Habitat and lifestyle of the Crimean skolopendra
Crimean scolopendra is also called black sea, all because it is more common on the Crimean peninsula. A large number of them can be found on Tarkhankut, a favorite place for them on the coast near the mountains. However, it is possible to be attacked by a predator in other territories - Russia (Rostov, Volgograd, Stavropol regions, Taman, Krasnodar Territory, Dagestan), Azerbaijan, Georgia, European countries (Greece, Bulgaria, Spain) and Africa (Egypt, Tunisia). Although the centipede lives in the wild, it can also settle at home, which will bring a lot of trouble to the owners of the home.
From the photo, you can understand that the ringed centipede is a strong insect, the first pair of legs serves as its powerful jaws. She grabs them with a victim, which may exceed herself in size and weight, and tenaciously holds. Thanks to a sensitive pair of antennae on her head, she can easily orient herself in space, with them she feels her way with a fairly fast movement.
Although Scolopendra is considered an aggressive predator - her behavior is calm, she tries to be unnoticed. In the summer heat of the day, she passively hides in the wet shade - grass, branches, stones. At night he goes out hunting, getting his own food, so he can easily crawl into a tourist tent or a private house. Catching up with the victim for the centipede is not difficult, thanks to its fast hind legs. She grabs prey and sticks toxic jaw-legs into it, thereby paralyzing it. Thanks to its protective shell, reminiscent of chain mail, it is almost impossible to crush it; a flat-bodied centipede on soft ground can even withstand a stone blow.
Kivsyak is a vicious enemy
One of the gardener's main concerns is protecting their pets from insect pests. Unfortunately, the number of pest species infesting plants and our harvest is enormous. However, all these chewing, sucking, gnawing are also needed, at least as a source of food for other living creatures - predatory insects, birds, small predators, spiders, etc.
To some extent, they also participate in increasing soil fertility, decomposing after natural death and enriching the soil with various useful substances, for example, chitin, some in the process of their vital activity recycling organic matter (including our crops) replenish humus reserves.
The presence of pests, especially if their number is off scale, serves as a signal to us that not everything is safe in our gardening "kingdom", that we are not doing everything right and wisely.
Protection from pests should not become both an end in itself (I will destroy everyone), and a tick in terms of summer cottages (made and free). You need to understand that pests will always be, they are necessary to maintain the balance of the biocenosis. We need to learn to assess the real harm they cause, to determine the critical amount of their presence. Start fighting only when there is a serious threat to plants, and do not grab onto the sprayer at any "convenient" occasion.
In order for plant protection measures to bring maximum benefit, some important factors must be taken into account. And one of the most important is to know against whom the fight is being carried out, i.e. You need to know the "enemy" by sight.
Appearance, time of departure or release, time and method of reproduction, plants that are a nutritional base, how and where they winter, natural enemies, what they love and what they run from, life cycle - everything is important for choosing the correct and effective way of confronting. Forewarned is forearmed.
In order to make it easier for you to navigate a huge number of pests, to choose the right methods of control, a number of articles on this topic will be posted on the site.
Garden pests that you need to know in the "face"
And let's start the cycle with kivsyak.
Kivsyak is a vicious enemy
I first discovered this pest several years ago in the fall on a garden bed with remontant strawberries. I pick berries and suddenly - one berry is damaged by some thin white worms about 1 cm long, the other, the third. Since there were not many damaged berries, I did not give it much importance. The next year, history repeated itself, but only with more dire consequences, more than half of the berries were spoiled. Since the strawberries were old and the next season the garden was assigned to a different crop, I again did not take any measures, deciding that this worm with a "narrow specialization" only harms strawberries.
How wrong I was! And honestly, I didn't know what could be done, because I had no idea what kind of pest it was and how to deal with it.
But when last season the zucchini growing on this bed was damaged, and the worms themselves began to come across in other beds, I sounded the alarm and rushed to look for information about what kind of "beast" it was.
As always, the "World Wide Web" helped by giving out extensive information that it was a kivsyak.
It turns out that many gardeners have this problem. I learned from the Internet that kivsaki are the most common millenopods, numbering a huge number of species. They are found almost everywhere, almost omnivorous, but prefer leaf litter. They are everywhere, where there is a process of decay and decay. All parts of the plant in contact with the ground, seeds, roots, tubers, stems, leaves, fruits, berries, not only rotting, but also fresh, are used.
They multiply very quickly, eggs are laid in the ground and after 20 days the larvae are born. They prefer moist places, accumulating in dry weather in large quantities under stones, boards, grass, etc. They prefer to hibernate in untreated soils, going to the depths. The kivsyak has no natural enemies, tk. it is poisonous and, in case of danger, gives off a secret with a nasty smell.
Various methods are offered to combat kivsyak. The safest and most effective is the catching of kivsyak with bait traps. Of the large volume of studied material, the article was of the greatest interest to me. At least by the fact that the author, over the course of 5 years, did a gigantic job of taming the kivsyak on his site, having tried all conceivable and inconceivable ways and honestly told about it.
Here are the methods of struggle applied by him, with an assessment of their acceptability for me.
1. Introduction of dry and liquid pesticides into the soil (I will not use it, even if the earth moves from the kivsyak and I don’t advise others, especially since the author honestly admits ineffectiveness);
2. Deep digging, plowing the soil in spring and autumn (I have not been digging for a long time, much less plowing, I am not going to return to this, it also does not help the author);
3. Destruction of weeds, constant loosening of the soil to reduce moisture (even if the sky is "turned off" and be from irrigation, although there is some truth in this, for sure the rainy and cold summer of the third season contributes to the appearance of such an amount of kivsyak);
4. Treatment of the land and seed with a solution of potassium permanganate in order to suppress putrefactive processes and reduce the fodder base of kivsyak (well, why potassium permanganate, there are "human" EM preparations, biofucgicides, and the author still has kivsyak in place);
5. Creation of improvised traps in humid places for catching kivsyak (I think it is quite effective, because I was convinced of this myself in the summer). I had two very old peony bushes, which have almost ceased to bloom. In June, I removed them, put the rhizomes in a cardboard box and put them under the bush clematis before time.Since the box fell into place, playing the role of some kind of support for a spreading bush, it stood there until autumn, covered with clematis. Hands reached her when she began to cut off the clematis. It was then that the picture became clear, I became the owner of the kivsia nursery-farm. The entire bottom of the box has been eaten, and on the remains of the bottom and walls there are innumerable amounts of kivsyak, both adults and larvae.
So the kivsyak opened on another side - the best recycler of cardboard. Neither microorganisms nor earthworms can do this in one season in my compost beds. This fact prompted the idea that next season I would lay out pieces of cardboard on the paths and other unprocessed areas, and for more attractiveness, put peelings of carrots and potatoes under the cardboard, generously flavored with some biological product, for example Fitoverm or Bitoxybacillin, I will try different ones);
6. Cleaning all organic waste as a nutritious base for kivsyak (well, this is unlikely, firstly, without mulch, compost beds, sodded paths, I can not imagine my garden and secondly, kivsyak is not a fool, he will find food for himself, if only not to turn the site into the Sahara desert, and if you remove all the "unnecessary" organic matter, it will eat the necessary one with even greater appetite, that is, our crops);
7. Cultivation of green manure (for me - definitely yes! Firstly, the indisputable benefit for the land, secondly, I read that the kivsyak does not like rape, which means that rape will rule the show on my site next season);
8. Deoxidize the soil with lime, chalk, ash (you need to check, however, the Internet says that calcium is simply needed to build a chitinous cover, and all of the above substances are its source);
9. To dress seeds and planting material with pesticides (definitely not - but in order for pests not to eat seeds, in particular cucumbers, zucchini, pumpkins, I have been treating seeds and soil with the Dachnik biorelevant for more than one season - it helps, but the author is pesticides - did not help);
10. Manual collection is completely ineffective and unrealistic to perform.
The author tried various tricks, but, unfortunately, as he himself admits, so far the score is 1: 0 in favor of kivsyak. However, he does not despair and is sure of victory, since there is not a single saboteur against whom a person would not find justice. Thanks to the author for doing a great job and honestly talking about the results, he saved others from this path.
However, “the end justifies the means” is not a solution to the question, especially in relation to Nature.
I, many years ago, having chosen the technology of natural farming, in my actions I try to be guided by its principles. Therefore, even for pest control, means and methods are chosen that are as safe as possible for nature and humans.
Next season I plan to use herbal preparations Tabazol, Tabagor, Gorchin - against pests, including underground ones, in particular slugs and wireworms. Suddenly it will help and from kivsyak.
There is also hope for the biological product Nemabakt - a symbiosis of a predatory (useful) nematode and a bacterium that penetrates the insect larva, literally eating it out from the inside. Nemabakt works against many underground pests - wireworms, May beetle larvae, herbivorous nematodes, etc. Suddenly, the predatory nematode will like kivsyak.
At the same time, I also plan to more intensively use EM preparations (Shining-1, 2, 3 and Vostok EM-1) to speed up the processing of any kind of organic matter, reduce putrefactive processes, not only in the beds, but throughout the entire territory of the dacha. In particular, after cutting down the vegetation on the paths, mowing the grass under trees and bushes, immediately treat these places with EM solutions, which I had not done before.It is imperative that throughout the season, starting in early spring, use various bait traps, placing them throughout the garden.
However, there is a silver lining.
To some extent, reconcile me with kivsyak can be that he is the best processor of any organic matter (remember the box) into soft humus of the best quality, to which plants react very positively. And now I have a dilemma, which is better, try to completely eliminate the kivsyak or look for effective ways to protect plants from it. For example, do not allow strawberries and other fruits, vegetables in the open ground to come into contact, but be sure to mulch, process potatoes, onion sets before planting with Shining-2, to suppress putrefactive processes, etc.) and wait for Nature to regulate the number of kivsyak naturally way. I am inclined to the second option, especially since there is no choice.
We have to read separate opinions that this is the result of the use of methods of natural farming, it may be so, but for me this only proves its effectiveness, because no one lives in a dead land. And in living Nature everything is natural, first there is “food” (pests), and then only “eaters” (predators). I had this with slugs, for several seasons it was a real trouble. And now the lizards have appeared and the slugs have disappeared.
I am sure that natural laws will work in relation to kivsyak, well, and we will help as much as we can and will wait. Moreover, to be honest, the harvest is enough for us and for the kivsyaks.
Elena Ivanova, Your Fertility, Ufa
Features of the ringed centipede
7 years - the average life span of a ringed scolopendra (in captivity), this is a fairly decent period for an insect, but most often, in a wild environment, it does not live up to these dates. She has enemies, snakes, rats and ordinary cats can feast on centipedes. However, it is generally not desirable for the latter to do this, since there are many parasites and toxic poison in the insect's body, all this can harm the representatives of the feline family. Scolopendra themselves eat cockroaches, worms, lizards, spiders, beetles, molluscs, larvae and other small and large insects.
Ringed centipedes reach sexual maturity in the second year of life, it is during this period that they actively reproduce. Mating takes place at night, when there is silence around. In the male, in the last segment of his body, a cocoon with seminal fluid (spermatophore) is formed, from which the female, during copulation, pulls it into her genital organ. A few months later, the female of the Crimean scolopendra begins to lay larvae (up to 120 pieces at a time). They ripen on average in 2-3 months. Young offspring live with their mother for some time, as a result of which it often happens that she can be eaten by them, or vice versa.
Reproduction
Black Sea centipede is so independent and self-reliant, what reproduces without a partner. Eggs laid in the sand are fertilized in the absence of sperm.
For some time, an adult centipede brings up offspring, teaching the cubs to hunt, the manifestation of a protective function. When the children are ready, the parent releases them from under the wing.
Important! The active breeding season for scolopendra occurs in early spring, which causes inconvenience to local residents: centipedes are extremely aggressive
Influence of the bite of the Crimean scolopendra
In order to kill a person, the bite of the Crimean scolopendra is not enough. This fact is pleasing, especially when you consider that this insect can accidentally settle in the house. The venom of the ringed centipede is not a threat to humans, although the bite itself is frightening and causes painful sensations and unpleasant symptoms. Sufferers associate this pain as being stung by several bees at the same time. The poison becomes especially toxic in the spring. First aid after defeat should be immediate. The wound must be thoroughly rinsed with water, if possible.Further, it must be treated with any antiseptic (alcohol, chlorhexidine, miramistin). Apply a bandage, preferably sterile, and change it every 12 hours. It is also recommended to drink plenty of fluids (to quickly remove toxins from the body), stay calm, and do not drink alcohol (it enhances the effect of toxins in the body).
The bite of the Black Sea scolopendra manifests itself in the following consequences:
- Where the centipede has bitten, traces of tentacles are clearly visible - two punctures.
- Immediately after the bite, a burning sensation is felt, and then there is a sharp pain.
- Around the site of the lesion, the skin takes on a red tint.
- Edema occurs, it lasts for several days.
- Fever, feeling of weakness, nausea and dizziness are possible.
- Allergy sufferers most often have a severe allergic reaction.
However, if the centipede has bitten on vacation in the Crimea, you should not be afraid, all symptoms after the bite will disappear within a maximum of 2 days. If the affected person has a deficiency of immunity, or he is allergic, he should contact a medical institution for help. It is also necessary to visit a doctor if the state of health worsens - the body temperature rises, malaise increases, and edema spreads. After a bite of a poisonous scolopendra, you can drink an antihistamine to relieve itching, swelling, redness and apply special ointments or gels that relieve swelling and irritation on the skin.
Food
Traditional meal times are dusk... Centipedes go hunting insects or small lizards at nightfall.
The main weapon of the centipede is grasping limbshaving the function of injecting poison.
Due to its keen sense of smell and high speed of movement, the centipede can, after tracking down the victim from a secluded place, attack her swiftly and inflict multiple bites.
When the victim is paralyzed, and its internal organs are liquefied, the centipede begins to eat the prey.... The main delicacy of centipedes - cockroaches, flying insects, grasshoppers, various arachnids, crickets.
How to avoid being bitten by a centipede?
Most often, the bite of a ringed millipede can be obtained by people in the forest, in mountainous areas, in personal plots. She often likes to crawl in uncovered tents, hide from the heat in the clothes and shoes of tourists. But they themselves will never attack a person, only in case of danger to their lives. As such, there are no safety measures against the defeat of the Crimean scolopendra. The insect is not afraid of repellent sprays, ointments and creams. Therefore, it is worth limiting her contact with a person by other methods. Since the insect activates especially in the dark, it is necessary to close the doors to the dwelling tightly, to button up the tent in the forest even in the daytime, and there should be mosquito nets on the windows and doors. Scolopendra is afraid of light and will never go where it is light.
A centipede bites a person only when it feels threatened. Therefore, having noticed a centipede on clothes or on the body, the first rule is - no sudden movements, shaking off and attempts to swat it. It is necessary to try to let her go by herself, or gently help with something at hand. Tourists should carefully check their belongings and shoes before putting them on, shaking them for example. You should also inspect your backpack, tent, sleeping bags.
Are they dangerous for indoor plants
Centipedes are dangerous for plants. You can create favorable conditions for the development of the animal by regularly pouring the remains of the tea leaves into a flower pot. First, the kivsyaks will eat the remains of organic matter, and then they will take up the flower itself.
These centipedes can harm houseplants.
If new inhabitants are ignored, the pest colony will rapidly increase, destroying indoor plants in the dwelling. It is easy to eliminate nodule.Simply place the flower pot in a bucket of water. The animal will float up. It is necessary to collect and destroy the pest.
How to protect your home from scolopendra?
The appearance of a ringed centipede causes fear and shock in people, it is much more unpleasant than a simple domestic cockroach. Naturally, if the insect meets at home, there is a desire to quickly drive it out of the residential area. To protect your home from the Crimean skolopendra, you need to study the conditions that are not comfortable for it. The most effective methods of dealing with the enemy are as follows:
- Getting rid of moisture. If the room is damp, it attracts an insect, so rooms should be drained and ventilated, plumbing should be repaired, pipe leaks should be eliminated, etc. Cleanliness, dryness and light are what the centipede is afraid of.
- Repair of cracks, cracks in the facade of the building. Since scolopendra have a flat body, they penetrate into the smallest cracks in the house in the dwelling.
- Equipping windows with mosquito frames.
- Regular cleaning of the backyard area: cleaning of fallen leaves, garbage, spontaneous dumps.
- Destruction of pests and insects in the house that the centipede feeds on: cockroaches, fleas, flies, ants.
Behavioral characteristics
The Crimean centipede is distinguished by its secretive lifestyle. They prefer to hunt at night. In the light period of the day, centipedes hide under stones, in the cracks of old trees or in rocks. And although the Crimean skolopendra cannot be called shy, they prefer to hide from prying eyes.
She can attack only when she feels danger, although even a wave of her hand or any other movement of a person may seem like a danger to a predator. With the arrival of cold weather, scolopendra equips himself a secluded place under the moss, or it is hammered into holes in the ground prepared by other animals. In search of a place for wintering, insects often penetrate into residential buildings.
And if the conditions for a warm and well-fed wintering suit them, then the centipedes remain there until the beginning of spring. Usually, dwellings have everything for waiting out the cold - heat, moisture and the presence of other small insects for food, for example, spiders, domestic ants, cockroaches.
Control methods
Crimean centipede is not so easy to kill. Due to its durable shell and great mobility, crushing it is almost impossible. To catch her, you must wear rubber gloves and arm yourself with a scoop and brush. If the insect is caught, it should be carried a long distance from the living area. To combat the annelid centipede, universal chemicals are used: Raid, Henkel Combat, Starex or dichlorvos. When baiting an insect, it is worth using personal protective equipment for the eyes, respiratory tract and body (gloves, respirator, closed clothing).
Humane residents do not always want to harm a living creature, and this is not always possible if allergy sufferers live in the house, therefore they are intensively looking for other ways to deal with ringed centipedes. For example, you can pour boric acid in places where scolopendra accumulate.
However, as practice shows, it is impossible to fight the Crimean centipede using folk methods. Most often, they are not bred in large numbers in homes. Since scolopendra loves moisture, she is attracted by such premises in the house as the kitchen, bathrooms, closets, attics, cellars. Sticky bait traps can be deployed in these rooms. After a while, prey is found in them. If all the listed methods of dealing with ringed scolopendra do not help, it is worth calling specialized pest control services. Professionals use insect pickling gas, which will eliminate insects by 100%.
The danger
The likely danger of the creature to humans is quite clear: centipede bites very painful. At the same time, they are unlikely to lead to death, the consequences are usually as follows:
- bite site reddens and swells;
- general the state of health is deteriorating somewhat;
- victims with weak immunity may experience headaches, fever, chills.
Symptoms usually go away in 3-4 days... Allergy sufferers should be attentive: a substance secreted by the glands of a predator in a stressful situation is a strong allergen that may cause itching and other characteristic phenomena... For asthmatics, a bite is dangerous to provoke an attack.
On a note! The most common bite site is leg. If at the time of the attack the person was in a sitting or lying position and was bitten in the stomach, arms or back, you should see a doctor.
