A crawling creature can cause a series of thrilling escapades. You go into the bathroom only to meet a long-legged insect as it tries to escape. You think this creature is gone only to find it to make the final scamper to a hideout. Meaning, the insect lives around, and that is why it is hesitant to leave completely.
There are some insects that you could not have a concern about. But that is not the case when if it was a centipede. It is startling to find this creepy insect. There are different species of centipedes. In the United States, house centipede is the most common. Their venom is present in the front two legs. Its purpose is to inject its prey, such as termites and silverfish. Although their stings resemble that of the bee in the human skin, it is not deadly. However, you might experience severe discomfort.
Centipedes prefer the outdoor environment. You are likely to find them under rocks, tree barks, and boards. But it does not mean that you won’t find them in your house. In fact, they are among the most common pest problems in the United States, according to homeowners. Below is a guide on how to get rid of centipedes in your house.
A guide on eradicating centipedes
1. Identification
Centipedes stay out of sight. Therefore, you could have an infestation in the house, yet you don’t know. Additionally, they have a lot of resemblance to millipedes, and it is easy to mistake the two. Therefore, before you ask how to get rid of centipedes, you need to identify them correctly. Besides, know their food, attracts, and entry points. Improper identification leads to the wrong control method, a waste of effort, time, and resources.
The insects could range from 1-1.5 inches long. Although centipede means 100 legs, you should not expect precisely that number in all. At times, they grow to around 30 pairs. Additionally, you can use color to identify centipedes. Although it varies, house centipedes are yellow or light brown. These insects resemble their fellow anthropoid, millipedes. However, the latter is moves slower. A bite from this insect is not lethal. The venomous species use the poison to paralyze their prey.
2. Inspection
Once you are sure that indeed there is a centipede infestation in your house, you can move to inspect where they live. An inspection is crucial since you know where to direct your treatments. These insects prefer outdoor environments, and they choose a damp environment. In your inspection, check moist areas under stones, the bathroom, and the bark of trees. Additionally, you can find them in equipment around the garage and basements. Other popular areas are mulched areas and woodpiles.
3. Block all ingress points
One way to get rid of centipedes in your house is to block their probable entry points. Ensure you seal any crack present in your wall or foundation. These insects can access the house through gaps in the doors and windows. You can use a window screen to cover the floor drains. Blocking ingress points is a great measure towards eradicating centipedes in the house.
4. Remove food sources
These insects get into your house to look for water and food. Therefore, eliminating the two is crucial if you want to get rid of centipedes in your home.
It includes ensuring no spiders, moths, bedbugs, worms, and cockroaches are present in your house. Additionally, eliminate water sources and fix leaks if present.
5. Use sticky traps
You can get rid of centipedes through the use of sticky traps. These are small pieces of cardboard with an adhesive on their upper part. Centipedes are likely to search for food in these places. Therefore, you can easily capture them, especially if you place the trap in a dark and moist place. Additionally, sticky traps can capture their prey.
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When the centipede comes to feed, they also stick in it. Therefore, you can get rid of centipedes and other insects at the same time. The downside of this method is that it is suitable for small centipedes. Large centipedes can battle for their life even if it means leaving a few legs on the trap.
6. Use boric acid
If centipede infestation is becoming a nuisance in your house, go for boric acid. If you have been wondering how to get rid of centipedes quickly, but naturally, this method should be your priority. Despite being an acid, this product is non-toxic and not a health hazard to pets and kids. Centipedes ingest the acid, suffer severe dehydration, and eventually die.
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7. Use a dehumidifier
You can get rid of centipedes by carrying out dehumidification. These insects prefer damp environments, and that is what this method eliminates. Dehumidify all the moist places in your house, including the bathroom. It is an effective method to eradicate centipedes and other pests, such as ants, simultaneously.
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8. Diatomaceous earth
Diatomaceous earth (DE) is a popular product in eradicating pests. It is also affecting in killing centipedes at home. DE is harmless, meaning you are using a safe product to get rid of centipedes in your house. When this powder contacts the insects, it pierces the exoskeleton leading to dehydration. Centipedes cannot withstand the delicate water balance and die after sometimes. Although this powder is harmless, use a mask to avoid inhaling it.
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9. Use soap spray
Maybe you wonder how to get rid of centipedes with an inexpensive home remedy. A soap spray is a cheap, effective method to eliminate these insects. Mix water and soap in the ratio of 1:1 and place it in a spray bottle. Centipede contains wax and oil on its exoskeleton. This spray removes the two and exposes the insect to dehydration. The bug dies after losing water in the body.
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10. Use cayenne pepper
Cayenne pepper is one of the natural products you can use to eliminate centipedes in your house. It has capsaicin, a natural compound that no bug would like to come into contact with it. The heat from cayenne pepper is enough to keep centipede infestation at bay. Sprinkle the pepper in all probable ingress points around the house.
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