Is Crimean scolopendra dangerous and how to fight it?

"What a skolopendra!" - so sometimes for the eyes they speak about malicious people, who are characterized by a bad character in general and cunning in particular. The word ends with the letter "a", so the unflattering definition is more often addressed to women. In the original sense, this is not an oath, but an insect that is considered exotic. By the way, females are really poisonous, but this applies to most types of insects.

Scolopendra as a species

In fact, the brightest representatives of this species live in warm tropical countries. Individual species can reach a length of two and a half decimeters, they hunt lizards, toads, mice, and if lucky, then birds. Consists of this creature as if from separate ringed segments, equipped with legs, the number of which can vary from two dozen to 23 pairs (more is not recorded). In this case, the functional load is invariably borne by the fore and hind legs. With the help of the back legs, the skolopendra clings to everything that is horrible to hold, and on the front it grabs the prey and stings it, then slowly and tastefully consumes food. The insect is a multi-legged "poison factory", which contains many bioactive compounds, from histamine and lecithin to serotonin and acetylcholine. Acute reaction to bite usually lasts up to two hours, it is painful, accompanied by swelling, general weakness and fever.

Exotic insects of Hispanics and residents of tropical islands are difficult to surprise. But in our country they meet. For example, the Crimean ringed skolopendra is common, as is clear from its name, on the glorious Black Sea peninsula.

Appearance

This insect is considered ugly. But not everyone shares the opinion of his unattractiveness. The scientist, engaged in the study of biological species, may well admire: "What a magnificent specimen!", Considering a particularly large specimen. Yes, and to the beings of the opposite sex, some of their brethren may seem quite attractive. On all the others, the Crimean scolopendra makes the impression of being repulsive, which, however, does not greatly upset her. In the adult stage in length, it reaches ten, and sometimes fifteen centimeters. Outwardly it looks like a caterpillar, equipped with additional "options" in the form of a multitude of legs and menacingly protruding arms. The coloring is militaristic, closest to the khaki, olive-brown or brownish, which is indicative of the graduation in the world of insects about the unwillingness to enter conflicts and the desire to sneak secretly and then disappear.

Camouflage and disguise

She is able to hide and disguise, so Crimean scolopendra is dangerous. The photo of the insect demonstrates its low visibility on the widespread natural tones of the subtropics. Being non-aggressive in nature, it is easily frightened, despite its threatening appearance. The reaction is the isolation of a special poisonous substance, sticky and scorching. This mucus causes itching, burning and allergies, especially in people prone to a painful reaction to toxins. One should be afraid of touching, not to mention more dense contact. Avoid meeting with this unpleasant centipede is difficult because of her good disguise and the habit of this insect to seek shelter wherever it is possible to hide from the bright light.

In search of shelter

Crimean skolopendra is a special danger for tourists - "savages" traveling with tents. Nighting somewhere in Tarkhankut, we should not forget that the tent needs to be closed, leaving only the buttoned net curtain. Being trained, it will not be superfluous to turn over and shake your shoes or shoes, and then look into them. You need to look around and a sleeping bag, and all the clothes. The insect shows activity only at night, by the morning it tries to huddle in a place more quietly, to sit out there all day. If there are no tents with tourists, this big centipede simply buries into a loose ground (sand will come off also), but the desire for excessive comfort is harmful not only for people. As soon as newcomers arrive, the insect strives to find a comfortable place. Unfortunately, the Crimean skolopendra does not understand the purpose of things and mistakenly believes that they will not be needed by anyone during the daytime. Meeting people leads to mutual troubles.

Scolopendra bite

Mucous secretions of scolopendra when exposed to the skin of a person cause unpleasant consequences, but this is not the only and not the main means of its self-defense. She also stings. The consequence of a bite is a strong swelling, swelling, and the allergy happens even in those who have never suffered from it. Do not be too frightened, let alone panic, scolopendra venom is in most cases not fatal. Maybe, that's why humanity was not concerned with the development of an antidote and did not even come up with any special methods of treatment in case of its bite. A couple of days will ache, then it will pass by itself - here is the main recommendation. In rare exceptional cases, you need to seek medical help, and then the doctor will prescribe a course that takes into account the characteristics of the organism of the victim, who, as a rule, has allergic problems, whose aggravations were caused, unwittingly, by the Crimean scolopendra. Still it is necessary to remember that the greatest "lethal force" its poison reaches in May, then it becomes weaker.

Scolopendra Crimean in the house. What to do?

Gadina loves coziness. If there is a choice between an open space or a human dwelling, she will choose the latter. It is not difficult to penetrate into the house, a flexible body and many limbs allow you to climb into the gap, dive under the door or sniff out the window. But that's what the Crimean skolopendra is facing right after the housewarming, it's with the dislike of the "indigenous inhabitants", people and animals. The insect has, as a rule, impressive dimensions, and it is difficult for him to hide his presence, wherever it hovers, and the tail will stick out. Neighborhood, of course, unpleasant.

It should be particularly noted on the unfortunate fact that ordinary insecticides affect weakly the creature, which itself actively produces poisons. I do not want to touch the hand of such a disgusting monster as the Crimean scolopendra. How to get rid of it with the least loss?

It's best to just slam it with something heavy, given, of course, its extraordinary vitality. Even after receiving injuries incompatible with life, the insect is long wriggling, scary masha with its tail and poisonous forepaws.

The second way is to cover the skolopendra with something heavy, like a glass jar and watch her slow death from hunger and thirst.

Preventing the appearance of these unpleasant centipedes is the maintenance of dryness in the dwelling, without water they can not.