When it comes to household pests, house centipedes might not be the first critters that come to mind. Unlike more commonly spotted pests like spiders, cockroaches, or rodents, centipedes tend to stay out of sight, but when they do make an appearance, they can certainly give you a fright.
Their long, segmented bodies and numerous legs are enough to make anyone uneasy, and while they’re not harmful to humans, encountering one can still be unpleasant. Even more concerning, house centipedes may be a sign of a larger pest problem in your Pennsylvania home, as they often feed on other insects like spiders and ants.
If you’ve noticed house centipedes darting across your floors or walls, there’s no need to panic, but it’s important to understand what they’re doing there and how to address the issue. These creatures thrive in damp environments, so seeing them indoors could point to moisture problems that might attract other pests. Getting rid of house centipedes means not only dealing with the centipedes themselves but also addressing the conditions that are attracting them in the first place.
Here’s everything you need to know about these unsettling pests, how to prevent them, and, most importantly, send them packing for good.
What Is a House Centipede?
A house centipede is a species of centipede that is commonly found in damp, cool places such as basements, bathrooms, and attics. House centipedes can be identified by their many legs- 15 pairs, to be exact. They are typically yellowish-gray in color and measure at about 1 to 2 inches in size. While house centipedes may be creepy-looking, they are not dangerous to humans or pets and rarely bite.
Signs of a House Centipede Infestation
House centipedes can be elusive, but there are several key indicators that they may have taken up residence in your home. Here’s what to look out for:
- Frequent Sightings: The most obvious sign is spotting house centipedes inside your home. Since they are nocturnal, you’re more likely to see them at night, often scurrying across floors or walls.
- Presence in Damp, Cool Areas: House centipedes are attracted to moisture, so you’re most likely to find them in places like basements, bathrooms, or under sinks, where it’s cool and damp.
- Bites on Your Body: Though rare, centipedes can bite if threatened. If you notice unexplained red, itchy welts or minor bites on your body, it could be an indication of centipedes in your home.
- Plumbing Issues: House centipedes can enter your bathroom through faulty plumbing, such as toilets with bad seals or cracks in the foundation. It may be worth checking for pests if you’ve been experiencing recurring plumbing issues.
- Other Insects: Centipedes feed on other household pests like spiders, ants, and cockroaches. If you’ve noticed an increase in insect activity, there’s a good chance centipedes are close by, feeding on them.
- Speedy Movements: House centipedes are fast movers, easily distinguished by their speed and long legs. If you catch a glimpse of a quick, darting insect, it could very well be a centipede.
How to Get Rid of House Centipedes
If you find yourself dealing with house centipedes, there are a few ways you can get rid of them, including:
1. Seal Cracks and Entry Points
Sealing up the cracks and crevices in your home is imperative for keeping out pests of all kinds, including house centipedes. You can do this using a store-bought caulk or sealant and applying it to any cracks and gaps in your home.
2. Reduce Moisture Levels in Your Home
Reducing the moisture levels in your home is another good way to get rid of house centipedes. You can do this by running a fan, insulating your pipes, and using a dehumidifier. Always remove any standing water, especially inside, whenever it arrives.
3. Eliminate Other Pests and Food Sources
House centipedes are known to feast on other household pests, such as cockroaches, spiders, and silverfish. Getting rid of these pests can also help get rid of centipedes, as they are less likely to want to stick around if they are unable to find any food in your home.
4. Use Sticky Traps and Insecticides
Sticky traps can effectively trap and kill the house centipedes in your home. There are also certain insecticides you can use to get rid of house centipedes, although it is important to note that these chemicals can be very harsh and should be handled with extreme care and caution.
5. Maintain a Clean and Clutter-Free Environment
Keeping your house clean and clutter-free is another great way to keep house centipedes away, as this will give these pests fewer places to hide.
6. Consider Natural Repellents
Several natural repellents, such as diatomaceous earth and boric acid, can be used to kill house centipedes. Spray and sprinkle these substances in areas where lots of foot traffic is present. Certain essential oils, including peppermint and tea tree oils, can also be effective in repelling these pests.
7. Use Physical Removal Methods
Using physical removal methods, such as traps and barriers, can also be effective in getting rid of house centipedes. There are many homemade traps you can try, as well as some store-bought ones that can be used for other pests.
8. Consult Professional Pest Control if Necessary
Whenever you’re dealing with a pest infestation of any kind, it is always in your best interest to contact a pest control professional. An exterminator will be able to address the root of the problem, eliminating house centipedes and keeping them away once and for all.
FAQs
Are house centipedes dangerous to humans or pets?
While they certainly are scary-looking, they are not typically dangerous to humans or pets.
What attracts centipedes to a home, and how can you prevent them?
House centipedes are most attracted to moisture and food sources, so eliminating these things from your home will make them less likely to stick around. To prevent house centipedes, seal up any cracks or crevices in your home with a caulk or sealant.
Do centipedes indicate a bigger pest problem in the house?
While seeing a house centipede once in a while is not typically cause for concern, it may be indicative of a larger issue if you are seeing these pests regularly or in large numbers. Being that house centipedes eat other pests, you will want to have your home inspected if you are noticing an increasing number of centipedes.