The quest to get rid of centipedes is often vexing for homeowners because they pose some unique challenges. In fact, especially in northern Utah, one of the most common complaints we get from our customers is about centipedes.
And while most people find centipedes creepy at best, they are also predatory and venomous. Although their bite is not usually enough to be life-threatening, it can be extremely painful, causing localized swelling, nausea, vomiting and even swelling of the lymph glands.
For small children and the elderly — especially those who may be allergic to certain insects — bites may be potentially deadly.
What Is a Centipede?
To beat your enemy, you have to first understand it. Most of the 2,000-plus species of centipedes in the world live outdoors.
The kind that wants to live inside of your house is aptly called the house centipede. They are the only species that can live its entire life inside. And while most house centipedes are not the venomous type, they are known to be extremely aggressive.
Centipedes aren’t insects (since they have more than six legs) but arthropods. In fact, house centipedes have more than 30 legs when they reach maturity, and a segmented body. They can live anywhere from three to seven years, and they lay 50 to 100 eggs every spring. You can see how easily their numbers can mount if they’re not controlled.
These creepers spend their days hiding in dark places in your home and come out at night in order to hunt small prey. They must live in a damp environment, which is why you’ll mostly find them in bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms or in the basement. They come out in search of food, and their meal of choice is smaller insects.
Centipede Control inside the House
The first line of defense is to rid you home of other small pests. If you take away their food source, centipedes are more likely to move.
Keeping your house dry is also important, because centipedes must live in a moist environment. Clean up closets and basements, use dehumidifiers in damp areas and repair plumbing leaks under sinks.
Next, block every point of entrance you can find. Seal any cracks in your foundation or concrete walls and fill spaces around doors and windows with caulk or weatherstripping. Cover basement and other floor drains with window screening.
Finally, use a professional pest control service monthly. An exterminator will ensure that food sources of choice, i.e., ants and other small insects, are eliminated along with the centipedes. This ensures that future generations won’t find a hospitable environment in your home.
Professional pest control also will eliminate arthropods outside and around your home, where the really dangerous species typically dwell.
Contact All Green Pest Control and Lawn Care today to learn more about controlling pests in and around your home or business. Our professional technicians will make sure you get rid of centipedes and other pests for good!