House centipedes are a common sight in many homes, and while they may be beneficial in controlling other pests, their appearance can be unsettling to some people.
If you’re wondering how to get rid of centipedes in your house, there are several steps you can take to reduce their presence.
One of the most important things to do is to eliminate any other insect infestations in your home, as centipedes are attracted to areas with a ready food source.
You can also reduce their habitat by clearing away any piles of leaves or debris outside your home, as these areas provide a damp and sheltered environment that centipedes love.
Another effective way to get rid of house centipedes is to reduce the humidity levels in your home.
This can be done by using a dehumidifier, fixing any leaks or standing water, and ensuring that your home is well-ventilated.
By following these steps, you can significantly reduce the number of centipedes in your home and enjoy a pest-free living environment.
Identifying House Centipedes
Physical Characteristics
House centipedes are small, fast-moving bugs with lots of legs. They are typically about 1 to 1.5 inches long and have long, slender bodies with many segments. They have two long antennae on their heads and a pair of long, thin legs on each body segment. House centipedes are usually yellowish-gray or brown in color, with dark stripes or spots on their bodies.
One of the most distinctive physical characteristics of house centipedes is their many legs. They can have anywhere from 15 to 177 pairs of legs, depending on the species. Their legs are long and thin, and they move very quickly, making them difficult to catch or kill.
Behavior
House centipedes are nocturnal creatures that prefer to live in dark, damp places. They are often found in basements, bathrooms, and other areas with high humidity. They are also attracted to clutter and debris, so keeping your home clean and organized can help reduce their numbers.
Despite their creepy appearance, house centipedes are actually beneficial insects. They feed on other pests, such as spiders, cockroaches, and silverfish, making them a natural form of pest control.
However, if you have a house centipede infestation, it can be unsettling and even frightening. House centipedes can be difficult to get rid of because they are so fast and can hide in small, hard-to-reach places.
Types of Centipedes
There are various types of centipedes, but the two most common types found in homes are the Malaysian Cherry-Red Centipede and the Black Centipede.
Malaysian Cherry-Red Centipede
The Malaysian Cherry-Red Centipede is a bright red color with black legs and can grow up to 6 inches in length. They are commonly found in tropical regions and are known for their painful bite. These centipedes are attracted to moisture and can be found in damp areas such as bathrooms and basements.
Black Centipede
The Black Centipede is a dark brown or black color with yellow legs and can grow up to 3 inches in length. They are commonly found in North America and prefer to live in dark, damp areas such as basements, crawl spaces, and bathrooms. These centipedes are nocturnal and are known to move quickly when disturbed.
If you suspect that you have a centipede infestation, it is important to identify the type of centipede in order to determine the best course of action for removal.
Why You Want to Get Rid of House Centipedes
House centipedes are creepy-looking creatures that can be found in many homes. Although they are not harmful to humans, there are several reasons why you may want to get rid of them.
Health Risks
While house centipedes are not harmful to humans, they can still pose a risk to your health. They are known to carry bacteria and other harmful microorganisms that can cause illness. If you have a weak immune system, you may be more susceptible to these illnesses.
Property Damage
House centipedes can also cause damage to your property. They are known to feed on other insects, such as spiders, roaches, and silverfish. If you have a large infestation of house centipedes, they may start to feed on other items in your home, such as clothing, books, and wallpaper.
Additionally, house centipedes are fast-moving creatures that can be difficult to catch. If you have a phobia of bugs or insects, the presence of house centipedes in your home can cause anxiety and stress.
Overall, while house centipedes may be beneficial in controlling other insect populations, their potential health risks and property damage make it important to take steps to get rid of them in your home.
How to get rid of house centipedes.
House centipedes can strike fear into just about anyone who encounters them inside their home. These pests have worm-like bodies with multiple sets of long, creepy legs. House centipedes prefer to stay out of sight, so if you encounter one, it will most likely be an unwelcome surprise for both you and the centipede.
In general, centipedes don’t pose any danger to humans. They can and will bite if they’re severely aggravated, however, and the toxin they inject can cause a reaction in a small number of people who happen to be allergic to it. Otherwise, the pain level is similar to a bee sting and is used as a weapon of last resort for the centipede.
You might also want to read this article on how to Get Rid of House Centipedes and Why You Shouldn’t Kill Them.
What do house centipedes look like?
The bodies of house centipedes appear to be flattened and elongated. Their bodies contain numerous segments, each of which includes a pair of legs. On the female house centipede, the last pair of legs are elongated to almost twice the length of her body, causing her to look even bigger and more threatening.
what do house centipedes eat?
They feed on other small insects, spiders, and sometimes may go for a plant (if they get the urge). They get most of their daily liquids from their prey.
How do you get house centipedes?
House centipedes come into your home in search of shelter and food. They prefer to spend their days in dark, damp places and their nights on the hunt for food. House centipedes eat other pests such as silverfish, cockroaches, and spiders — but that doesn’t make homeowners any happier to see them.
The presence of house centipedes can point to a potentially bigger issue with other pests in your home. If you start seeing a number of house centipedes, it is important that you take a hard look at the possibility of a serious secondary infestation.
How to get rid of house centipedes, step by step
If you want to know how to get rid of house centipedes, start by following the step-by-step guidelines below. A few proactive steps on your part can help you get rid of the house centipedes currently in your home and prevent more from coming inside in the future.
Step 1: Deal with any water issues around your house.
House centipedes are attracted to areas that are dark and damp. If you have any water issues around your house—such as a leak under your kitchen sink—you are inadvertently creating an ideal space for house centipedes. Fixing water issues will make your home less attractive to this pest.
Step 2: Give your house a thorough cleaning.
Vacuuming out the corners and crevices of your home using a high-powered vacuum cleaner can suck up house centipedes that are trying to hide during the day. Be sure and dispose of the contents in a way that does not allow the centipedes to crawl back into your house.
Step 3: Get rid of other pests in your home.
House centipedes feed on other pests like cockroaches, silverfish, and spiders. If you have another type of pest infestation, it can attract house centipedes into your home. Eradicating other types of pests can help you get rid of house centipedes.
By following these prevention methods, you can reduce the likelihood of house centipedes entering your home. However, if you already have a centipede problem, you may need to take additional steps to get rid of them.
Natural Remedies for Getting Rid of House Centipedes
Diatomaceous Earth
Diatomaceous earth is a natural and non-toxic way to get rid of house centipedes. It is made from fossilized diatoms and works by dehydrating the exoskeleton of the centipedes. Sprinkle diatomaceous earth in areas where you have seen centipedes, such as cracks, doorways, and baseboards. Leave it for a few days to allow the centipedes to come in contact with it. Then, vacuum it up and dispose of it.
Essential Oils
Essential oils are another natural way to repel house centipedes. Peppermint oil, eucalyptus oil, and tea tree oil are all effective in keeping centipedes away. Mix a few drops of the oil with water and spray it around your home, focusing on areas where centipedes are likely to hide. You can also soak a cotton ball in the oil and place it in areas where centipedes are common.
Sticky Traps
Sticky traps are an effective way to catch and eliminate house centipedes. Place sticky traps in areas where you have seen centipedes, such as in corners, behind furniture, and in closets. The centipedes will get stuck to the trap and eventually die. Dispose of the traps and any caught centipedes in the trash.
Using natural remedies is a safe and effective way to get rid of house centipedes. Try incorporating these methods into your pest control routine to keep your home centipede-free.
Chemical Solutions for Getting Rid of House Centipedes
Insecticides
Insecticides containing pyrethroids can be sprayed around baseboards, windows, crevices, doors, and the outdoor perimeter of the home to kill centipedes on contact. However, it is important to follow the instructions on the label and use caution when applying insecticides, as they can be harmful to humans and pets if not used properly.
Dusts
Diatomaceous earth is a natural dust that can be sprinkled around entry points and the exterior of the home to kill centipedes. The microscopic jagged edges of the powder pierce the body of the house centipedes and dry out the fat and oils contained inside, slowly killing them. However, it may take several days to see results.
Sprays
Boric acid can be used as a natural spray to kill centipedes. It can be mixed with water and sprayed around entry points and the exterior of the home. However, it is important to use caution when using boric acid, as it can be harmful to humans and pets if ingested.
It is important to note that while chemical solutions can be effective in getting rid of house centipedes, they should be used in conjunction with other methods, such as reducing moisture and clutter in the home, to prevent future infestations.
How to get rid of house centipedes Outside
If you’re looking to get rid of outdoor centipedes, your first move is to look at the environment. Are there lots of places for the creatures to hide, like piles of rocks or wood, or thick mulch? Is there moisture collecting in the problematic area? If so, removing these items may be all you have to do to eliminate the centipedes.
Centipedes need moisture to thrive and lots of food, reducing moisture and food sources, like crickets or roaches, can be a great way to encourage them to move along to better hunting grounds.
Conclusion
Getting rid of house centipedes can be a challenging task. These arthropods are known for their speed and can be difficult to catch. However, there are several ways to get rid of them without using harmful chemicals.
One effective method is to create an insecticide barrier around your house. This can be done by spraying insecticide around the perimeter of your house and in areas where centipedes are likely to hide.
However, it’s important to note that pesticides are of limited effectiveness in eliminating house centipedes.
Another natural way to get rid of house centipedes is to remove the moisture from your home.
Running a dehumidifier can make your home less attractive to centipedes. Sealing up cracks and crevices in your home can also help prevent them from entering.
If you come across a centipede, vacuuming it up is a safe and effective method. You can also use natural remedies, such as diatomaceous earth or essential oils, to repel centipedes. However, it’s important to use these remedies with caution and to follow the instructions carefully.
Overall, getting rid of house centipedes requires patience and persistence. By using natural methods and taking preventative measures, you can effectively eliminate these pests from your home.
