House centipedes are a common, yet unsettling, pest found in homes across many parts of the world. Known for their long, spindly legs and quick movements, these creatures can be a nightmare to deal with, especially when they decide to make your home their own.
Fortunately, effective pest control for house centipedes is possible, and you don’t have to rely on expensive exterminators to keep them at bay.
In this article, we’ll dive into what house centipedes are, why they invade homes, and, most importantly, how to eliminate and prevent them using effective, practical, and affordable methods.
What Are House Centipedes?
House centipedes are long, segmented insects with up to 15 pairs of legs. They are typically about 1 to 1.5 inches long, with each leg being significantly longer than their body. While they may look frightening, house centipedes are generally harmless to humans.
They prey on other pests like cockroaches, ants, termites, and spiders, which can actually make them beneficial in certain situations.
However, the problem arises when house centipedes start to invade living spaces. Their quick movements and tendency to appear unexpectedly make them unnerving for many homeowners.
They tend to hide in dark, damp places such as basements, bathrooms, and crawl spaces. While they aren’t dangerous, their sudden appearance, especially at night, can be alarming.
Why Are House Centipedes in Your Home?
House centipedes are typically attracted to homes because they offer a warm, moist environment, and an abundance of food (other insects). Here are some of the reasons you might be seeing house centipedes in your home:
- Moisture: House centipedes thrive in humid, damp areas. Leaking pipes, bathrooms with poor ventilation, or areas with high humidity can be an attractive environment for them.
- Food Sources: Centipedes feed on other insects, including ants, roaches, termites, and spiders. If your home has a significant number of other pests, house centipedes may move in to feast on them.
- Entry Points: House centipedes often enter homes through cracks, gaps, and holes in the foundation, windows, and doors. If your home isn’t sealed tightly, it provides an easy entry point for these pests.
How to Eliminate House Centipedes
While house centipedes can be beneficial by eating other pests, you may not want them scurrying around your home. Here are some effective pest control methods for house centipedes:
1. Reduce Humidity and Moisture
Since house centipedes thrive in humid environments, reducing moisture around your home is one of the most effective ways to discourage them from settling in. Here’s how to control humidity levels:
- Use a Dehumidifier: Centipedes love damp areas. Use a dehumidifier in basements or bathrooms to keep the humidity low and make these spaces less inviting to them.
- Fix Leaky Pipes: Centipedes are often drawn to areas with leaking pipes or plumbing issues. Repair any leaks in your home’s water system to reduce moisture levels.
- Ventilate: Make sure your home, particularly areas like the basement, bathroom, and attic, are well-ventilated to avoid creating a humid environment.
Using a dehumidifier can be an effective and affordable solution. For instance, check out the Pro Breeze 500ml Dehumidifier on Amazon, a compact and affordable option for small spaces.
2. Seal Cracks and Gaps
To prevent house centipedes from entering your home, you must seal any cracks, gaps, or holes in the foundation, walls, and around windows and doors. These entry points can be easy targets for centipedes looking for a new place to call home.
How to Seal Entry Points:
- Caulk: Use caulk to seal small cracks around windows, doors, and baseboards.
- Weatherstripping: Install weatherstripping on doors and windows to close any gaps that could allow centipedes or other pests to enter.
- Repair Screens: Make sure window and door screens are in good condition to prevent centipedes from getting inside.
Affordable caulking and weatherstripping options can be found on Amazon, like the Gorilla Clear 100% Silicone Sealant or Frost King Weatherstrip for a secure, cost-effective seal.
3. Use Sticky Traps
Sticky traps are a non-toxic and effective method for catching house centipedes. These traps attract centipedes by mimicking the conditions they prefer; dark, hidden areas. Once the centipede steps onto the trap, it becomes stuck.
Place these traps near known centipede hiding spots such as in dark corners, basements, and bathrooms. For example, the Catchmaster 72MAX Pest Trap on Amazon is a reliable and affordable option that works on various pests, including house centipedes.
4. Diatomaceous Earth (DE)
Diatomaceous earth is a natural powder made from fossilized remains of tiny aquatic organisms. It works as an abrasive and desiccant, causing insects to dry out and die when they come into contact with it.
To use DE for house centipedes:
- Sprinkle the powder around areas where you’ve seen centipedes or suspect they’re hiding.
- Be sure to use food-grade diatomaceous earth, which is safe for pets and children.
Diatomaceous earth is an affordable solution and can be purchased on Amazon. The Harris Food Grade Diatomaceous Earth is a popular and effective choice for controlling a variety of pests, including house centipedes.
5. Essential Oils and Natural Repellents
Essential oils can be a natural and pleasant-smelling way to keep house centipedes away. Certain oils are known to repel pests like centipedes, and they can be used in a spray or diffuser to deter them from entering your home.
Recommended Essential Oils:
- Peppermint oil: Centipedes dislike the strong smell of peppermint. You can mix a few drops of peppermint oil with water and spray it in areas where you’ve seen centipedes.
- Lavender oil: Not only does lavender smell great, but it also repels pests like centipedes.
- Eucalyptus oil: Eucalyptus oil is another effective natural repellent for centipedes.
To make a natural pest repellent spray, mix about 10-15 drops of essential oil with water in a spray bottle. Spray the solution around windows, doors, and cracks where centipedes are entering your home.
You can find essential oils on Amazon, including the popular Plant Therapy Peppermint Essential Oil and Majestic Pure Lavender Essential Oil.
6. Use Insecticides
If the infestation is severe and other methods are not effective, you may need to turn to chemical insecticides. There are various insecticides specifically designed for centipedes and other pests. While these products can be effective, it’s important to use them as a last resort and follow all safety instructions, particularly if you have pets or children.
Check out options like Terro Spider & Insect Traps available on Amazon, which are designed to capture and kill various pests, including centipedes.
7. Professional Pest Control
If your home has a persistent house centipede problem that DIY methods can’t solve, it may be time to call in a professional pest control service. While professional pest control services can be costly, they often provide long-term solutions and may offer advice on how to prevent future infestations.
Before hiring, consider asking for a free estimate or a discount for first-time customers. Many pest control companies offer payment plans to make their services more affordable.
Some of the more affordable pest control options can be found by searching for local pest control companies with discounts for new clients.
How to Prevent Future House Centipede Problems
The best way to deal with house centipedes is to prevent them from entering your home in the first place. Here are some steps to help ensure you never have to deal with them again:
- Keep your home dry: Centipedes thrive in damp environments, so use dehumidifiers and fix any leaks to keep moisture levels low.
- Seal cracks and gaps: Make sure to seal up any potential entry points around doors, windows, and the foundation of your home.
- Regularly inspect your home: Periodically check for signs of centipedes or other pests and address issues before they become major problems.
Conclusion: Effective Pest Control for House Centipedes
House centipedes, while beneficial in some cases due to their role in controlling other pests, can be unsettling when they invade your home. Fortunately, there are numerous affordable and effective pest control methods available for families dealing with house centipedes.
From reducing moisture and sealing entry points to using natural repellents and professional pest control services, you can regain control of your home and keep centipedes at bay.
Check out the recommended products and take action today to protect your home from these creeping, crawling insects. For a variety of solutions, visit trusted platforms like Amazon for your pest control needs.
