How to Kill House Centipedes Quickly

Before you can tackle the problem, it’s essential to know what you’re dealing with. House centipedes are usually yellowish-grey with three dark stripes down their backs. They have long legs—up to 15 pairs—and move very quickly. You’ll often find them in damp, dark places like basements, bathrooms, and under sinks. Knowing their favorite hiding spots can help you target your efforts more effectively. House centipedes are nocturnal, meaning they are most active at night, which can make it tricky to spot them during the day. Understanding their behavior and environment will give you the upper hand in getting rid of them.

House centipedes are drawn to your home for a few reasons, primarily because they’re looking for food and a damp environment. They feed on other pests, like spiders and cockroaches, so if you have an infestation of these, centipedes may follow. Additionally, homes with higher humidity levels, such as those with leaking pipes or poor ventilation, create ideal conditions for centipedes to thrive. It’s also worth noting that centipedes are more likely to be found in older homes with cracks in the foundation or walls, which provide easy entry points. Addressing these underlying issues is key to making your home less attractive to centipedes in the first place.

If you prefer to avoid chemicals, there are several natural methods to deter centipedes. Diatomaceous earth is a popular choice; it’s a fine powder that’s safe for humans and pets but deadly to centipedes. Sprinkle it around the areas where you’ve seen them. Essential oils, like tea tree or peppermint, can also help. Dilute a few drops in water and spray it around baseboards and other entry points. Additionally, you can use sticky traps made from natural substances, like sugar or honey, to catch centipedes without the need for chemicals. These methods not only keep your home safe for your family and pets but also contribute to a more environmentally friendly approach to pest control.

Centipedes love moisture, so controlling humidity in your home is key to keeping them away. Start by fixing any leaks in your plumbing, especially under sinks and in the basement. Use a dehumidifier to reduce moisture in the air, particularly in damp areas like basements and bathrooms. By making your home less humid, you’re making it less attractive to centipedes. Regularly cleaning and ventilating areas prone to moisture buildup, such as attics and crawl spaces, can further discourage centipedes from settling in. Consider using moisture-absorbing products like silica gel packets in these areas to maintain a dry environment and keep centipedes at bay.

Centipedes often find their way into your home through cracks and gaps in your walls, windows, and doors. Take some time to inspect your home’s exterior for any potential entry points. Use caulk to seal cracks around windows and doors, and consider installing weather stripping to close any gaps. This will not only keep centipedes out but also other pests that they feed on. In addition to sealing obvious cracks, you may also want to check less visible areas, such as around pipes, vents, and utility openings. Ensuring these areas are properly sealed will create a more comprehensive barrier against centipedes and other unwanted pests.

For more immediate results, traps and insecticides can be effective. Sticky traps placed in areas where you’ve seen centipedes can help catch them. Insecticides specifically labeled for centipedes can be used around baseboards, under sinks, and in other areas where centipedes are likely to travel. Always follow the instructions carefully to ensure safe use, especially if you have pets or children.

When choosing insecticides, consider those with residual effects, which continue to work overtime, providing ongoing protection. Additionally, rotating between different types of insecticides can help prevent centipedes from developing resistance, ensuring that your efforts remain effective.

Once you’ve managed to get rid of centipedes, it’s important to keep them from coming back. Regularly clean your home, focusing on areas where centipedes like to hide, such as basements, closets, and under sinks. Keep your home dry by fixing leaks promptly and using a dehumidifier as needed. Reducing clutter also helps, as it eliminates hiding spots for both centipedes and the pests they prey on. Additionally, consider using natural repellents, like cedarwood or bay leaves, in areas where centipedes are likely to enter. These long-term strategies not only help maintain a centipede-free home but also contribute to a healthier living environment overall.

Finding a centipede nest can be alarming, but it’s important to act quickly. Centipedes lay their eggs in dark, moist areas, so check these spots first. If you discover a nest, remove it using gloves and dispose of it in a sealed plastic bag. Clean the area thoroughly and apply diatomaceous earth or an insecticide to prevent any remaining centipedes from spreading. It's also wise to monitor the area for several weeks to ensure no new nests appear. Taking these steps can help you stay ahead of the problem and prevent a larger infestation from taking hold.

In some cases, a centipede problem may be too severe to handle on your own. If you’ve tried the methods above and are still seeing centipedes regularly, it might be time to call in a professional exterminator. They can assess the situation and apply stronger treatments that aren’t available to consumers, ensuring the centipedes are eliminated for good. A professional can also provide a more thorough inspection of your home to identify and address any conditions that may be contributing to the infestation, giving you peace of mind and a long-term solution to the problem.

There are many myths about house centipedes, but it’s important to separate fact from fiction. For instance, some people believe that centipedes are dangerous and can bite humans. While it’s true that they can bite, it’s rare, and their bites are usually harmless. Another myth is that centipedes are a sign of a dirty home. In reality, they’re more attracted to moisture and other pests than to dirt or grime. Understanding these facts can help you approach the problem with less fear and more confidence. Additionally, knowing the truth about centipedes can help you focus on effective prevention and treatment strategies rather than unnecessary worries.