Your home is a place of comfort, but not only for you — plenty of other creatures find it comfortable, too. Of course, many of those creatures might make you less comfortable in your home. Like centipedes, for instance, which can show up unannounced and send even the bravest among us running in the other direction. Though they might inspire fear, centipedes are easier to tackle than many pests.
Here’s what to do and what to know if you spot centipedes in your home.
Removing Them
Are centipedes dangerous? Do centipedes bite? These and many more questions might rush through your mind when you spot one of these pests in your home.
The good news is that centipedes generally don’t pose a threat to humans. In fact, they might even be helpful because they eat other pests like cockroaches, moths, and flies. But you’re here to learn how to get rid of centipedes, so just take comfort in knowing they aren’t much of a threat.
This means it’s easy to remove centipedes from your home without putting yourself in danger, though some types of centipedes can “bite”, so watch out for that.
Finding Their Source
If you want to get rid of centipedes for good, you need to figure out where they are coming from. These pests are often attracted to moisture, so check for any leaks or condensation in your home. You may also want to seal up any cracks or gaps around doors and windows to prevent them from coming inside.
Discovering What Attracts Them
If you’re dealing with an infestation of centipedes, it’s likely that there is another underlying problem. These pests are often attracted to homes that already have an infestation of other pests, such as cockroaches or silverfish. Addressing the underlying issue will help to discourage centipedes from returning.
Locating Their Hiding Places
Centipedes love dark, moist places — unfortunately, there are plenty of these hiding spots in the average home. These pests are often found in basements, crawl spaces, and closets. Even cardboard boxes can be a goodly home for them. If you spot a centipede, take a look around the area to see if you can find where it is hiding. Once you’ve located their hiding spot, you can take steps to eliminate it.
Discouraging Centipedes
If you’re wondering how to prevent centipedes, then be sure to consider the factors above when putting together your strategy to stop them from coming back. Remove potential food sources, deal with any dark, moist spaces and access points, and keep the place tidy so they don’t have too many hidey-holes where they can find refuge.
Dealing with Centipedes in Your Home
Now that you know more about centipedes, you can take steps to prevent them from taking over your home. If you do spot one of these pests, don’t panic — simply remove it and take steps to prevent them from returning. And if you’re dealing with a more serious infestation, be sure to address the underlying problem to help discourage these pests from coming back.