I. Introduction

House centipedes can be a frightening sight for many homeowners. Although they are harmless to humans, these creepy-crawlies are swift and can seemingly appear out of nowhere. They are also unwelcome guests who can be difficult to eradicate once they make themselves at home. In this article, we will explore the steps you can take to get rid of house centipedes effectively.

If you’re dealing with an infestation of house centipedes, you know how alarming it can be to look out for them. These insects may come into your home looking for shelter, food, and a moist environment. However, there’s no need to panic. With some effort and quick thinking, you can nip infestations before they become much more problematic.

II. Seal Up Potential Entry Points

House centipedes can enter your home through small gaps and cracks under doors, near pipes, and in window screens. To prevent these pests from coming in, carefully examine your home for potential entry points, no matter how tiny they may seem.

Make sure that all gaps and cracks are appropriately sealed to avoid entry of these pests. You can use caulk to block gaps around window frames, baseboards, and around pipes, etc. Also, ensure that you fix any tear on your window screens.

III. Keep Your Home Clean and Clutter-Free

House centipedes are always searching for warm, damp areas with plenty of debris to hide in. To prevent their intrusion, it is important to keep your home as neat and tidy as possible. Ensure that every room has proper ventilation. Remove any old boxes, stacks of paper, and unused items that could serve as a hiding spot. Avoid over-watering your plants in the house and allow them to dry before watering them again.

You should also keep your pet’s food and water bowls clean and well-maintained. And, most importantly, take the garbage out regularly to prevent flies and other insects from infesting the house.

IV. Reduce Moisture Levels

Centipedes thrive in a warm and moist environment. To discourage them from settling in, you’ll need to identify and handle any moisture issues in your home. Inspect your plumbing pipes for any kind of leaks and ensure they are fixed immediately. Also ensure you clean your gutters regularly as clogged gutters can lead to water spilling over into areas where centipedes can hide.

If you have a basement, it is important to ensure that it is dry, well-ventilated, and also decluttered as much as possible. If possible, utilize a dehumidifier in high humidity areas of your home.

V. Use Essential Oils

Some essential oils can repel centipedes and are great as natural insecticides. Essential oils such as Peppermint, Eucalyptus, and Tea Tree, contain strong scents that can keep centipedes away. Fill a spray bottle with a few drops of any of these oils and water, spray around entry points or anywhere centipedes might be hiding and watch them scurry away.

Ensure that you use essential oils properly for maximum effect and safety. You should also be careful not to use too much of the oils and to keep them out of the reach of children or pets.

VI. Set Traps

If you want to catch and kill centipedes safely, you can use sticky traps. These can be found in any hardware store and are very easy to use. Place the traps around entry points or where you tend to see centipedes most frequently. Once they step onto the trap, they can not get off, and you don’t have to touch them to dispose of them.

However, ensure that you place the trap in an area where it isn’t easily noticeable or accessible to children or pets. You should also dispose of the traps safely and appropriately, so no other animal accidentally licks or eats it.

VII. Use Diatomaceous Earth

Diatomaceous Earth is a type of fossilized algae powder, which can be an effective and natural way to rid your home of centipedes and other insects. Diatomaceous Earth can kill insects by drying them out. It can be applied around baseboards, in cracks and crevices, or any place where centipedes may be hiding. Once centipedes come in contact with Diatomaceous Earth, they will slowly die.

You should take the necessary precautions when using diatomaceous earth to avoid inhalation and to minimize exposure to skin.

VIII. Call a Professional

If you’ve tried everything you can to get rid of centipedes, and the infestation has gotten out of hand, it is time to call a pest control company. Pest control professionals are trained to deal with all kinds of insect infestations and can help you take the right steps to eliminate these unwanted insects from your home.

When choosing a pest control company, ensure that you go for a reputable one by checking their reviews and certification online. Ask your friends and family for recommendations. A professional pest control company will be able to assess the extent of the infestation, provide you with a quote, and follow up with you to ensure the centipedes are completely eradicated.

IX. Conclusion

In conclusion, there are many ways to get rid of centipedes from your home effectively. By sealing off entry points, cleaning your home regularly, reducing moisture levels, and using essential oils, traps, or diatomaceous earth, you can control and minimize these centipede infestations.

Remember, preventing an infestation of centipedes in your home is much easier than trying to get rid of them once they have already taken hold. By being proactive and taking these steps, you can keep your home free of these creepy and unwelcome bugs and ensure peace of mind.