How to Prevent House Centipedes

The sighting of house centipedes can be a chilling experience sending shivers down one’s spine, centipedes are considered arthropods. There are estimates to be about “8,000 species of centipedes” making their population one of the largest. Centipedes rarely bite but when they do it is their way of defense because of feeling threatened or hunting for their next meal.

When a centipede bits or stings they injects their venom into their prey, the venom is toxic, and the chemical that’s released can harm or kill small insects, in humans however a centipede bit can cause redness, short-term pain, and skin inflammation but some people that are bitten by a centipede have an allergic reaction. If a centipede is seen crawling indoors means either they found an entry point or may have been brought in as a hitchhiker for example on logs that are used for a fireplace, a piece of furniture, or a potted plant. a box etc….It is therefore important to inspect items before bringing them indoors, especially potted plants, boxes, logs even furniture that was purchased from a yard sale.

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Centipedes LifeCycle

The life cycle of a centipede is from an egg to a nymph once the egg hatches the nymph goes through a series of molting before becoming an adult.  The life span of a centipede is generally 6 years.

Centipede Identification

Centipedes possess a flattened elongated worm-like body, their bodies are typically colored reddish brown, and divided into segments. Each segment bears a pair of legs.

Note: It is best to consider calling first a professional company to do the job for you.

How to Control Centipedes Naturally Indoors

• Seal of all entry points.
• Use a high-powered vacuum.
• Eliminate excess moisture.
• Eliminate or remove their food source.
• Pore bleach or vinegar down drain holes.
• Sprinkle Diatomaceous earth, once centipedes come in contact with this product will pierce their bodies causing the centipede to become dehydrated which will bring elimination. This product can be sprinkled liberally around door thresholds, cracks, and in corners, especially in damp areas.

How to Control Centipedes Indoors with Insecticides

Controlling centipedes indoors with insecticides will bring control but before using insecticides first ensure to properly identify, choose the right treatment, and read the manufacturer label for the best results before use.

• When spraying for centipedes spray along baseboards.
• Spray along doors and window frames. This application can also eliminate other insects that centipedes use as a food source.
• Spray under kitchen sinks, bathroom areas, closets, basements, and indoor drains.
• Crevices, cracks, and wall voids can be treated with insect dust.
• Apply liquid insecticide label for centipedes as a barrier around the entire foundation of the building, going 3 feet up and 3 feet out from the base. Treat outside door and window frames, vents, and pipe openings. This process should be repeated every 30-60 days or according to the manufacturer’s label.

Other Insecticides that can be used for Centipede Control

Many insecticides on the market can bring centipede control below are a few that can be used.

Ortho® Home Defense® Insect Killer for Cracks & Crevices.

 Ortho® Home Defense® Insect Killer for Indoor & Perimeter.

How to Prevent Centipedes Indoors

There are many reasons why centipedes are drawn to indoor environments, knowing what to do to discourage their presence indoors will ensure that you don’t have a surprise visit from these uninvited guests.

The Removal of Food Sources

Since centipedes are drawn by other insects as a food source the control of other insects will discourage their presence for example roaches, spiders, ants, etc…

Reduce Moisture

Because centipedes are drawn to moisture and high humidity make sure to fix indoor leaky pipes and faucets, and keep your basement dry with a dehumidifier. To eliminate moisture in attics and bathrooms run exhaust fans.

Seal Entry Points

The presence of centipedes in your indoor living space may be an indication that they got in somehow through an entry point, your job is to find those entry points and seal them off. Make sure that gaps, cracks, and holes are sealed from the outside, look for areas outdoors where electrical and water pipes enter your home and seal them. Seal open areas around door and window frames, install door thresholds, or replace them if damaged. Screens that have tears should be repaired. Inspect items for example indoor plants, boxes, garage sale items, etc… before bringing them indoors for centipedes, roaches, spiders, etc…

Declutter

The nature of centipedes is to hide in cluttered areas for protection therefore decluttering your home will help greatly, places like crawlspaces, attics, and basements should be kept free of clutter to limit their presence. Outdoors remove firewood, piles of leaves, mulch, and grass clippings away from your house. Firewood should be stacked on a platform of the ground, before carrying firewood indoors Inspect each wood thoroughly to ensure you are not carrying any hitchhikers (centipedes or other insects) indoors.

Conclusion

Centipede control is important to reduce their population and to discourage them from finding ways indoors, as mentioned their presence can send shivers down your spine but the good news is you are in complete control with the right information. This guide is here to help you to create a centipede-free zone, if you can’t do the job yourself then call in the professionals who will do the job for you. With the proper measures in place, centipedes don’t stand a chance.