Joe DiMeo’s Remarkable Journey: Surviving a Horrific Crash and Experiencing the Afterlife
At just 18, Joe DiMeo’s life changed forever after a devastating car accident.
After dozing off behind the wheel following a night shift, Joe’s vehicle crashed and caught fire, leaving him with third-degree burns covering 80% of his body.
Now 26, Joe has undergone a groundbreaking double hand and full face transplant—the first ever successful procedure of its kind.
During his grueling recovery from more than 20 surgeries, Joe revealed a vivid and surreal experience during the three months he spent in a coma: a vision he believes was a glimpse beyond this life.
The Truth About Centipedes: Fascinating Creatures or Unwanted House Guests?
Centipedes are instantly recognizable by their long, segmented bodies, numerous legs, and antennae, typically ranging in color from yellow to dark brown. These creatures have anywhere from 15 to 77 pairs of legs, enabling them to scuttle swiftly across floors and climb walls with surprising agility.
Though centipedes possess venomous bites, they rarely cause serious harm to humans or pets. At worst, a bite might lead to mild irritation or redness, but serious medical issues are uncommon. Despite this, few homeowners welcome their presence—and yet, there’s more to these critters than meets the eye.
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Five Surprising Facts About Centipedes
- They Gain Legs with Age: As centipedes molt, they can regrow lost legs, often resulting in an increased number over time.
- Ancient Survivors: These arthropods have roamed the earth for more than 400 million years, making them one of the oldest terrestrial species.
- Incredibly Fast: Despite their appearance, centipedes can move over a foot per second, thanks to their many legs and segmented bodies.
- Diverse Diet: While smaller centipedes feed on insects and worms, larger species can overpower more substantial prey like frogs and spiders.
- Long Lifespan: Some house centipedes live as long as six years, quietly persisting in dark corners and basements.
Who Preys on Centipedes?
Centipedes themselves are part of the food chain. Birds, mice, frogs, certain spiders, beetles, and snakes all include them on their menu. Larger centipedes can even prey on smaller animals, but they remain vulnerable to numerous natural enemies.
Why You Might Want to Keep House Centipedes Around
Although many people instinctively want to kill centipedes on sight, these creatures often act as natural pest controllers. A small number of house centipedes can help keep cockroaches, spiders, and other irritating insects in check—without building nests or webs themselves. In that sense, they serve as quiet allies rather than foes.
However, when their population swells, house centipedes can become a nuisance and may signal a larger underlying pest problem. Given their potential lifespan of up to ten years, it’s wise not to ignore a centipede presence.
The Smart Move: Professional Pest Control
Even if a few centipedes seem harmless, they can be an indicator of bigger infestations lurking within your home. Relying solely on centipedes to manage pests isn’t foolproof. Bringing in professional pest control experts is the safest way to ensure your home stays free from centipedes and other unwelcome invaders.
In Summary:
While often feared, house centipedes play a helpful role as natural insect predators. They don’t build nests or webs and quietly reduce populations of cockroaches, spiders, and other pests. But a growing number of centipedes can become a problem—and signal deeper pest issues requiring professional attention. For a pest-free and peaceful home, trusting the experts is your best bet.