How To Get Rid Of Centipedes In House

How to Get Rid of House Centipedes Naturally: Ultimate Guide for Pest Control

If you’re living in a place where house centipedes are common, it’s very likely that you’ve already encountered these creepy crawlers in your home. While harmless to humans, the sight of house centipedes can be unnerving, especially with their long, hairy legs and lightning-fast movements. In this article, we will guide you through the steps of how to get rid of house centipedes naturally, without using harmful chemicals that can be toxic to you, your family, and your pets.

Understanding House Centipedes

Before we discuss how to get rid of house centipedes, let’s first understand what they are. House centipedes are small arthropods that have elongated, worm-like bodies. They are typically yellowish-gray or light brown in color, with long, thin, and hairy legs that can range from 15 to 177 pairs. Centipedes are nocturnal creatures that usually come out at night, searching for prey, such as spiders, insects, and other arthropods.

House centipedes thrive in damp environments, so if your home is moist, humid, or has a lot of clutter, you are more likely to have a centipede problem. They are also attracted to light sources, and tend to congregate in areas such as bathrooms, basements, crawl spaces, and garages.

While house centipedes are not dangerous, they can cause a lot of anxiety for some people. Their quick movements and hairy appearance can be unsettling, and their bites, while rare, can be painful and cause slight swelling.

Natural Ways to Get Rid of House Centipedes

There are several natural ways to get rid of house centipedes, and here are the top five:

1. Dehumidify Your Home

One of the most effective ways to get rid of house centipedes is to reduce the humidity level of your home. Centipedes need a moist environment to thrive, so if you can keep your home dry and well-ventilated, you can eliminate their hiding places and discourage them from settling in your home.

To dehumidify your home, you can invest in a dehumidifier or use natural methods, such as opening windows and running fans, using salt or baking soda to absorb moisture, and fixing any leaks or water damage.

2. Seal Entry Points

Another way to prevent house centipedes from entering your home is to seal any entry points they might use. Centipedes can squeeze through tiny cracks and gaps, so look for holes around your windows, doors, pipes, and foundation. Use caulk, weather stripping, or foam sealant to block these gaps and keep centipedes out.

3. Get Rid of Clutter

Since house centipedes thrive in damp environments, reducing clutter in your home can help eliminate their hiding places. Clutter can trap moisture and make it difficult to spot centipedes, so get rid of any piles of clothing, newspapers, or cardboard boxes that are lying around.

4. Use Essential Oils

Essential oils, such as tea tree oil, lavender oil, and peppermint oil, are natural insecticides that can help repel centipedes. Mix a few drops of oil with water and spray the mixture around your home, focusing on areas where centipedes are likely to hide. Alternatively, you can put a few drops on cotton balls and place them in drawers, closets, and other dark spaces.

5. Sticky Traps

Sticky traps are a non-toxic and mess-free way to get rid of house centipedes. Place the traps in areas where centipedes are likely to congregate, such as around windows, doors, and baseboards. The centipedes will get stuck on the adhesive surface, and you can dispose of the traps once they are full.

FAQ

1. Why are house centipedes in my home?

House centipedes are attracted to damp environments and prey on other insects, so if your home has a lot of moisture and clutter, and if there are spiders and other bugs around, you are more likely to have a centipede infestation.

2. Are house centipedes dangerous?

House centipedes are not dangerous to humans, but their bites can be painful and cause slight swelling.

3. What should I do if I find a house centipede in my home?

If you find a house centipede in your home, you can catch it with a tissue or a cup and release it outside, or you can use a vacuum cleaner to suck it up.

4. Can I use chemicals to get rid of house centipedes?

Yes, there are chemicals that can be used to kill centipedes, but they can be toxic to humans, pets, and the environment. It’s best to try natural methods first before resorting to chemicals.

5. How can I prevent house centipedes from entering my home?

To prevent house centipedes from entering your home, you can seal any entry points they might use, reduce clutter, and control the humidity level of your home.

6. What should I do if I have a severe centipede infestation?

If you have a severe centipede infestation, it’s best to call a pest control professional who can help you get rid of the problem safely and effectively.

Conclusion

House centipedes can be a nuisance, but they don’t have to be a permanent fixture in your home. By using natural methods to control their population, you can keep them at bay and maintain a centipede-free environment. Remember to keep your home dry and well-ventilated, seal any entry points, get rid of clutter, and use essential oils or sticky traps to repel and trap them. With a little bit of effort and persistence, you can get rid of house centipedes naturally and enjoy a centipede-free home.