House centipedes are mysterious, speedy creatures that can give anyone a startle when encountered in their homes. As an ex-professional pest control technician and DIY pest control expert, I understand the unease these arthropods can bring.
House centipedes are not only unsettling but can also reproduce quickly and turn into a challenging infestation. In this guide, I’ll help you identify these pests and discuss a range of natural and chemical solutions to defeat them.
Whether you’re looking for do-it-yourself methods or considering professional assistance, my expertise will empower you to tackle house centipede issues effectively. I’ll also recommend trusted pest control companies if you decide to seek professional help.
What Is a House Centipede?
The house centipede, scientifically known as Scutigera coleoptrata, is a peculiar arthropod with a distinctive appearance. These creatures typically measure around 3 to 4 inches in length and sport a yellowish-gray hue, often with dark stripes along their body’s length. What truly sets them apart, however, is their remarkable number of legs—15 pairs in total. They also have two long antennae, primarily used for hunting.
House centipedes are highly agile, nocturnal hunters. Their legs enable them to move at astonishing speeds, making it a challenge for their prey to evade capture. In particular, two of their legs, located near the head and mouth, are specialized to carry venom. This venom paralyzes smaller insects when they are captured, rendering them helpless as a potential meal. Some consider house centipedes beneficial organisms, as they actively prey upon various household pests. They hunt spiders, bed bugs, termites, cockroaches, silverfish, and other common arthropods.
Where Do House Centipedes Live?
Understanding where house centipedes prefer to settle is crucial in managing them. These arthropods are believed to have originated in the Mediterranean, but they’ve now made homes in various parts of the United States. While they thrive in warm, tropical, and humid climates, house centipedes are remarkably adaptable and can survive in a wide range of environments.
Outdoors, house centipedes prefer cool, damp habitats. You might encounter them beneath large rocks or hiding in stacks of wood or compost heaps. However, many homeowners find these critters indoors. They are often discovered in basements, bathrooms, garages, or other moisture-rich nooks and crannies. House centipedes are sensitive to light and tend to seek shelter during daylight hours, adding to the challenge of spotting them in your home.
Where Do House Centipedes Come From?
House centipedes have an uncanny knack for finding their way into homes. As a pest control expert, I’ve seen this scenario play out countless times. These arthropods are driven indoors in search of two essential things: food and warmth. They’re particularly adept at squeezing through small openings, including doors, cracks, and other vulnerabilities in your walls or foundation. Their small and narrow physique allows them to infiltrate spaces of almost any size, making it a challenge to keep them out.
Can House Centipedes Bite?
In my experience, bites from these creatures are exceedingly rare. House centipedes are naturally timid and, thanks to their small jaws, have difficulty penetrating human skin. On the rare occasion when a bite does occur, it typically results in nothing more than a small, red bump, with no significant pain or itching.
House centipedes are more interested in feasting on other, smaller insects than they are in engaging with humans.
The term “forcipules” refers to a specialized pair of modified legs found in centipedes, particularly in the order Scolopendromorpha, which includes large centipede species like the giant desert centipede (Scolopendra heros). Forcipules are located just behind the centipede’s head and function as venomous appendages used to capture and immobilize prey.
These forcipules are equipped with sharp fangs, which inject venom into the centipede’s prey. This venom helps to paralyze or subdue prey, making it easier for the centipede to feed.
How To Get Rid of a House Centipede Infestation
Whether you prefer natural or chemical methods, here are some effective solutions that get rid of a house centipede infestation.
- Reduce the centipede’s food source. Because house centipedes are likely searching in your house for other bugs to feed on, there’s a good chance that you have another insect problem. For instance, they are among the animals that eat bed bugs. Determine what other arthropods are living in your house by setting out sticky traps or bug monitors. These can be purchased through a pest control company or at a home improvement store.
- Lower humidity levels. Buy a dehumidifier and reduce the humidity levels in your home. This will create a colder environment for a house centipede, forcing them to go elsewhere for warmth.
- Use an insecticide. If you choose to use an insecticide, consider purchasing one formulated as either an emulsifiable concentrate or wettable powder, as these are the most effective. I recommend using LambdaStar UltraCap. Apply the insecticide to sites where you suspect the centipedes to be living, such as cracks and crevices in your walls. Because pesticides are poisonous, follow all directions carefully and keep them away from children and pets.
- Call a pest management professional. A house centipede infestation may be hard to spot, especially as these creatures are nocturnal. Schedule an appointment with a pest control service to assess the issue and determine which method is best to get rid of the infestation. Pest control providers like Terminix and Orkin specialize in getting rid of house centipede infestations.
House Centipede Prevention Tips
Preventing house centipedes from invading your home is an essential step in maintaining a pest-free environment.
I’ve gathered some effective tips to help you deter these creatures from setting up residence in your living space:
- Seal entry points. House centipedes, with their slender bodies, can easily slip through small openings. Inspect your home for gaps around doors and windows, paying particular attention to door sweeps. Make sure door sweeps are intact and fit snugly between the door and the ground. If you spot any holes or gaps, promptly repair or replace them to prevent easy access for these pests.
- Inspect and repair screens. House centipedes often gain entry through damaged window and door screens. Regularly check these screens for any holes or tears, and promptly repair or replace them as needed. By maintaining your screens, you create a barrier that effectively keeps house centipedes and other pests at bay.
- Check your foundation. The foundation of your home can be another potential entry point for house centipedes. As part of your preventive efforts, inspect the foundation for cracks and crevices. Seal these openings with high-quality caulk to block any potential entryways.
- Keep your yard clear. House centipedes often seek shelter in outdoor debris such as piles of wood, leaves, or clutter around your home’s exterior. Regular yard maintenance can significantly reduce the opportunities for these pests to seek refuge and warmth near your home. This includes clearing away debris and keeping the area near your house clean and tidy.
By implementing these house centipede prevention tips, you create an environment that is less appealing to these pests. Prevention is the best way to keep your home centipede-free and more comfortable for you and your family.
A Final Word About House Centipedes
House centipedes, while generally harmless, can appear unsettling. By following the indentification and preventive tips outlined in this guide, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of a house centipede infestation.
Remember to regularly inspect and maintain door sweeps, screens, and your home’s foundation. These simple steps can create a formidable barrier against these nocturnal hunters. Additionally, keeping your outdoor spaces free from debris and clutter goes a long way in dissuading house centipedes from seeking refuge near your home.
By incorporating these practices into your routine, you not only prevent house centipede infestations but also contribute to a more comfortable and pest-free living environment for you and your family. If you ever find yourself facing a persistent house centipede issue, don’t hesitate to reach out to professional pest control services like Terminix and Orkin, which specialize in effective centipede eradication.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are house centipedes a sign of a more significant pest problem in my home?
House centipedes are often attracted to other pests like spiders, ants, and cockroaches, which they feed on. If you notice an increase in house centipede activity, it might indicate an underlying pest issue that needs addressing to prevent further infestation.
Are there any natural repellents that can deter house centipedes from entering my home?
Yes, there are natural repellents like essential oils such as lavender, peppermint, or citrus that can help deter house centipedes. Placing cotton balls soaked in these oils in potential entry points can discourage them from entering.
Can house centipedes climb walls or ceilings?
Yes, house centipedes are capable climbers and (thanks to their long legs and high agility) can move across walls and even ceilings. Their numerous pairs of legs and rapid movement make them highly adaptable to different surfaces.
Do house centipedes have any benefits for my home, or should I eliminate them entirely?
House centipedes can actually be beneficial as they prey on other common household pests like spiders, termites, bed bugs, and cockroaches. However, if their presence is unsettling to you, or if you have a severe infestation, you may consider taking preventive measures.
