How to Get Rid of Centipedes

We’re going on a “house tour” today. Only this time, it’s not about Victorian furniture or historic wallpapers. We’re delving deep into your basement, discovering an unwelcome tenant: the centipede.

What Are Centipedes?

As we delve deeper into your basement’s predicament, it’s crucial to understand the culprit. Centipedes, belonging to the class Chilopoda in the arthropod kingdom, might be notorious for their creepy-crawly nature, but they’re fascinating creatures when viewed from a neutral standpoint.

The name ‘centipede’ comes from Latin roots and translates to ‘a hundred legs,’ although the actual number of legs varies across species, ranging anywhere from 30 to 354. They are easily recognized by their elongated, flat bodies and multitude of legs, each pair sprouting from a single body segment. The centipede’s speed, a distinguishing trait, is a result of this anatomical feature.

Centipedes are primarily nocturnal creatures. They hide during the day in dark, damp environments and become active at night. This pattern, coupled with their preference for moisture, often leads them into the heart of our homes, the basement.

The common house centipede, Scutigera coleoptrata, is the species you’re likely encountering in your basement. Sporting a pair of antennae and 15 pairs of long, delicate legs, house centipedes can be an alarming sight for homeowners. They are yellowish-gray in color and have dark stripes along their bodies, characteristics that can help you identify them.

However, as much as they might make your skin crawl, centipedes are not villainous creatures in the ecosystem. They are carnivorous, feeding on other pests such as spiders, ants, bedbugs, and cockroaches. Think of them as the unofficial pest control agents, albeit ones you’d rather not host in your basement.

A key takeaway in dealing with centipedes is understanding that their presence often indicates other issues in your home. Basements attracting centipedes usually suffer from dampness or an abundance of other pests, issues that warrant attention in maintaining the health of your home.

Remember, the goal isn’t to vilify centipedes, but to establish a space where both you and they can coexist peacefully—ideally with them staying outside your home.

Risks of Having Centipedes in the Basement

Despite their role as natural pest controllers, centipedes’ presence in your home, particularly in your basement, isn’t desirable. Although most species pose minimal risk to humans, the idea of sharing living spaces with these multi-legged creatures can be disconcerting. Here, we explore the potential risks associated with having centipedes in your basement.

1. Distress and Anxiety: For many people, centipedes can cause a significant amount of emotional distress. Their rapid movements and alien appearance can create an unsettling atmosphere in your home, leading to discomfort and anxiety.
2. Bites: While rare, some larger centipedes can bite humans, particularly when threatened. These bites can be painful, akin to a bee sting, and in some cases, might cause allergic reactions. The common house centipede rarely bites humans, but it’s a possibility worth considering.
3. Indicators of Other Pests: Centipedes are predators that feed on other pests like cockroaches, spiders, and silverfish. Their presence might indicate an underlying pest problem in your home, particularly your basement, where they find ideal living conditions.
4. Indication of Damp Conditions: Centipedes thrive in damp environments. If your basement is attracting these creatures, it may indicate that your basement has moisture issues. This could lead to more severe problems over time, including mold and mildew, damage to any stored items, and even structural damage to your home.
5. Impact on Property Value: While not a direct risk, a centipede infestation, along with the underlying issues it might indicate, can deter potential buyers if you ever decide to sell your house. It’s essential to address and resolve pest issues promptly to maintain your property’s value.

Remember, the presence of centipedes is usually a symptom of an underlying problem. Addressing these issues can help make your home less attractive to these arthropods, thereby resolving your centipede problem and improving your home’s overall health.

Signs of a Centipede Infestation

Centipedes are elusive creatures, and detecting their presence in your home can be challenging. Unlike other pests, they don’t leave telltale signs like droppings or damage. However, there are a few signs that could indicate a centipede infestation in your basement:

1. Physical Sightings: The most obvious sign of a centipede infestation is seeing the centipedes themselves. They’re most likely to be found in damp, dark places in your home, such as your basement or bathroom. If you’re seeing them frequently or in large numbers, it’s a clear sign that you have an infestation.
2. Moist Environments: Centipedes thrive in damp and dark places. If your basement is humid, or if you have leaks or other sources of moisture, it creates a perfect habitat for centipedes. If you have these conditions in your basement and have spotted a centipede or two, there’s a good chance you have an infestation.
3. Presence of Other Pests: Centipedes are predators and feed on other pests. If you have an infestation of spiders, ants, cockroaches, or other insects, it could attract centipedes into your home. If you’re dealing with multiple pest issues, it’s a strong indicator that you could also have a problem with centipedes.
4. Seeing Centipedes in Other Parts of the House: Centipedes prefer to stay in basements or other dark, damp areas, but if you’re seeing them in drier parts of the house or during the daytime, it could indicate that your infestation is large enough that some centipedes are being forced out of their preferred habitat.

Centipede infestations can be disturbing and indicate larger issues with your home’s environment. If you suspect you have an infestation, it’s best to act promptly. This can involve taking steps to reduce the appeal of your home to centipedes, dealing with other pest issues, and consulting with a pest control professional if needed.

How to Get Rid of Centipedes in the Basement

Discovering a centipede scurrying across your basement floor can be quite alarming, but don’t worry. There are practical ways to evict these uninvited guests from your home. Below are some strategies, incorporating both DIY approaches and professional interventions.

1. Reduce Moisture: As moisture is a primary attractant for centipedes, start by addressing any dampness in your basement. This could involve fixing leaks, using a dehumidifier, or improving ventilation. If the basement floor is consistently wet, consider waterproofing solutions to keep moisture at bay.
2. Seal Entry Points: Inspect your home, especially the basement, for cracks and gaps that might serve as entry points for centipedes. Seal these using caulk or other appropriate materials. Don’t forget to check window and door seals as well.
3. Remove Clutter: Centipedes love hiding in clutter. Removing unnecessary items from your basement reduces potential hiding places and makes the area less appealing to them.
4. Clean Regularly: Regular cleaning can deter centipedes and other pests. Make sure to clean those often-neglected areas, like corners and behind furniture, where centipedes might hide.
5. Natural Repellents: Certain natural substances can repel centipedes. For example, cayenne pepper or tea tree oil can deter them. Sprinkle or spray these around entry points, corners, and damp areas in your basement.
6. Insecticides: For more serious infestations, you might need to use insecticides. Choose products designed for centipedes and follow the instructions carefully. Always prioritize safety when handling these substances.
7. Professional Pest Control: If DIY methods don’t solve the problem, or if the infestation is large, consider hiring a professional pest control service. They have the knowledge, tools, and experience to handle the infestation efficiently and safely.

While these strategies can help in eliminating centipedes, keep in mind that prevention is always better than cure. Maintaining a clean, dry basement will go a long way in keeping centipedes and other pests from your home. Additionally, taking prompt action at the first signs of an infestation can prevent it from escalating, making it easier to handle.

Preventing Future Centipede Infestations

Once you’ve managed to eliminate centipedes from your basement, it’s essential to implement preventative measures to keep them from returning. Here’s how to make your home less inviting to centipedes in the future:

1. Control Moisture: Centipedes are drawn to moist environments. Regularly check for and repair any leaks in your plumbing. Consider investing in a dehumidifier to help reduce humidity in your basement, especially if it naturally tends to be damp. Encourage proper ventilation and perhaps even insulate your basement to keep it dry.
2. Seal Cracks and Gaps: Regularly inspect the exterior and interior of your house for cracks, crevices, or gaps that can serve as entry points for centipedes. Use caulk or other appropriate materials to seal these potential entrances. Pay close attention to windows, doors, and where utility lines enter your house.
3. Keep Your Basement Clean: Regular cleaning and decluttering can make your basement less attractive to centipedes. They like to hide in clutter, so keeping your basement tidy and organized can deter them.
4. Properly Store Food: Centipedes may also be attracted to your basement if there’s accessible food. If you store food in your basement, ensure it’s in airtight containers that pests can’t get into.
5. Pest Control: Since centipedes prey on other pests, a pest-free home will be less enticing to them. Regularly inspect your home for signs of other pests, such as ants, spiders, and cockroaches, and take action if you notice an issue.
6. Outdoor Maintenance: Make sure the exterior of your home is less appealing to centipedes. This includes moving piles of leaves, wood, or compost away from your house’s foundation, trimming back vegetation touching your house, and ensuring your home’s gutter system is functioning correctly to avoid water accumulation.
7. Regular Checks: Periodically check less-frequented areas, like the basement and attic, for signs of centipedes. Early detection can make it much easier to address a potential infestation.

Preventing centipedes from making a home in your basement largely involves maintaining a clean, dry environment and regular home maintenance. If you do notice a centipede problem developing, take quick action, whether that involves DIY methods or professional pest control.

Like a historic building, each home has its unique challenges, centipedes being one of them. You’re now equipped with the knowledge to address this issue. If the infestation seems too daunting, remember we’re just a call away.