Centipedes can be an unsettling sight in any home. With their numerous legs and quick movements, these arthropods often cause alarm. While centipedes aren’t typically dangerous, their presence can be a nuisance and may reveal other pest problems.
Our guide will explore practical methods to get rid of centipedes in your home and prevent future infestations.
Understanding Centipedes
House centipedes (scientifically known as Scutigera coleoptrata) are common household pests with worm-like bodies. Depending on the species, these arthropods can have anywhere from 15 to 177 pairs of legs. Most centipedes are brown or black, though some may have bright markings or spots.
What Attracts Centipedes to Your Home?
Centipedes like environments that provide them with food and shelter. These conditions often include:
- Moisture and high humidity
- Dark, secluded spaces
- Presence of other insects (their prey)
- Cluttered areas that offer hiding spots
Are Centipedes Dangerous?
While centipedes can bite humans and pets, they typically only do so when directly handled or threatened. Smaller species pose little risk to homeowners, but larger centipedes have teeth and claw-like feelers that can break human skin.
The pain from a centipede bite is sharp and similar to a bee sting. It is particularly important to address centipede problems in homes with young children who may not understand the potential danger.
Effective Methods To Get Rid of Centipedes
Homeowners have several options for eliminating centipedes from their living spaces. Here are three effective methods:
Use Boric Acid
Boric acid, a naturally occurring compound, can be an effective tool against centipedes. While boric acid is not life-threatening for humans, it can irritate the skin, so you should use it cautiously. To use boric acid:
- Sprinkle the white powder in areas where centipedes are likely to enter or gather, such as basements, crawl spaces, closets, and windowsills.
- Wear gloves during application and keep children and pets away from treated areas.
- Read the product’s recommended usage guidelines before application.
Run a Dehumidifier
Moisture is a key factor in attracting centipedes. Using a dehumidifier can help make your home less appealing to these pests. Here’s how:
- Place dehumidifiers in damp areas of your home, such as basements or crawl spaces.
- Run the dehumidifier during humid seasons, typically spring and summer.
- Keep your inside humidity levels below 50% to dissuade centipedes and other moisture-loving pests.
Try Diatomaceous Earth
Diatomaceous earth (DE) is a natural pesticide that can effectively eliminate centipedes. For best results, wear a mask during dry application to prevent inhalation of the fine powder. Follow these steps to apply DE:
- Sprinkle food-grade DE in areas where you see centipedes.
- For outdoor use, apply DE to soil in garden areas or around the home’s foundation.
- Reapply after rain or heavy moisture exposure.
- You can also apply DE as a wet mixture for more targeted application in windy areas or specific locations.
What Are the Signs of a Centipede Infestation?
Recognizing the signs of a centipede infestation can help homeowners address the problem quickly. Here are some common indicators:
Visible Centipedes and Body Parts
Finding centipede bodies or detached legs around the home is a clear sign of their presence. Centipedes may lose legs during their lifetime, so scattered leg parts can indicate an ongoing infestation.
Presence of Other Pests
Centipedes are predators that feed on other insects. If a home has problems with pests such as bed bugs, roaches, or silverfish, it may also attract centipedes. If you have many pest problems, it’s best to get professional pest control help.
Seasonal Changes
Weather plays a significant role in centipede behavior. As temperatures drop in fall and winter, centipedes may seek shelter indoors. You should be especially careful during these seasons, seal the entrances, and remove standing water around the house.
How Can You Prevent Future Centipede Problems?
After addressing an existing centipede issue, take preventive measures to avoid future infestations. Here are some effective strategies:
Eliminate Moisture
Reducing moisture is key to making a home less attractive to centipedes. Here are some ways:
- Inspect the home’s foundation for areas where water pools and address drainage issues.
- Remove piles of mulch, leaf litter, or grass clippings that can retain moisture.
- Ensure gutters are clear and direct water away from the home’s foundation.
- Consider options for leveling the yard if water pooling is a persistent issue.
Remove Potential Hiding Spots
Centipedes seek out dark, secluded areas. To discourage them:
- Clear away piles of leaves, firewood, and debris from around the home’s exterior.
- Keep firewood at least 30 feet away from the house.
- Regularly clean and declutter storage areas, basements, and crawl spaces.
Seal Entry Points
Preventing centipedes from entering the home is an effective long-term solution. Here’s how to seal entry points:
- Inspect the home’s foundation for cracks and seal them with caulk.
- Check interior areas where centipedes like, such as near exhaust fans or in crawl spaces, for additional entry points.
- Ensure you seal doors and windows properly, using door stoppers if necessary to close gaps at the bottom of doors.
Regular Maintenance and Monitoring
Regular monitoring and maintenance are essential steps in preventing centipede infestations and ensuring a pest-free environment. Follow these tips:
- Conduct routine inspections of your home’s interior and exterior. Look for signs of centipedes and conditions that may be attracting them.
- Regularly clean and vacuum your home, paying special attention to dark and damp areas where centipedes might hide.
- Maintain outdoor landscaping by keeping grass trimmed, removing debris, and keeping mulch and soil away from the foundation. These steps minimize habitats where centipedes might thrive.
- Use weather stripping around windows and doors to eliminate gaps that may serve as entry points for centipedes and other pests.
Professional Pest Control Options
While many homeowners can successfully manage centipede problems themselves, some situations may require professional help. Professional pest control services offer these advantages:
- Expertise in locating hidden pest habitats
- Access to commercial-grade pesticides and equipment
- Comprehensive treatment plans that address multiple pest issues
- Safer handling of harmful chemicals
Cost considerations for professional pest control services vary, but the investment can be worthwhile for those facing persistent or severe infestations. Many pest control companies offer both one-time treatments and ongoing protection plans.
Reputable providers like Terminix and Orkin offer free inspections and quotes, allowing you to make informed decisions about their pest control needs.
How To Work With a Pest Control Professional
When deciding to work with a pest control professional, it’s important to understand the process and what to expect. The process usually starts with an inspection. The professional will look closely at your home to determine the size of the centipede problem and other possible pest problems.
Based on the assessment, they will make a treatment plan. It may include chemical treatments, traps, baits, and preventive suggestions, depending on the severity of the infestation. The pest control professional will then treat your home.
In some cases, follow-up visits may be necessary to address remaining centipede issues. A good pest control professional will also advise you on how to prevent future infestations. They will tell you how to control moisture, seal entry points, and keep your home clean.
Choosing a Pest Control Service
Choosing a pest control service can be stressful, but keeping key factors in mind can simplify the decision-making process. When choosing a company, consider its reputation and customer reviews. Look for companies with good reviews and a strong community reputation.
Ensure the company provides thorough pest control services that address centipedes and other potential pests. If you have concerns about chemical use, inquire about eco-friendly or pet-safe alternatives. Compare pricing structures and ask about any service guarantees or warranties offered.
Both Terminix and Orkin are well-established companies with nationwide coverage and excellent pest control services. Terminix offers 24/7 customer support and flexible scheduling, while Orkin provides emergency response options and extensive online resources for pest identification and prevention.
FAQs About How To Get Rid of Centipedes
What kills centipedes instantly?
If you need to get rid of centipedes instantly, you’ll need to rely on an insecticide. Look for spray insecticides that contain bifenthrin or cypermethrin, two chemicals that kill centipedes with a single spray. Use chemical insecticides sparingly to maintain the quality of air in your home, and keep children and pets away from areas where insecticide has been sprayed.
What attracts centipedes in your house?
Centipedes are usually attracted to areas where they can hunt plenty of other insects, such as ants, spiders, crickets, or silverfish. Centipedes are also attracted to cool, damp places such as the bottoms of kitchen cabinets and basement spaces. You may also find them in your drains during the summer and fall.
Does killing a centipede attract more?
It can. Some species of centipede are attracted to the fluids released when you squish a centipede. If you kill a centipede without squishing it (by using a pesticide or a sprinkle of diatomaceous earth) and you leave the body in your home, other carnivorous insects will be attracted to the corpse of the centipede. You can avoid attracting more insects by disposing of the body and cleaning up any bodily fluids the insect releases.
Why do I suddenly have centipedes in my house?
You might suddenly have centipedes in your house due to the seasons changing or high humidity. If you have high humidity in your home during the summer and early fall, consider running a dehumidifier to deter house centipedes from hanging around.
Does vinegar keep centipedes away?
You can use vinegar to keep centipedes away from your drains where they tend to congregate. Pour ½ cup of white vinegar down the drain, wait 30 minutes, and add another ½ cup of vinegar.
