This is a very good question! Why do centipedes invade homes? In the winter they are looking for a dark, moist, secluded space that offers them a food source to wait out the cold months. Then in the spring and summer when they are most active, they can lay their eggs; and their numbers increase.
Now that you know why they want to make your home theirs, the next most important question to answer is “how do they get into your house?” They typically will access your home by sneaking in through cracks and crevices or by climbing up through bathtub drains. Once inside, they will hide in closets, basements, bathrooms, and under kitchen sinks; and that’s just the beginning. Have you ever stopped to consider why these creatures cause tingles to run down your spine and a shriek of fear to pass your lips when finding one inside your home?
After all, centipedes look like they just came out of a horror movie. Some varieties can have anywhere from 15 to 177 pair of legs, and typically grow up to one inch long (some species have even been known to be as long as 6”). House centipedes range in color but commonly are grayish yellow and have dark stripes on top. Each segment of their body has a pair of legs. They have hairy antennae they use to detect prey, and have the capability of injecting venom into their prey to immobilize it. This venom, however, is generally not harmful to humans. They feed on insects, worms, and spiders; but they also eat other centipedes dead or alive. Contrary to what some people think, centipedes do not eat wood like millipedes can.
Centipedes are nocturnal, are rarely seen by people, and do not leave much of a trace behind that would indicate their existence in your home. When they are found by humans, it’s usually as they scurry along the floor or up a wall. They move really fast and will lift their bodies up to run and will lower it to the ground again when they stop. Regardless of the fact that they are harmless, you don’t want them invading your home!
There are a few things you can do to avoid attracting these creepy pests to your home. Indoors, you can remove clutter, caulk and seal any cracks and crevices, and eliminate moisture by using dehumidifiers. Outside, you can deter centipedes by cleaning up junk, compost, wood, and leaf piles. Also be sure to remove standing water, trim around plants, use door sweeps, and install tight-fitting doors and windows. These tips can be helpful, but using a year-round pest control plan from a trusted provider will give you much better and lasting results.
Here at Adam’s Pest Control, we will pay close attention to all points of entry, using EPA-approved residual insecticide everywhere centipedes hide. Our highly trained and trusted pest control professionals can eliminate your centipedes fast with 100% satisfaction guaranteed, friendly service, and competitive pricing. To find out more about our industry leading year-round pest control solutions simply give us a call.
