Centipedes in your home are often a secondary infestation. Centipedes are predators, which means they need other insects present to hunt down and feed upon. Centipedes are also very attracted to moisture and humid areas, which makes basements and cellars prime targets for their presence. Centipedes pest control should begin with cleaning up these two factors.
Eliminate Moisture to Get Rid of Centipedes
Centipedes in your home will go to the dampest areas possible. They’ll like to stay out of sight, and generally favor dark areas. This means basements, bathrooms, laundry rooms, and rooms that don’t get much light are perfect for centipedes. Clean up any collected moisture, and seal any drips or leaks. For areas that are humid, you may need to use a dehumidifier to change their environment long-term.
Eliminate Centipede Prey
Centipedes are predators. They aren’t eating your crumbs or leftover food from dishes left in the sink. They will typically hunt insects that are finding their food this way, however. This also attracts other predators like spiders, which centipedes in turn feed upon.
Cleaning up food prep areas, keeping foodstuffs sealed, using trash cans with lids, wiping up crumbs, cleaning sink traps, and not leaving dirty dishes out overnight will all reduce the numbers of prey insects that are present in your home. In turn, the less prey there is for centipedes, the fewer centipedes there will be.
Clean Regularly for Centipedes Pest Control
Centipedes will hide under clutter and their prey animals will benefit from dirt and dust. Organizing your home and regular cleaning will give them fewer areas to hide, and reduce the efficacy of their hunting grounds.
Are Centipedes Dangerous?
Centipedes can bite, but it’s very rare. Their venom isn’t dangerous to humans. A centipede bite will cause a slight irritation. Generally centipedes will hold still once spotted, hoping you miss seeing them on the wall. You’ll most commonly see them after turning on the light in a dark room.
How Do I Get Rid of Centipedes?
If you already have an infestation, centipedes prevention steps will take too long to have an effect. You want them gone now, so contact a Brevard County pest control specialist who can remove the centipedes. Green pest control solutions can be used to limit the need for chemical solutions. Pest control for centipedes will also focus on identifying their points of entry into the home and sealing them.