Shelly-Ann Thompson, Freelance Writer

The two skips piled with garbage in Manley Meadows, Kingston, on Monday. - Junior Dowie/Staff Photographer

Centipedes are causing skin-crawling anxiety among residents of Manley Meadows in Kingston. The residents are demanding the removal of two garbage skips in the community which they say are breeding sites for rodents and insects.

The garbage skips, situated on St. Margarette Close, fill nearby homes with their stench, are overflowing with garbage, and are an eyesore in the community.

The uncollected garbage breeds the centipede, popularly known as the 'forty-leg', flies and rats which often invade residents' homes.

Mark Meadow, who lives about 10 feet from of the skips, told The Gleaner his kitchen is often infested with flies, while his house is sometimes invaded by rats from the skips. He said he has recently been returning home from work to find the centipedes crawling over his bed.

"Three times I have found the insects (centipede) on my bed," said Mr. Meadow. "I now have 10 in total which I have found on my bed and inside the house."

Severe Discomfort

The venom of centipedes can cause swelling which, if left untreated, will lead to severe discomfort accompanied by pain.

Dr. Alverston Bailey, who is also president of the Medical Association of Jamaica, said that when provoked, centipedes can sting persons, resulting in a painful swelling, discolouration and numbness.

"Sometimes patients who are bitten by centipedes may experience anxiety, fever, dizziness, palpitations and nausea," said Dr. Bailey.

"However, most patients who are bitten by a centipede recover completely in about two days," he said.

Two Sundays ago, a meeting was held in the community with representatives from the National Solid Waste Management Authority about the problems of the garbage site. Mr. Meadow said that only promises came out of the meeting.