Do centipedes come when you least expect it?
If so, don’t worry.
You’re not alone!
House centipedes are a common household pest that can be difficult to get rid of and may even have some benefits.
In this blog post, we’ll discuss why do house centipedes come into your home, the pros and cons of having them around, as well as how to safely get rid of them both naturally or with chemicals.
So if you’ve been wondering “do centipedes come?” then stick around for more information on these pesky pests!
What Are House Centipedes?
House centipedes are arthropods with a flat, segmented body and long legs.
They have 15 pairs of legs, each pair slightly longer than the one before it.
Their bodies range in color from yellowish-gray to dark brown and they can grow up to 1.5 inches in length.
Physical Characteristics
House centipedes have two antennae on their heads that help them sense their environment as well as two large compound eyes that allow them to see better at night.
They also have sharp mandibles which they use for catching prey and defending themselves against predators.
The most distinguishing feature of house centipedes is their long legs which give them an unmistakable appearance when seen scurrying across floors or walls indoors or outdoors.
Habitat and Diet
House centipedes prefer damp environments such as basements, bathrooms, attics, garages, crawl spaces and other areas where moisture is present like near plumbing fixtures or around leaking pipes inside your home or outside in gardens or flower beds near water sources like ponds or streams.
House centipedes feed mainly on insects but will also eat spiders, mites and other small arthropods if available.
Reproduction & Lifespan
During the springtime months, female house centipedes lay up to 60 eggs per batch in moist soil depending on their size and health condition.
After hatching from these eggs, larvae emerge looking very similar to adults except having only 6 pairs of legs instead of 15 until they reach maturity after molting several times over the course of several weeks into adulthood.
The average lifespan for a house centipede is approximately 3 years, however this may vary depending on environmental conditions such as temperature, humidity levels and food availability.
Habitat
House centipedes are a common pest that can be found in many homes and gardens.
Although they may seem intimidating, they pose no real threat to humans or animals.
Knowing more about them will help you understand how to prevent an infestation and keep your home free of pests.
Why Do House Centipedes Come Into Your Home?
House centipedes are a common sight in many homes, but why do they come inside?
There are several reasons why house centipedes may be attracted to your home.
Attracted to Moisture and Food Sources
House centipedes thrive in moist environments, so if you have any areas of your home that stay damp or humid, it can attract them.
They also feed on other pests like cockroaches and spiders, so if you have an infestation of these bugs already present in your home then the house centipede will likely follow.
Seeking Shelter from the Elements
Another reason for their presence is that they seek shelter from extreme temperatures outside.
If there’s a cold snap or heat wave outside then the house centipede might try to find refuge indoors where it’s more comfortable.
This means they could end up anywhere from basements to attics depending on what part of the house is most hospitable for them at any given time.
Invading From Outside Sources
Finally, some house centipedes may simply wander into your home through open doors or windows without you even noticing until it’s too late!
Once inside they can quickly reproduce and become a nuisance as well as potentially carrying diseases with them when they enter your space uninvited.
The pros and cons of having these creatures around should also be taken into consideration before deciding how best to deal with them.
The Pros and Cons of Having House Centipedes Around
Benefits of Having House Centipedes Around & Drawbacks of Having House Centipedes Around
Having house centipedes around does come with both benefits and drawbacks which should be weighed carefully before making any decisions about how best to handle their presence in your home environment.
On one hand, since they eat other insects such as roaches and spiders, having them around can help reduce those populations which can be beneficial for keeping pest numbers down overall in the long run – however this doesn’t mean that all insect problems will go away completely!
Additionally, while not harmful themselves directly (unless provoked), some people consider their appearance off-putting due to their size and movements which could lead to discomfort or anxiety when seeing one scurrying across the floor unexpectedly during daily activities like cleaning or cooking dinner etc.
On the other hand, there are potential risks associated with having large numbers living within close proximity including contamination by parasites/diseases carried by these creatures as well as increased chances for allergies due to dust mites being brought into contact with humans more often than usual when compared against non-infested households – especially considering that these arthropods tend towards hiding out within wall voids/cracks near furniture pieces etc.
Ultimately though, whether this risk outweighs any potential benefit is something only each individual household must decide upon based upon personal preference and comfort level when dealing with such matters accordingly.
By understanding why house centipedes come into your home, you can take the necessary steps to prevent them from invading.
Next, let’s look at some of the common methods for getting rid of house centipedes.
The Pros and Cons of Having House Centipedes Around
Having house centipedes around your home can be a mixed blessing.
On one hand, they are helpful in controlling other pests like flies and spiders, but on the other hand, they can also become an unwelcome nuisance if left unchecked.
Let’s take a look at both the pros and cons of having house centipedes around.
Benefits of Having House Centipedes Around
House centipedes are beneficial to have around because they feed on smaller insects such as ants, cockroaches, bed bugs, silverfish and spiders.
They help keep these pests under control by eating them before they can reproduce or cause damage to your home or garden.
Additionally, their presence indicates that there is likely food available for them nearby – meaning you may need to address any potential pest issues sooner rather than later!
Drawbacks of Having House Centipedes Around
The downside to having house centipedes around is that they can become quite numerous if not kept in check with regular cleaning and maintenance practices.
They tend to hide in dark corners or behind furniture, making them difficult to spot until it is too late.
It is important to stay vigilant when dealing with these creatures as some people find their appearance off-putting due to their long legs and antennae, which makes them appear more intimidating than other types of bugs.
Ultimately, it is up to you whether or not you want to keep house centipedes around.
Knowing the pros and cons can help you make an informed decision on what works best for your home.
Next, we will look at ways to prevent and control a centipede infestation.
How to Get Rid of House Centipedes Naturally
Fortunately, there are several ways to get rid of them naturally without using harsh chemicals.
Reduce Moisture Levels in Your Home
House centipedes thrive in moist environments and can often be found near damp areas such as bathrooms or basements.
To reduce the moisture levels in your home, make sure to repair any leaking pipes or faucets and use dehumidifiers to keep humidity levels low.
Additionally, try to keep all surfaces dry by wiping down counters and floors regularly with a cloth or mop.
Remove Potential Food Sources
House centipedes feed on other insects like spiders, flies, cockroaches, and silverfish so it’s important to remove potential food sources from your home if you want to get rid of house centipedes naturally.
Start by vacuuming carpets regularly and cleaning up any crumbs that may have fallen behind furniture or appliances.
Also consider sealing off entry points for other pests like mice which could attract house centipedes into your home looking for food sources.
Seal Up Cracks and Gaps in Your Home
House centipedes can enter through small cracks or gaps around windowsills, door frames, vents etc., so it’s important to seal these openings with caulk or weather stripping where possible.
You should also check around window screens for holes as this is another way that house centipedes might be entering your home unnoticed!
Other Ideas
Here are a few other ideas I’ve tried with clients that may be useful:
- Clean up any clutter around the home as this can provide a hiding place for centipedes.
- Vacuum regularly, especially in dark corners and crevices where they may hide.
- Use natural repellents such as peppermint oil or citrus peels to deter them from entering your home.
- Seal off cracks and other openings that may allow them access into your living space.
- Finally, use diatomaceous earth around the perimeter of your home as it is an effective way of killing centipedes while being safe for people and animals.
By following these steps, you can help reduce the chances of house centipedes invading your home.
Next, we’ll discuss how to use pest control methods to get rid of them for good.
How to Get Rid of House Centipedes with Chemicals
Chemicals are a popular method for getting rid of house centipedes, but it’s important to understand the different types of pesticides used and how to apply them safely.
Types of Pesticides Used for Control
There are several types of insecticides available that can be used to control house centipedes.
These include pyrethrin-based sprays, aerosols, dusts, baits, and granules.
Pyrethrins are natural compounds derived from chrysanthemum flowers that have been found to be effective in killing insects like house centipedes.
Application Methods for Pesticides
Depending on the type of pesticide you choose, there are various application methods you can use.
- Sprays and aerosols should be applied directly onto surfaces where house centipedes may hide or travel through your home such as cracks in walls or around windowsills.
- Dusts and granules should be spread evenly over areas where these pests may enter your home such as doorways or vents leading outside.
- Baits should also be placed near potential entry points into your home or along baseboards and other areas where they might crawl up walls.
Before using any kind of pesticide, it is important to read all instructions carefully before applying them inside your home or garden area.
When handling pesticides, protective clothing should always be worn including gloves, long sleeves shirts/pants, safety glasses/goggles and a face mask if necessary.
Furthermore, different kinds of chemicals should not be mixed together unless instructed by an expert pest control professional as this could cause hazardous reactions which could harm both people and pets living in the area being treated with pesticides.
When it comes to getting rid of house centipedes, using chemicals is one of the most effective methods.
However, it’s important to understand what types of pesticides are used for control and how they should be applied in order to ensure safety.
Types of Pesticides Used for Control
There are several different types of pesticides that can be used to get rid of house centipedes, including insecticides, baits, and dusts.
Insecticides are typically liquids or sprays that contain active ingredients such as pyrethrins or permethrin which kill insects on contact.
Baits contain an attractant that lures the centipedes into a trap where they will eventually die from ingesting the poison inside.
Dusts are made up of fine particles that stick to the body and legs when a pest crawls through them and cause death by dehydration or suffocation.
Application Methods for Pesticides
Depending on the type you choose, there are various application methods available for controlling house centipedes with chemicals.
For example, liquid insecticides can be sprayed directly onto surfaces where pests may hide such as cracks in walls or around windowsills while bait traps should be placed near areas where activity has been seen like behind furniture or appliances.
Dusts should also be applied directly onto surfaces but require special equipment like a hand duster in order to reach hard-to-reach places like underneath baseboards or between crevices in cabinets and drawers.
It is important to take safety precautions when using any kind of pesticide, as these products can have harmful effects if not handled properly.
Before use, you should always read all instructions and wear protective clothing such as gloves, long sleeves shirts/pants/shoes when applying any type of chemical product indoors or outdoors – even if it is labeled “safe”.
Additionally, children should be kept away from treated areas until after all residues have dried completely in order to avoid contact with potentially hazardous materials left behind by pest control efforts.
Using the right type of pesticide and application method can help you get rid of house centipedes.
However, safety should always be your priority when using chemicals to control pests – so make sure to follow all instructions carefully before beginning treatment.
FAQs in Relation to “Why Do Centipedes Come”
Why am I suddenly seeing centipedes in my house?
Centipedes are attracted to damp, dark places in your home. They may have been drawn in by excess moisture from a leaking pipe or other source of water. Additionally, centipedes feed on other insects and spiders that can be found in the same areas they inhabit, so if you’re seeing more of them it could be an indication that there is a larger insect problem present as well. To prevent further infestations, make sure to keep your home dry and free of clutter where bugs can hide. Regularly inspect for any signs of pests and take action immediately if necessary.
How do I get rid of house centipedes?
House centipedes can be a nuisance, but they are actually beneficial to have around as they feed on other pests. To get rid of them, start by eliminating their food sources such as spiders and other insects. Vacuum regularly and seal any cracks or crevices where the centipedes may be entering your home. You can also use traps baited with sugar or honey to catch them. If these methods don’t work, contact a professional pest control service for help in getting rid of house centipedes from your home.
Why do centipedes run toward you?
Centipedes are naturally curious creatures and will often investigate anything that moves. When they sense movement, such as a person approaching them, they may run towards the source of the disturbance out of curiosity or in an attempt to escape. This behavior is instinctive and not intentional; centipedes do not mean to scare people by running toward them.
What are centipede attracted to?
Centipedes are attracted to damp, dark areas with plenty of food sources. They feed on insects and other small arthropods like spiders, worms, and even some smaller vertebrates such as lizards or frogs. Moisture is also a key factor in centipede attraction; they need it to survive and reproduce. Centipedes can be found near water sources such as basements, bathrooms, kitchens, crawl spaces and attics. Additionally, they often hide under furniture or appliances that provide shelter from the light. Keeping these areas dry and free of clutter will help reduce the number of centipedes around your home.
Conclusion
House centipedes can be a nuisance, but they also have their benefits. It’s important to understand why they come into your home and how to get rid of them if you don’t want them around. With the right knowledge and techniques, you can control house centipede populations without resorting to harsh chemicals or other drastic measures. Whether you choose to keep these creepy crawlers around or not is up to you, but now that you know the answer to “do centipedes come,” at least you’ll be prepared for whatever comes your way!
