People tend to be more afraid of bugs with lots of legs. It is because they are seen as being gross and scary. While there are many bugs, spiders, centipedes, and millipedes tend to have the most legs.
There are a variety of bugs that populate our planet, and among the most common are those bugs with lots of legs. Cockroaches, ants, and flies have six legs, making them insects. However, any more than six legs is another beast altogether!
Although many people think of centipedes, millipedes, spiders, and pillbugs as harmful household pests, the fact is that only a small percentage of these bugs are harmful.
In general, house bugs can be divided into four categories: centipedes, millipedes, spiders, and pillbugs.
Continue reading to find out more information about bugs with lots of legs.
Table of Contents
A Bug With a Lots Of Legs – What’s that?
When most people think of bugs, they think of insects. However, there is a big difference between insects and arachnids (spiders), and crustaceans (crabs, shrimp, etc.).
Insects
They have three body parts head, thorax, and abdomen. They also have six legs.
Arachnids
They have two body parts: the cephalothorax and the abdomen. They have eight legs.
Crustaceans
They have three body parts: the cephalothorax, the thorax, and the abdomen. They have six legs.
Every living thing is important, including all the six-legged, eight-legged, and sometimes even hundred-leg creatures. They have their role to play in the intricate web of life. So next time you see a bug with lots of legs, don’t kill it! Thank it for doing its part.
5 of the Most Common Bugs with Lots of Legs
Silverfish
Silverfish are a common household pest. They have six legs, two long antennae, and three long bristled appendages. Silverfish feed on various materials such as starches, sugars, cellulose fabric, and other silverfish.
They are typically ½ inch in length and are a light silver or brown color. Silverfish are common in the United States.
Silverfish are a common household pest that can cause property damage. They are not known to attack humans. But they are very fast and prefer indoor areas where they can find food and moisture.
Silverfish bugs are common in many households and can be a real nuisance. They are about an inch long, have silver scales on their bodies, and are attracted to light. They often cause holes in clothing, wallpaper, books, and other paper products.
House centipedes
House centipedes are a common type of arthropod found in many parts of the world. They have a long, flat, elongated body and typically measure between 1-2 inches in length.
Being predators, they feed on other insects, making them beneficial. Despite this, they have often been considered pests due to their appearance and tendency to invade homes.
House centipedes have up to fifteen pairs of legs, so they get their name from the Latin word for “hundred.” These bugs tend to enter homes through small cracks and crevices and can be difficult.
Centipedes are known for their venomous claws that they use to defend themselves. Although all centipedes have poison, it is not lethal to humans.
The house centipede is a common pest found in many homes. These pests are usually about an inch long and have many legs. They are identified with their long antennae and the three stripes on their head.
House centipedes are generally harmless, but they can be a nuisance. They are predators of silverfish, cockroaches, and carpet beetle larvae.
On the other hand, if you have a house centipede infestation, it is important to address it quickly. These pests can survive for several years and breed very quickly.
The best way to control house centipedes is to make your home less inviting to them. One way to do this is by laying out sticky traps. These pests often enter buildings by walking in, so consider fitting draft stoppers beneath ground-level doors to stop them from crawling under.
Finally, remember that they like to live in the dark, moist areas – so try to keep your home as dry and well-lit as possible.
Millipedes
Millipedes are common bugs that are found all over the world. They prefer damp and dark conditions and can be commonly found outside under compost, mulch, leaf litter, stones, and flowerpots. They have a lot of legs and are generally harmless to humans.
Millipedes are interesting creatures are found in many parts of the world. They are not harmful to humans and will not bite or sting. However, large numbers of them may be a nuisance.
There are a few things that you can do to get rid of millipedes in your home. The first is to eliminate any moist sites, such as leaky pipes or areas where water tends to accumulate.
You should also remove any possible food sources, like rotting leaves or compost piles. Finally, you can use pesticides or traps to eliminate the millipedes.
Though millipedes are not generally harmful, they can be a nuisance when they invade homes. They are repelled by light and prefer dark, moist environments like firewood piles, leaf litter, or boxes stored in the garage or basement.
Pillbugs
Pillbugs, or sowbugs, are a type of terrestrial crustacean that can be found all over the world. They are commonly mistaken for insects because of their legs, but they are more closely related to shrimp and crabs. Pillbugs live on land and eat decaying organic matter.
Pillbugs are common bugs that have seven pairs of legs. They are often found in gardens and around the house. They get their name from their tendency to roll into a pill-like shape when disturbed.
Pillbugs are common in damp places and prefer dark, humid locations. They can often be found under rocks, boards, and other objects.
Pillbugs, also known as woodlice and roly-polies, are common bugs found hanging out under logs, rocks, and leaf litter during the day. They come out at night to scavenge.
They’re oval with a segmented body and ten legs. Pillbugs often roll up into a ball when they feel threatened.
Spiders
Spiders are one of the most common types of household pests. They can enter your home through tiny cracks and openings and often find their way into dark, secluded areas. While they may seem scary, spiders play an important role in controlling pest populations.
However, if you have a spider infestation, it is best to call a professional exterminator to get rid of them.
Even though spiders have six legs, most people are freaked out by them because of their eight eyes and the way they move. Sometimes they are in yellow. When faced with dozens of spiders, it can be especially daunting. They prey on lots of critters and other pest partners.
There are many ways to prevent spiders from entering your home. One is to eliminate any moisture sites, as spiders love humidity. You can also fit screens and draft stoppers around doors and windows, which will stop them from entering the house.
How do I prevent future house bugs with lots of legs problems at home? (Or Insect with lots of legs)
A few ways to prevent bugs with lots of legs are the following:
Seal Cracks
Seal cracks in your foundation or exterior walls. It will keep the bugs from being able to enter your home.
Moisture
Make sure you keep food and moisture sources under control; centipedes love moist environments.
Dehumidifier Technologies
Using a dehumidifier can help keep the humidity down, discouraging these pests from taking up residence in your home.
Keep Yard Clean
Leaf litter, grass clippings, and firewood provide the perfect hiding spot for centipedes.
Standing Water
They also love moist environments, so remove any standing water near your home.
Door Sweeps
Install door sweeps and weatherstripping to keep them out.
No Food Souce
Eliminating their food source means controlling other insects and spiders inside your house. Create a barrier between the bugs and your living space.
Use Pesticide Products
You can apply pest control products to your window and door casings, baseboards, and perimeter. It will help keep pests like spiders, cockroaches, ants, and other bugs out of your home for good.
Conclusion
While most of the many-legged beasties are harmless, they can still give people the creeps. More common bugs include silverfish, centipedes, millipedes, pillbugs, and spiders.
Finally, pests can be discouraged by eliminating moisture sites and, if they are recurrent, identifying the root of the problem. However, if extermination is deemed necessary, it is important to hire a professional exterminator to avoid any long-term damage.
In conclusion, draft stoppers are a cheap and easy way to keep pests like bugs and spiders out of your home. Using a draft stopper under the door can help keep your home bug-free.