How to Get Rid of House Centipedes Forever: Expert Tips
How to Get Rid of House Centipedes Forever?
To get rid of house centipedes forever, it is important to take several steps.
First, remove or kill any centipedes currently present in your home using sticky traps or relocation.
Second, create an insecticide barrier around the house to prevent centipedes from entering.
Synthetic pesticides containing pyrethoids can be used indoors to kill centipedes on contact, while natural pesticides like diatomaceous earth and boric acid can be used outdoors.
It is crucial to research these natural options to ensure they won’t harm plants.
For larger or tricky centipede problems, hiring a pest control service is recommended.
Finally, eliminating conditions that invite centipedes, such as sealing entry points, addressing other insect infestations, reducing humidity and excess moisture, removing organic debris piles, and fixing areas with poor drainage, is important for long-term prevention.
Key Points:
- Remove or kill any centipedes currently present in your home using sticky traps or relocation.
- Create an insecticide barrier around the house to prevent centipedes from entering.
- Use synthetic pesticides containing pyrethoids indoors to kill centipedes on contact.
- Use natural pesticides like diatomaceous earth and boric acid outdoors, ensuring they won’t harm plants.
- Consider hiring a pest control service for larger or tricky centipede problems.
- Eliminate conditions that invite centipedes, such as sealing entry points, addressing other insect infestations, reducing humidity and excess moisture, removing organic debris piles, and fixing areas with poor drainage.
Did You Know?
1. House centipedes are beneficial insects that help control the population of other pests in your home, such as spiders and cockroaches.
2. Did you know that house centipedes have the ability to regenerate their lost legs? If they happen to lose a leg in a predator attack or a household incident, they will eventually grow a new one.
3. House centipedes are incredibly fast runners. They can reach speeds of up to 1.3 feet per second, which is quite impressive for such a small creature. So, if you think you can catch one easily, you might want to reconsider!
4. House centipedes have poor eyesight, but they make up for it with their remarkable sense of touch. They have specialized long and sensitive antennae that help them detect vibrations and locate prey quickly, even in the dark.
5. Unlike many other insects, house centipedes have a lifespan that can range from three to seven years. So if you spot one in your home, it might be around for a while, albeit secretly hiding in the shadows.
Removing And Killing House Centipedes
House centipedes can be creepy and unwelcome guests in your home. To completely get rid of them, it is crucial to:
- Remove any existing centipedes
- Prevent future infestations
One effective method is using sticky traps or relocation to capture or kill the centipedes currently present in your home.
- Place the traps in areas where you have noticed centipede activity, such as:
- Basements
- Closets
- Bathrooms
Alternatively, carefully catch the centipedes and release them outside, away from your home.
Creating An Insecticide Barrier
Preventing centipedes from entering your home is crucial for effective eradication. An effective technique is to create a centipede-proof barrier using insecticide spray. Make sure to choose an insecticide specifically labeled for centipede control. Start by applying the spray around the perimeter of your house, with extra attention to potential entry points such as windows, doors, and foundation cracks. This protective barrier will significantly reduce the chances of centipedes infiltrating your living spaces.
Using Synthetic Pesticides Indoors
If you encounter centipedes indoors, synthetic pesticides can effectively eliminate them on contact. Indoor insecticides containing pyrethroids are particularly effective against centipedes. To ensure safe and proper usage, carefully follow the instructions on the product label. It is important to be cautious when applying the pesticide, especially in areas where pets or children may come into contact with it.
Using Natural Pesticides Outdoors
For those who prefer natural alternatives, there are a few options available to control centipedes outdoors. Diatomaceous earth and boric acid are natural pesticides that can be effective against centipedes. However, it is essential to research and ensure that these substances will not harm plants or other beneficial insects in your garden. Apply these natural pesticides in areas where centipedes are commonly found, such as around foundations, mulch beds, and garden perimeters.
- Diatomaceous earth can be sprinkled directly on the areas where centipedes are commonly found.
- Boric acid can be applied as a dust or mixed with water to create a spray that can be used around the perimeter of your garden.
- Conduct a patch test in a small area before applying these natural pesticides widely.
- Remember to wear protective gloves and clothing when handling these substances.
- Avoid direct contact with skin and eyes.
- Keep these natural pesticides out of reach of children and pets.
It’s important to consider the potential impact on other organisms in your garden before using any pesticides. Always follow the label instructions and use these natural alternatives responsibly.
Hiring A Pest Control Service
In certain situations, professional help may be necessary when dealing with centipedes, especially if the infestation is severe or persistent. By hiring a pest control service, you can benefit from their expertise and specialized treatments to effectively eradicate centipedes from your home. These professionals will assess the extent of the infestation, implement targeted control measures, and offer long-term solutions to prevent future infestations.
Eliminating Conditions That Attract Centipedes
To keep centipedes at bay, it is crucial to eliminate conditions that attract them to your home. Start by sealing any entry points using weatherstripping, caulking, or foam to prevent centipedes from finding their way inside. It is also essential to address other potential insect infestations as centipedes rely on insects for their food source.
Reduce humidity and excess moisture by fixing leaks, using dehumidifiers, and running exhaust fans in bathrooms and attics. Additionally, remove piles of organic debris, such as leaves and grass clippings, and ensure proper drainage to discourage centipedes from nesting.
Tip: Sealing entry points, fixing leaks, and reducing humidity are key steps in preventing centipedes from infesting your home.
To get rid of house centipedes forever, follow these steps:
- Remove and kill any existing centipedes, either through sticky traps or relocation.
- Create an insecticide barrier around your home to prevent new centipedes from entering.
- Use synthetic or natural pesticides to deal with any centipede sightings indoors or outdoors, ensuring safety and efficacy.
- In severe cases, consider hiring a professional pest control service to completely eradicate the infestation.
- Lastly, continue to eliminate conditions that attract centipedes, such as reducing humidity and fixing entry points, to keep your home centipede-free in the long run.
Note: Getting rid of house centipedes requires a comprehensive approach, including eliminating existing centipedes, preventing new ones from entering, and maintaining a centipede-free environment.
By following these expert tips, you can bid farewell to house centipedes forever.
- Seal entry points using weatherstripping, caulking, or foam.
- Fix leaks and reduce humidity to discourage centipedes from infesting your home.
- Remove organic debris and ensure proper drainage.
- Remove and kill existing centipedes.
- Create an insecticide barrier.
- Use synthetic or natural pesticides.
- Consider professional pest control services for severe infestations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I permanently get rid of house centipedes?
Yes, it is possible to permanently get rid of house centipedes by taking a few necessary steps. Firstly, it is crucial to eliminate their hiding places by thoroughly cleaning and decluttering damp areas such as the basement, bathroom, or attic. Removing any excess moisture and sealing any cracks or gaps in walls or windows can also help prevent their intrusion. Additionally, using a product like Ortho® Home Defense Max® Indoor Insect Barrier with Extended Reach Comfort Wand® can be effective in killing centipedes upon contact and creating a barrier to deter their return. By combining proper cleaning practices with targeted insecticides, you can significantly reduce the presence of house centipedes in your home long-term.
What do centipedes hate the most?
Centipedes despise the pungent aroma of tea tree oil or peppermint oil. The overwhelming scent of these essential oils acts as a powerful deterrent for them. By concocting a simple mixture of 25 drops of either oil with 6 ounces of water and spraying it around areas like door frames, windows, cracks, and basement doors, centipedes can be effectively kept at bay. Regularly applying this solution once a week ensures that centipedes steer clear of the treated areas.
Do centipedes hate salt?
Centipedes do not have a natural aversion or dislike towards salt. However, salt can be an effective preventive measure to keep centipedes away from your home. The sodium content in salt helps to create an unfavorable environment for centipedes, especially in areas with moisture or wall cracks where they often thrive. Although it is a useful natural remedy, it’s vital to ensure that pets or other animals are kept away from the salt to avoid any potential harm.
How do you kill centipedes easily?
If you’re dealing with centipedes indoors, it’s best to use synthetic pesticides that contain pyrethoids as they are effective in killing centipedes upon contact. However, when tackling centipedes in outdoor areas, it might be more suitable to opt for natural pesticides such as diatomaceous earth or boric acid. Just ensure you conduct proper research to ensure these natural options won’t have any adverse effects on the plants surrounding your home.