House Centipedes: Guide to Managing These Creepy Crawlers

what do centipedes eat, how to kill centipedes, what attracts centipedes, Insect macro predator creepy — Photo by Pixabay on Pexels

House centipedes can be a frightening sight, but they are actually helpful in some ways. However, if you’d prefer not to share your home with these creepy crawlers, we have the information and tips you need. This comprehensive article will cover everything from their appearance and habits to prevention methods and natural remedies.

What Are Centipedes?

House centipedes (Scutigera coleoptrata) are yellowish-gray arthropods with 15 pairs of long, slender legs. They can grow up to 1.5 inches in length and move quickly, which can make them a startling presence in your home.

Are They Dangerous?

House centipedes are not dangerous to humans. They are actually beneficial predators that feed on other household pests like ants, carpet beetles, and roach infestations. However, they can still be a nuisance and an unwanted sight for many homeowners.

What Attracts Centipedes?

Understanding what attracts house centipedes to your home can help you take the necessary steps to prevent their presence. Here are the main factors that attract these arthropods:

Moisture

House centipedes thrive in damp environments, and excess moisture in your home can be a major attraction for them. Basements, crawl spaces, and bathrooms are common areas where you might find these creatures due to higher humidity levels. Leaky pipes, poor ventilation, and water damage can also contribute to creating a suitable environment for centipedes.

Food Sources

As mentioned earlier, house centipedes are carnivorous and feed on a variety of household pests. The presence of other insects and arthropods, such as ants, spiders, cockroaches, and silverfish, can attract centipedes to your home in search of food.

Shelter

House centipedes are nocturnal creatures and seek out dark, secluded spaces to hide during the day. Clutter, debris, and piles of items, like cardboard boxes or clothing, can provide the perfect hiding spots for these arthropods. Cracks and crevices in walls, as well as gaps under doors and around windows, can also serve as entry points and hiding places.

Temperature

House centipedes prefer moderate temperatures and may seek refuge indoors during extreme weather conditions. In colder months, they may move inside to find warmth, while during hot and dry periods, they may seek out cooler, damp areas within your home.

By addressing these factors, you can create an environment that is less attractive to house centipedes. Ensure your home is well-ventilated and free of excess moisture, regularly clean and declutter, and seal any cracks or gaps that may serve as entry points. Additionally, by controlling other pest populations, you can limit the food sources that attract house centipedes in the first place.

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Centipede Diet: What Do They Eat?

House centipedes are primarily carnivorous and play a beneficial role in controlling other household pests. Their diet consists of a variety of insects and arthropods, making them a natural form of pest control. Here’s a closer look at what house centipedes eat:

Spiders: House centipedes are known to feed on a wide range of spiders, including those that can be harmful to humans, like the brown recluse and black widow spiders.
Ants: These creatures help in controlling ant populations by feeding on various ant species, including nuisance ants that invade homes.
Cockroaches: House centipedes can help keep roach infestations under control by consuming different species of cockroaches, including German and American cockroaches.
Silverfish: These insects also prey on silverfish, which can be a nuisance in homes as they feed on items like books, wallpaper, and clothing.
Bed bugs: Although not their primary food source, house centipedes have been known to consume bed bugs, helping to control these notorious pests.
Moth larvae: House centipedes can help to control moth populations by feeding on their larvae, which can damage clothing and other fabrics.
Other pests: In addition to the above, house centipedes also consume other small insects, such as termites, flies, and various larvae, as well as small arachnids like mites and ticks.

While house centipedes can be beneficial in controlling other pests, their presence may still be unwelcome in your home. By following the prevention tips and natural remedies mentioned earlier, you can effectively manage these creepy crawlers while still keeping your home’s pest population in check.

Centipede Prevention Tips

To prevent house centipedes from entering your home, follow these tips:

Seal cracks and gaps around your home’s foundation, windows, and doors.
Remove clutter and debris from your home, as these can provide hiding places for centipedes.
Keep your home dry and well-ventilated, as centipedes are attracted to damp environments.
Regularly clean and vacuum your home to eliminate other pests that centipedes feed on.
Use sticky traps to catch and monitor centipede activity.

house centipede, Brown centipede crawling in wild environment — Photo by Глеб Коровко on Pexels

Keeping Centipedes Out of Your Bed

Finding a house centipede in your bed can be an unsettling experience. To prevent these creatures from making their way into your sleeping space, follow these tips:

1. Maintain Cleanliness

Regularly clean your bedroom, including vacuuming and dusting. This will help eliminate other pests that might attract house centipedes, as well as remove any potential hiding spots.

Eliminate Clutter

Clutter provides shelter for house centipedes and other pests. Keep your bedroom tidy and free of clutter, especially around your bed. Avoid storing items under your bed, as this can create an attractive hiding spot for centipedes.

3. Seal Entry Points

Inspect your bedroom for any cracks, crevices, or gaps that could serve as entry points for house centipedes. Seal these openings with caulk or other appropriate materials to prevent centipedes from entering your room.

4. Use Bed Risers

Using bed risers to elevate your bed can make it more difficult for house centipedes to access your sleeping area. Additionally, you can place sticky traps or diatomaceous earth around the legs of your bed to catch any centipedes attempting to climb up.

5. Use Essential Oils

Spray a mixture of water and essential oils, such as lavender, tea tree, or peppermint, around your bed and bedroom. These oils have a strong scent that can help repel house centipedes and other pests.

6. Change Your Bedding Regularly

Regularly wash and change your bedding to keep your sleeping area clean and free of any pests. Washing your sheets, pillowcases, and blankets in hot water can help eliminate any potential pests that may have found their way into your bed.

7. Monitor Humidity Levels

As mentioned earlier, house centipedes thrive in damp environments. Use a dehumidifier or ensure proper ventilation to maintain a low humidity level in your bedroom, making it less attractive to centipedes.

By following these tips and maintaining a clean, clutter-free bedroom, you can reduce the chances of house centipedes invading your sleeping space and enjoy a more restful night’s sleep.

Natural Remedies for Getting Rid of House Centipedes

If you have an existing centipede problem, consider these natural remedies:

Diatomaceous earth: Sprinkle food-grade diatomaceous earth around areas where you’ve seen centipedes. This natural powder can help to kill them by damaging their exoskeletons.
Essential oils: Mix a few drops of essential oils like lavender, tea tree, or peppermint with water in a spray bottle. Spray the mixture around your home to repel centipedes.
Baking soda and powdered sugar: Mix equal parts baking soda and powdered sugar and sprinkle it around entry points. The sugar will attract the centipedes, while the baking soda will kill them.

(Video) What You Should Know

FAQ

Should I ignore house centipedes?

While house centipedes can be beneficial by preying on other household pests, it’s essential to consider your comfort level and weigh the pros and cons. If you can tolerate their presence and appreciate their role as natural pest control, you can choose to ignore them. However, if their presence is bothersome, follow the prevention tips and natural remedies outlined earlier in this article to manage their population.

How many house centipedes is too many?

The presence of a few house centipedes is usually not a cause for concern, as they can help control other pests. However, if you notice a large number of centipedes, it could indicate a more significant issue, such as an underlying moisture problem or an infestation of other pests. In this case, it’s essential to address the root cause and take steps to reduce the centipede population.

Do house centipedes lay eggs?

Yes, house centipedes reproduce by laying eggs. Female centipedes lay between 35 and 50 eggs, typically in damp soil or hidden crevices. The eggs hatch after a few weeks, and the young centipedes go through several molts before reaching adulthood.

What kills centipedes instantly?

While we recommend non-lethal methods of dealing with house centipedes, there are ways to kill them instantly if necessary. One option is to use a mixture of water and dish soap in a spray bottle. When sprayed directly onto a centipede, the soapy solution can kill it quickly by blocking its breathing pores. However, it’s important to consider the ecological impact of using any lethal methods and opt for non-lethal alternatives whenever possible.

How long will a house centipede live?

House centipedes have a relatively long lifespan compared to other arthropods. They can live for up to 3 to 7 years, depending on factors such as environmental conditions and the availability of food sources. During their lifetime, they continue to molt and grow, reaching a mature size of around 1 to 1.5 inches in length.

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