Should I kill house centipedes?

Should I kill house centipedes?

House centipedes won’t harm people or homes. Unlike moths, they won’t destroy clothing or furniture, and unlike ants, they won’t wreak havoc in your pantry.

What causes centipedes in the house?

Centipedes feed on home-invading species like cockroaches and spiders, so an abundance of prey often lures these pests into homes. Residents may find centipedes in cement block walls, boxes, clutter on the floor, or floor drains. The warmth and safety of a heated home may also attract centipedes inside to reproduce.

What household item Kills centipedes?

For a natural way to get rid of centipedes, mix a gallon of warm water with two tablespoons of liquid dish soap in a spray bottle. Try not to make too many suds. Spray the solution along dark crevices and corners. Reapply every few days to ensure the bugs have come in contact with the spray.

Should you kill a house centipede or leave it alone?

So don’t panic; you and your family have nothing to worry about. However, larger species of house centipedes can bite if they feel threatened, especially when roughly handled. This bite can result in pain described as similar to a bee sting. A good rule of thumb is to leave them alone.

Do centipedes mean your house is dirty?

The short answer is no, house centipedes are not pests. House centipedes do frighten some homeowners, which is understandable. They are extremely fast bugs that only come out at night, in theory, they sound very bad. However, the house centipede is the opposite of pests.

How do I get rid of centipedes in my house naturally?

Tea tree oil or Peppermint oil are overwhelming to centipedes. Add 25 drops of either essential oil into a spray bottle with 6 ounces of water. Spray around door frames, windows, small cracks and basement doors. Repeat once a week to keep centipedes away.

What to do if you see a house centipede?

To get rid of centipedes in your home, thoroughly clean damp areas of your house, like the basement, bathroom, or attic and remove their hiding places. You can kill centipedes you find with Ortho® Home Defense Max® Indoor Insect Barrier with Extended Reach Comfort Wand®.

What spray kills centipedes?

Insecticide Spray: If you find a centipede, killing one with an insecticide spray can put a quick end to your problem. Sprays with bifenthrin or cypermethrin will kill centipedes on sight with one quick shot. Similar to the dust, follow instructions and keep away from pets and children.

How long will a house centipede live?

The common house centipede can live for more than a year, while other species have been know to live for as long as 5-6 years. This lifespan is considered long among arthropods. Check out the Centipede Pest Guide to find some more centipede facts and learn about centipede prevention.