What Is the Best Way to Get Rid of Centipedes?

Seeing a creature with dozens of legs dart across your living room floor is enough to startle anyone. While they generally want to avoid you, finding centipedes in your home can be unsettling. More importantly, their presence often signals other underlying issues, like high humidity or a hidden infestation of other insects.

If you are wondering “what is the best way to get rid of centipedes?”, the answer lies in a combination of environmental changes and targeted removal. You don’t just want to kill the one you see; you want to stop the rest from following it inside.

Here is your practical guide to reclaiming your home from these many-legged intruders.

Why Are Centipedes in My House?

Before you can kick them out, you need to know why they moved in. Centipedes are simple creatures driven by two main needs: moisture and food.

Unlike some pests that eat wood or pantry staples, centipedes are hunters. They prey on other small insects like spiders, silverfish, and roaches. If you see them frequently, it is often a sign that you have a steady supply of other bugs nearby. Additionally, they crave damp environments. If your basement are humid or you have a leaky pipe under the sink, you are essentially rolling out a welcome mat for them.

Step 1: Reduce Moisture and Humidity

The single most effective long-term strategy to get rid of centipedes is moisture control. These pests dry out easily, so they cannot survive long in a dry home. By removing their preferred habitat, you force them to leave or die.

• Run a Dehumidifier: Keep the relative humidity in your basement and crawl spaces under 50%.
• Fix Leaks Immediately: Repair dripping faucets, sweating pipes, and loose plumbing traps. Even a small drip provides enough water for a colony of pests.
• Improve Ventilation: Use exhaust fans in bathrooms during showers and ensure your attic and crawl spaces have proper airflow.

For more details on moisture control, check out this guide on how toget rid of centipedes with simple tips.

Step 2: Seal Cracks and Entry Points

Once you have addressed the interior environment, you need to stop new centipedes from entering. These creatures are flat and flexible, allowing them to squeeze through incredibly small gaps.

Inspect the exterior of your home for cracks in the foundation, gaps around window frames, and spaces where utility pipes enter the wall. Use caulk to seal these openings. You should also check your weatherstripping on doors and windows. If you can see light coming through the bottom of a door, a centipede can definitely walk through it.

Step 3: Remove Their Food Source

Because centipedes are carnivores, they will only stay where the hunting is good. If you eliminate their prey, they will have no reason to stay. This means your plan to get rid of centipedes must also include general pest control.

• Clean Up: Regular vacuuming and cleaning remove the crumbs and spills that attract the insects centipedes eat.
• Declutter: Piles of cardboard, newspapers, and clutter provide hiding spots for roaches and silverfish.
• Monitor: Use sticky traps to identify what other pests are active in your home.

If you aren’t sure if you are dealing with a centipede or something else, it helps to know the difference. You can learn more about identification in thiscentipede vs millipedes comparison.

Step 4: Natural Repellents and Insecticides

If physical barriers and moisture control aren’t enough, you can use direct treatments to reduce the population.

Natural Options

For a chemical-free approach, Diatomaceous Earth (DE) is highly effective. This fine natural powder damages the exoskeleton of insects that walk across it. Sprinkle it lightly along baseboards and in cracks where you suspect activity. Essential oils like peppermint or tea tree oil can also act as deterrents when sprayed around entry points.

Targeted Insecticides

If activity remains high, you may need a residual insecticide spray around the perimeter of your foundation. This creates a barrier that stops pests before they get inside. Always follow label directions carefully.

Are Centipedes Dangerous?

Homeowners often worry about whether these fast movers are a threat to their family or pets. While centipedes are venomous and use this venom to subdue their prey, most house species pose very little risk to humans. Their jaws are generally too weak to puncture human skin, and even if they do, the sting is usually comparable to a bee sting.

However, larger species like the bark centipede can deliver a more painful bite. You can read more about the risks in this article:Are Centipedes Dangerous?

When to Call a Professional

Sometimes, despite your best DIY efforts, the infestation persists. This usually indicates a deeper issue, such as a hidden moisture source you cannot reach or a significant infestation of other insects fueling the centipede population.

Professional pest control technicians can identify entry points you might miss and apply specialized treatments that are safe for your home. They can also help you develop an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) plan to keep centipedes away for good.

Getting rid of centipedes requires a multi-step approach. You cannot simply squash them one by one. You must dry out their habitat, seal their entryways, and remove their food sources. By following these steps, you can make your home inhospitable to these many-legged guests.If you have tried these methods and are still seeing centipedes daily, it is time to bring in the experts.Contact Brooks Pest Solutions today to schedule an inspection and get a custom plan to protect your home.