Tools and Materials
Tools
Sticky traps
- Vacuum
- Weatherstripping
- Gloves
- Safety goggles
Materials
How to Identify House Centipedes
House
centipedes have flat, elongated bodies and are usually 1 to 1 ½ inches long.
They have 15 pairs of long legs, each banded in white. They are greyish yellow with three dark
stripes running through their back. They are active hunters that hide during
the day and hunt on flies, spiders, roaches and silverfish at night.
How to Get Rid of Centipedes
To get rid of
centipedes in your house, follow these methods.
Method 1: Clean the Drains
House
centipedes usually hide in dark and damp drains. Pouring a bleach solution or a
cup of vinegar down the drain will help get rid of them. For vinegar, pour half
a cup into the drain, wait an hour and then pour another half cup. You can also
use insecticide
spray specifically for centipedes for targeted application.
For bleach solution:
- For bleach, use a 1:1 bleach/water solution, e.g., 1 cup of bleach in 1 cup of water.
- In a non-metallic container, add the water first and then the bleach.
- Hold a funnel over the drain and gradually pour the solution into it.
- After 10-15 minutes, turn the faucet on and let the water run for 3- 5 minutes.
- This helps remove residual bleach and clears any pests present in the drain.
Never mix
vinegar and bleach, as it could produce toxic fumes. When handling bleach,
always wear
rubber gloves and protective eye goggles.
Method 2: Use Diatomaceous Earth
Diatomaceous earth is an organic insecticide made from the exoskeleton of insects. Sprinkle it liberally around windows and doors, cracks in the wall and around damp areas where centipedes like to hide.
As
the centipede's crawl through the powder, it will cling to their bodies. The
powder will then dry out all the fat and oils from the centipede's body,
causing it to perish. Repeat the process as needed.
Always
wear safety
gloves while handling insecticides and read the label carefully to
follow instructions.
Method 3: Vacuuming
If you see
centipedes scampering across the floor, try using a high-powered vacuum to suck
them out. Immediately empty the vacuum bag into a sealed container and throw it
into the garbage can.
Method 4: Set Up Sticky Traps
Setting
up sticky traps is an effective way to catch centipedes. These traps will also
capture the insects that centipedes eat, thereby eliminating their food supply.
Set the traps up near the basement, bathroom, kitchen sink and other places
where centipedes likely hide.
How to Prevent House Centipedes from Entering Your Home
Following
these preventive measures will make your house less desirable for centipedes.
They may just leave on their own, looking for better options.
Method 1: Reduce Moisture
Centipedes thrive in
moist, high-humidity levels. Repair any water leaks, use dehumidifiers to
keep the house dry and run exhaust fans in bathrooms to eliminate moisture.
Method 2: Seal Cracks and Entryways
Seal cracks, gaps and
holes around your house to limit hiding spaces for centipedes. Repairing
screens and using weatherstripping on doors and windows will also help keep these
pests out of your home.
Method 3: Declutter and Clean Damp Areas
Reduce clutter in the basement and crawl spaces. Clean up any damp spaces in and around the home. This will reduce the number of places centipedes can hide.
Now
that you know how to get rid of centipedes remember that these insects are
not generally harmful to humans or pets. If you see one crawling around your
home, you can simply place a cup over it, slide a piece of paper underneath and
carry it outside to release it at a reasonable distance.