Garden Centipede

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NON-INSECT

Common names:  Garden Centipede, Garden Symphylan

Scientific name (Class):  Chilopoda

Region:  Throughout North America and Europe

Life cycle:  Numerous generations per year.  The adults spend the winter in the soil.

Physical Description: These Centipedes grow to 2inches long. They are reddish-brown. have a flattened body and many legs. The number of legs a centipede has is dependent on the species and age. Fully grown Centipedes have 30 legs (15 pair). If there are less, it's because it's not an adult.

Feeding characteristics:  They feed on the roots (causing scarring) and underground plant parts.  Plants may become stunted and die.

Controls:  Flooding with the hose may control them or tobacco tea poured into the soil for serious infestation.  You may try Parasitic Nematodes, though this method has not been thoroughly tested.