How to Get Rid of House Centipedes Naturally

In this post, We’ll go through how to repel centipedes naturally, put up the traps, and other methods to remove the centipedes in your house.

We will also go over how to produce your centipede spray to keep yourself safe!

Everything you need to know is included in this detailed guide. Please bookmark this website so you can come back to it during your pest-control mission!

What are House Centipedes?

Seeing a centipede move so fast, not to mention their fifteen pairs of legs can be a creepy experience for anyone. These tiny yellowish-grey creatures have dark stripes running down their slender body that can grow about 75 to 100 mm in length. They may look small but better not underestimate how fast they can be. Given the number of legs they have, they are also known for their extraordinary speed of 0.4 meters per second. Centipedes can comfortably make our homes their own. Thus they’re more popularly known as house centipedes. If you want to know more about these pests, keep reading as this article might just save you a good deal from centipede trouble.

Signs of House Centipede Infestation

House centipedes are nocturnal in nature, so they will typically be running around at night. It is always possible that you may find them crawling on the floor and the walls of your home. Seeing them all over the house is an apparent sign of centipede infestation.

Centipedes also feed on insects and common pests in our house. So if we see these bugs and roaches roaming, there’s a fat chance that house centipedes are making themselves at home. When you’re already dealing with another pest, centipedes will just see your place as a treat.

Do House Centipedes Bite?

Centipedes are typically not aggressive towards humans since we are just not their type of prey. When they are provoked and need to prevent themselves, worry not because a centipede bite is not life-threatening. It would often leave a reddish bump that may cause little to no pain.

Are House Centipedes Dangerous?

Since we are not part of their diet, house centipedes impose no danger on us humans. These nocturnal pests are rarely seen during the day, so there’s a slim chance that they will get on your way. In most cases, they will use their fifteen pairs of legs to run and escape until they are out of our sight. Centipede bites are typically not toxic to people, and they would rather use their venom for hunting prey that is more useful to satiate their hunger.

 What Attracts Centipedes to the House?

The best way to attract any living creature is through food. Cockroaches, ants, spiders are just some of the tasty treats that centipedes can find in any home. In fact, house centipedes have gained the reputation of being a “tiny pest exterminator.” As it turns out, pests attract pests.

Moreover, house centipedes delight in damp and dark places. Damp corners of your house, affected by leaky tubes or faucets, are the favorite places of these pests.

Where do House Centipedes Hide?

Since human centipedes are not so fond of light and people, they will stay out of your sight as much as possible. Practically, the clutters in your basement and the woodpiles in your yards are attractive hiding spots for these human centipedes. Since these pests are also under the category of moisture pests, your bathroom is also one of the hotspots. They may be hiding under or around the drain enjoying all the moisture a bathroom can bring.

Also Read: How To Get Rid Of Centipedes

How to Eliminate House Centipedes Naturally  

• Make them hungry

The best way to get rid of pests is to get rid of their food. House centipedes feasts on common house pests, such as spiders, ants, fleas, larvae of carpet beetles, and cockroaches. So if you’re dreaming of a centipede-free home, you must first get rid of their food source. Leftover foods, rotten fruits, and vegetables may not only attract molds but human centipedes as well.

• Declutter and Dehumidify

House centipedes love to hide, especially in dark and protected areas. Avoid keeping a mountain of old toys in the basement or leaving piles of wood in the yard. It also pays to declutter your cabinets and have an organized pantry that will leave no place for these pests to hide.  

Since a damp area is a perfect spot for centipedes, dehumidifying the most humid part of your house is a good idea. Check for water leaks from the kitchen and the yard, too. These leaks will not only hurt your water bill, but they will also make the surfaces and the soil wet. Moisture is what the centipedes want, and you don’t want them to be comfortable hanging out in these areas of your house. Trying to keep the bathroom clean and dry every after use may also help get rid of house centipedes.

How to Prevent House Centipedes From Getting Into Your House

• Seal Up Entry Points

Human centipedes are tiny creatures that can just trespass your house and build a family right under your dark basement without you knowing it. Seal the windows and caulk the cracks and the crevices to prevent them from entering your house. Pay attention to the gaps in your doors and the holes in your bathroom, especially in the winter. You don’t want centipedes to be seeking warmth and comfort in your home during this season. Blocking all the entry points will keep your house from being invaded by these creepy pests.

• Keep Your House Tidy and Dry

Of course, human centipedes are attracted to a place they find comfortable. And what’s comfortable for them is the chunk of the mess at your garage and your yard. A forgotten toy or stack of boxes sitting in the garage may be an ideal place for the human centipede to build a home. If your house leaves no place for the human centipede to live and hide, the chances are great that they won’t trespass your space.

Also, ensuring that your garbage bins are properly sealed and kept dry may also help prevent pests from getting into your house. Keep in mind that human centipedes feed on common house pests, and the best way to eliminate these pests is to take away their food source. 

Does Vinegar Kill Centipedes?

If you want to use a natural spray to kill a centipede, vinegar may not be the most popular option. A mixture of vegetable oil and soap will do.