! i know EXACLTYYY WHAT YORU TALKING ABOUT!! when i lived in my apartment before i live here..i used to get them all the time,and i couldnt figure where the heck they were coming from!! until one day i caught 2 lil SOB'S!! LOL! THEY were coming from my bath tub!! can u believe it!! yesss! so i ended up moving anyways..but id check into seeing about what can be done..maybe finding something to put down ur drain? check online..good luck hun! April
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
22 Jul 09
Ewww--I hope they don't crawl out of my bathtub drain while I'm taking a bath...
@Grandmaof2 (7579)
• Canada
22 Jul 09
I now live in an appartment also and thankfully I have so far only found ants and one spider since June 01. These centipedes would definately freak me out and most NOT welcome lol. Good like with these awfulo visitors.
2 people like this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
22 Jul 09
The centipedes are weird looking and they sure can run fast..thankfully my "brave" bugkiller kitty is faster and gets them
1 person likes this
@blackbriar (9076)
• United States
25 Jul 09
Since they aren't coming in droves, I would just let your natural predator do his job, Pye. He seems to thoroughly enjoy doing it at that. lol
1 person likes this
@blackbriar (9076)
• United States
26 Jul 09
Hey Pyewacket...Tigger been a little standoffish to me as of late. Wonder if it's because he ran out of treats? 
When he decides to get off his high horse, I'll pass your hug to him.
When he decides to get off his high horse, I'll pass your hug to him.1 person likes this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
27 Jul 09
I have a few coupons of his "treats"--the Medley...auntie pyewacket will send them to him :-)
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
26 Jul 09
Hey blackbriar...glad to see you here and give a hug to tigger. So far my mighty hunter hasn't seen anymore centipedes
@ElicBxn (63235)
• United States
22 Jul 09
I think you just need to keep Pye close at hand...
actually, I didn't know that you guys had beasties like that up there, but I looked it up and while its a pretty icky looking thing, its got NOTHING on the ones we have down here!
http://www.dallaszooed.com/animalfacts/animalfacts.php?id=95&name=TUV&ci=2&li=8
WTG Pye-kitty, keep up the good work!
2 people like this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
22 Jul 09
I can always tell when Pyewacket sees one (before I do) as he stares at the floor for awhile before he makes his "kill"
2 people like this
@scarlet_woman (23465)
• United States
23 Jul 09
centipede centipede,or one of those nasty house centipedes that are grey and look like angel fish?if it's the latter,i hate those.
i recommend the manhattan phonebook.*squish*
my cats won't touch them.i think they're as grossed out as i am.
they will "point" them for me though.
didn't you say your sink leaked?
it could be dampness from that.even a little bit will attact them.
i'm not sure what would deter them.ants don't like tansy,maybe they don't either?
1 person likes this
@scarlet_woman (23465)
• United States
23 Jul 09
i was looking at the pic-and that's the same one.
that one looks tan..weird.i've heard them called silverfish here,but they also call them house centipedes.
oh man..tell me about that rain.
it looks cloudy now.i'm surprised we haven't had more of the lil' buggers.
1 person likes this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
23 Jul 09
Angelfish? Think you might mean silverfish??...those run like grease lightening as well
No my sink doesn't leak...just would like a new one...LOL--there could be a lot of dampness between the walls though...we've had enough rain here lately that I just might need to build a boat soon--so the dampness could be in the walls from the rain
1 person likes this
@jazzsue58 (2666)
•
23 Jul 09
I had an image of insects with fins as well! I guess you might get them if the house was VERY damp 
2 people like this
@maidangela7349 (1191)
•
23 Jul 09
I don't know where your centipedes are coming from that will need investigation on site but I read an article on insects in the home which said that every home has at least three species of spider living in it and a miriade of other insects mostly so small you cannot see them. So I regret to tell you that your apartment is not bug free even if you don#t actully see them
1 person likes this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
23 Jul 09
I agree--while normally I don't have bugs in my apartment..god knows what's in between the walls
@maidangela7349 (1191)
•
23 Jul 09
HI jazzsue Silver fish are as you say extraordinary insects. They are very primitive and were probably one of the first insects to be able to live out of water so have been around much longer than the dinosaurs. We have them as well and as far as I know they do not do any harm.
1 person likes this
@jazzsue58 (2666)
•
23 Jul 09
Silverfish is what we get - they're amazing though, aren't they? What makes them silver, do you think?
1 person likes this
@catdla1 (6005)
• United States
22 Jul 09
Centipedes are nasty to look at but pretty harmless. Their actually beneficial in that they eat other insects and insect larva (including spiders, unfortunately). They usually show up in areas that are moist...in the bathroom, under sinks, behind dishwashers, washing machines, etc. My mother used to live in a home with an attached screen porch. After heavy rains, when the carpet was wet, she occasionally got them. If you can find out where the moisture is, and dry it up, the centipedes usually go away on their own.
The cause may be something out of your control. If you've had heavy rains, they come in thru the foundation. If there's a leak between walls (usually a sign of roof leaks), they could be coming in there too.
1 person likes this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
22 Jul 09
That could explain a lot...the past few months have been the rainiest ever..the whole month of June for instance it rained nearly everyday--so I guess those bugs aren't so dumb and come inside to avoid all the rain--and yes, no doubt there's probably a lot of dampness between the walls--heaven knows WHAT is inside there...ewww
1 person likes this
@Lakota12 (42600)
• United States
22 Jul 09
I think they sometimes come up thru the pipes!
I havent seen any in years and I think the first time I was in Kendergarten and one was crawling up the hall way in School house in Salt Lake City Utah!
SInce then I have seen several and I do kill them if I can and yup I use spray! The sting from them can hurt awful!
1 person likes this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
22 Jul 09
I just sure hope those bugs don't decide to come up from the bathtub pipe while I'm taking a bath!!
Two legs good, four legs better!!
@Debs_place (10520)
• United States
22 Jul 09
Pye, If I remember correctly we don't live that far apart. I am going to guess that you are getting about the same amount of rain that we are and that is why you are getting those little suckers. Where they come from I don't know...but I agree they are ugly nasty things.
1 person likes this
@Debs_place (10520)
• United States
23 Jul 09
Yes, I woke up this morning and noticed I had webbed feet and hands!
1 person likes this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
23 Jul 09
You're right...we're not too far apart and with all this rain we've had, like almost the whole month of June I'm thinking I need to build an ark. It rained yesterday, and we're expecting more rain tomorrow
1 person likes this
@jdyrj777 (6530)
• United States
23 Jul 09
For some reason this house i once rented have very large bugs. Centipedes included. Ewee! I hate bugs of all kinds. I will kill a bug ina a second if my Kat family doesnt get them first. Spiders especially. Cause i dont know which ones are poison or not. Better them than me. I've been biten 2 times in the last couple of months by spiders. They are really bad this year.
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
24 Jul 09
I'm hearing that a lot of people here are being plagued with one kind of bug or another....beginning to think more insects have been breeding due to all the rain a lot of areas of this country has gotten..the whole month of June it rained everyday just about...the other day it rained, and it rained all day today
@strawberrybaby39 (2086)
• United States
23 Jul 09
I have never really had to much of a problem with those. I think I seen one in my house and my husband killed it but I haven't seen anymore since then. I don't like spiders much. Now if I see a snake I am out of there. You will see me leaving dust trails behind lol. I am sure there should be some kind of sticky traps that you can get to put out. You might want to go to the store and ask them some questions about the bugs.
1 person likes this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
24 Jul 09
If I did get sticky traps I would have to be careful where I put them so the cats don't think they are toys to play with...LOL
@strawberrybaby39 (2086)
• United States
24 Jul 09
lol now that would be way to funny. Catt running around like crazy saying mommy get it off my paw lol. cats can get into so much stuff. Try to put the traps behind things the cats can't get into.
1 person likes this
@cobra1368 (702)
• United States
22 Jul 09
I just did a little research, and these critters are called house centipedes. They are very fast, very common in homes, and eat flies, cockroaches, and other insects. So, the reason you have them is because they will go anywhere there are insects to eat! And insects are everywhere.
I have seen them, and they kind of creep me out too. Blech! This species apparently can deliver a mildly painful bite, but they rarely bite humans.
And yes, my cat and my dogs LOVE to chase bugs! We keep all the windows open in the house whenever the weather is nice, and we don't have a screen on any of them, so it is open to whatever flies or crawls in. My dogs have nearly wrecked the place before when a wasp, horsefly, or bee enters! They don't even see people, furniture, house plants, etc., when they're chasing a flying insect!
Yikes!!
1 person likes this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
22 Jul 09
Isn't it great we have natural bugkillers with our pets? I remember years and years ago, a wasp managed to come in and one of my former kitties not only caught it, but ate it!
@cobra1368 (702)
• United States
23 Jul 09
My pittie girl is great. If she doesn't see it but I do, I will point at it and say, "Eat that." She goes over and crunches it down! She's almost as good as the vacuum cleaner!
She's almost as good as the vacuum cleaner!1 person likes this
