The Creepy, Crawly Centipede: Understanding, Preventing, And Eradicating This Insect From Your Home
Cockroaches, spiders, and mice are not only dangerous to your home and health, but they are also unpleasant pests to have around your family and belongings. The house centipede is another unsightly pest that can induce fear and panic. This creepy, crawly creature may not have 100 legs as its name suggests, but it scurries quickly across your home using 15 pairs of legs, which is still quite unpleasant. If you have seen one or more of these annoying insects, understanding the centipede is smart for finding the best removal option. Using this guide on centipedes, you can understand, prevent, and remove this creepy crawlies from your home.
Danger of These Little Devils
Many insects you see in and around your home are not harmful, but centipedes can and will bite. The reaction from their bite may be similar to a reaction from a bee sting, so if you are allergic, avoid contact to centipedes, as well.
Of course, centipedes are capable of killing other insects around your home with their poisonous bite, which can be helpful. However, the fearful sight and possibility of getting bitten makes them devils that you should avoid.
Prevention 101
As with other insects, centipedes are attracted to moisture. If your home is overly humid or damp, you may see one or more of these leggy critters. Wet areas of the house, such as the bathroom, kitchen, laundry room, and garage, are appealing places for centipedes, too.
Check the moisture content inside your home. A high level of humidity inside your home is not only appealing to insects, but it can also lead to the development of mold and mildew. Consider installing a dehumidifier to remove this moisture, which can prevent infestations.
Dry up wet surfaces after using. Wipe down showers, tubs, sinks, the dishwasher, and washing machine periodically to decrease the amount of moisture inside the home.
Inspect your home's foundation and crawlspace, as well. If you notice any cracks in the foundation, seal them immediately. This will prevent centipedes and other pests from entering through these small spaces. Add a vapor barrier over the ground in the crawlspace. This simple sheet of plastic can decrease the moisture content in and around your house.
Remove any unnecessary pots, planters, furniture, toys, and other items that water may build up inside over time. Dump the water and clean out each container to prevent centipedes from making these items a home.
Ensuring your home is clean and free of other pests is smart, since centipedes feed off other insects. Remove trash, wipe down cabinets and countertops daily, and clean up food and spills to reduce the risk of other pests inside the home.
Treating an Infestation
Treating your home for a centipede problem is possible using a few non-toxic solutions. For a safe solution that you can use around your pets, children, and landscaping, consider diatomaceous earth.
This white powder is readily available at your local hardware or farm supply retailer and incredibly easy to use. Spread the powder around the foundation while walking around the perimeter of your home. Go inside the crawlspace and apply the powder to the entire area. If your home offers a basement, make sure to spread the powder all through this space, as well.
Killing a few centipedes may seem like a simple task, but it is best to contact professionals since you may have more lurking in hidden areas. In most cases, pest control technicians will apply an insecticide to areas where centipedes may be entering the house. In addition, they will focus on areas where eggs are found, reducing the risk of further issues.
The sight of a centipede can induce a creepy-crawly fear, but prevention and treatment is possible. Using this guide and the help of pest control technicians, your home and mind can be centipede free.
