How to Get Rid of Centipedes: A Homeowner’s Guide

How to get rid of centipedes, if you’ve been googling that phrase, you’re not alone. These multi-legged, fast-moving pests can make any home feel a little less comfortable. Whether they’re darting across your basement floor or, worse, showing up in your bedroom, centipedes are a common nuisance that homeowners often struggle to eliminate.

At Pure Pest + Lawn, we believe you deserve a home that feels safe and pest-free. In this guide, we’ll show you how to get rid of centipedes and more importantly, how to keep them from coming back.

Understanding Centipedes: Friend or Foe?

Before diving into eradication methods, it's essential to understand what centipedes are and why they might be in your home.

What Are Centipedes?

Centipedes are elongated arthropods with one pair of legs per body segment. While their appearance is unsettling, most house centipedes are harmless to humans.

Should I Kill House Centipedes?

It's a common question: should you kill house centipedes? While they can be beneficial by controlling other pest populations, their presence often indicates underlying issues like moisture problems or other infestations. If you're seeing them frequently, it's a sign that your home environment is conducive to pests, and it's time to take action.

According to WebMD, house centipedes themselves are not dangerous, but their presence may indicate a larger pest issue.

Why Are Centipedes Invading My Home?

Centipedes seek out environments that provide shelter, moisture, and food. Common reasons they might enter your home include:

• Moisture: Damp areas like basements, bathrooms, and crawl spaces are ideal habitats.

  
  

• Food Sources: An abundance of other pests provides a steady food supply.

  
  

• Shelter: Cluttered spaces and cracks in walls or foundations offer hiding spots.

  
  

Understanding these factors is the first step in creating an environment that's uninviting to centipedes.

How to Get Rid of Centipedes: Effective Strategies

Eliminating centipedes involves a combination of preventive measures and active treatments. Here's how you can tackle the problem:

1. Reduce Moisture Levels

Centipedes thrive in moist environments. To make your home less appealing:

• Use Dehumidifiers: Especially in basements and bathrooms.

  
  

• Fix Leaks: Repair any plumbing issues promptly.

  
  

• Improve Ventilation: Ensure proper airflow in damp areas.

2. Eliminate Food Sources

Since centipedes feed on other pests, reducing their food supply is crucial:

• Regular Cleaning: Vacuum and dust regularly to remove other insects.

  
  

• Seal Food: Store food in airtight containers to deter pests.

  
  

• Proper Waste Management: Dispose of garbage promptly and use sealed bins.

3. Seal Entry Points

Prevent centipedes from entering your home by:

• Sealing Cracks: Use caulk to close gaps in walls, windows, and foundations.

  
  

• Installing Door Sweeps: Prevent entry under doors.

  
  

• Repairing Screens: Fix any holes in window or door screens.

4. Declutter Your Home

Reducing clutter removes potential hiding spots:

• Organize Storage Areas: Keep basements and attics tidy.

  
  

• Avoid Piling Items: Store items off the floor and away from walls.

5. Professional Pest Control

For persistent infestations, professional intervention is often necessary. At Pure Pest + Lawn, we offer comprehensive solutions tailored to your home's specific needs, ensuring long-term relief from centipedes and other pests.

Learn more about our residential pest control services and how we can help you reclaim your home.

How to Keep Centipedes Out of Your Bed

The thought of centipedes in your bed is unsettling. To prevent this:

• Elevate Your Bed: Keep your bed away from walls and off the floor.

  
  

• Maintain Cleanliness: Regularly wash bedding and vacuum under the bed.

  
  

• Seal Bedroom Cracks: Prevent entry points in your sleeping area.

  
  

If you continue to find centipedes in your bedroom, don’t hesitate to contact our team.

Basement Centipede Control

Basements are prime real estate for centipedes due to their dampness and darkness. Here's how to address this:

• Install a Dehumidifier: Keep humidity levels low.

  
  

• Seal Foundation Cracks: Prevent entry from outside.

  
  

• Regular Inspections: Check for signs of other pests that might attract centipedes.

  
  

• Proper Drainage: Ensure water is directed away from your home's foundation.

  
  

  
  

Why Choose Pure Pest + Lawn?

We don't just treat the symptoms; we address the root causes. Our approach includes:

• Customized Treatment Plans: Tailored solutions for your unique situation.

  
  

• Safe and Effective Methods: Protecting your family and pets.

  
  

• Experienced Technicians: Trained professionals who understand local pest behaviors.

  
  

• Ongoing Support: We're here for you, even after the initial treatment.

  
  

Your home should be a sanctuary, free from the stress of unwanted pests. Let us help you reclaim it.

Conclusion

Centipedes might be harmless in small numbers, but their presence often signals underlying issues in your home. By understanding their habits and implementing preventive measures, you can reduce their numbers. However, for lasting peace of mind, professional pest control is the most effective solution.

According to Verywell Health, while house centipedes rarely bite humans, their presence can be unsettling and indicate a larger pest ecosystem at work.

Don’t let centipedes disrupt your comfort. Contact Pure Pest + Lawn today and take the first step toward a pest-free home.