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I am absolutely petrified of centipedes. I'm not looking for a lecture on how beneficial they are, I just want to know if there's anywhere in the world (where people inhabit) that have zero centipedes (or similar spooky million legged creatures). I've looked online and haven't found any clear answers. Thanks.
Last edited by jessiee904; 09-10-2020 at 02:05 AM..
Reason: Added context
Looks like you aren't the only one being curious:
[url]https://ask.metafilter.com/324519/Is-there-anyplace-with-no-house-centipedes[/url]
I've seen that thread, but it only asks about in North America/Central America and basically gives the answer that no, there's centipedes everywhere. I'm wondering about the whole world though. Is there any city anywhere without centipedes?
I believe centipedes are found worldwide from equatorial deserts and jungles to well within the Arctic circle.
I believe only Antarctica may not have an endemic centipede species, but there are tons of creepy crawlies, such as Belgica antarctica, the Antarctic midge, there living in the coastal zone.
Centipedes do require moisture, so deserts would probably have the fewest, but wherever there are humans there is moisture, and thus habitat for centipedes. I live in New Mexico in a desert area and still I see the occasional centipede, both in town and around desert scrub plants. Just lift a rock in the deser and you will find them. Basically anywhere that plants can grow, even desert plants, will have centipedes.
So I suppose if you moved to a very dry desert region and lived away from other humans in a shack with no plumbing, you chances of encountering a centipede would drop considerably.
Actually centipedes are pretty useful. House centipedes are known for killing pests, like roaches, moths, flies, and termites that might otherwise lurk under your furniture.
They don't create any kinds of nets or webs and don't carry fatal diseases, so they're basically harmless.
They can be found pretty much everywhere. Not sure where you can escape. They are found on all continents except Antarctica and live in many different habitats.
Clean, well sealed house, perhaps?? And apparently they HATE the smell of peppermint! Not only is the smell enough to keep them away from your home but coming into contact with the oil burns them.
I've seen that thread, but it only asks about in North America/Central America and basically gives the answer that no, there's centipedes everywhere. I'm wondering about the whole world though. Is there any city anywhere without centipedes?
No, there aren't any cities anywhere without centipedes.
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