5 Signs of a House Centipede Infestation in Florida
While enjoying a quiet moment in your Florida home, something scurrying across the floor can be a common sight. But spotting many centipedes indoors could be a sign of an infestation. Read on to learn more about the signs of an infestation to help manage and prevent further issues.
Key Takeaways
- Centipedes seen during the day could mean a big infestation, as they usually come out at night.
- Molted centipede skins in hidden places may show those centipedes live in your home.
- Centipede eggs, often found in damp and quiet areas, suggest a growing problem.
- More pests like roaches or fleas in your home can attract centipedes looking for food.
1. Spotting House Centipedes Indoors
Finding a centipede in the home can be quite unsettling with their many pairs of legs and swift movements. Those found in Florida are often the house centipede.
Spotting these types of centipedes during the day may suggest a large infestation. Most are nocturnal, so seeing them in daylight often suggests they've been disturbed. These arthropods are also often confused with millipedes when spotted in living spaces.
2. Discovering Molted Centipede Skins
As centipedes grow, they molt, leaving behind skin casings that can often be found in their preferred habitats. These skins are generally translucent and can be mistaken for small plastic shavings. Discovering these can be a significant indicator of a centipede problem.
Look in concealed areas, such as under closets, baseboards, and crawl spaces. Frequent sightings may suggest an inviting environment for these creepy crawlies. You might also notice the skins in storage areas where they pursue prey, such as young silverfish and cockroaches.
3. Seeing Centipede Eggs
Centipede eggs are not something homeowners frequently see. Often, they are well hidden in secluded environments.
These eggs are round and small, typically laid in clusters. They can be hard to distinguish from other debris. They're often in consistently damp places.
Basements and crevices around the home are common hiding spots for centipede eggs. If you see a sudden increase in younger centipedes wandering around, egg clusters might be nearby in hidden cracks or behind fixtures.
4. Finding Dead Centipedes
Discovering dead centipedes in the home can signal an infestation and should not be overlooked. Dead centipedes may often appear in places like basements or by window sills.
Their presence may suggest that the home has attracted a larger population. These critters may have died due to limited resources or even internal infestations of pests such as roaches or bed bugs.
5. Increased Pest Activity
An unusually high household pest activity is often linked to a centipede presence. Because they prey on pests like termites, roaches, and fleas, you may notice a decrease in these insects as centipedes target them for food.
If these pests are still seen more often, this suggests that centipedes haven't controlled the population. It can also suggest that they have moved in because of the existing food sources.
How to Get Rid of Centipede Infestations in Florida Homes
To get rid of a centipede infestation, follow these steps to make your home less inviting and keep them under control:
Seal Entry Points: To limit access of centipedes to homes, block any cracks or crevices in walls, doors, or windows. Use caulk or weather stripping to seal gaps.
Reduce Excess Moisture: Address leaks and use dehumidifiers in damp areas like basements. Centipedes thrive in moist environments, so keeping things dry can help.
Remove Hiding Places: Clear away clutter, such as boxes or piles of clothes where centipedes might hide. Tidy spaces make it harder for these pests to thrive.
Limit Small Insects: Use pest control methods to decrease the population of small insects that centipedes feed on. Hire a pest control company to assist with pest management.
Use Sticky Traps: Place sticky traps where you find signs of presence, like shed skin or droppings. This can help you identify and catch live ones to reduce their presence.
Maintain Yard Cleanliness: Keep landscaping neat by removing mulch near the house. This lessens outdoor hiding spaces and reduces their chance to enter homes.
Consult an Exterminator: When centipede problems persist, contact a reputable pest control service. They offer professional solutions to manage ongoing infestations.
When to Call a Professional for Centipedes
If you spot a cluster or many centipedes in one area, it’s likely more are hiding nearby. This situation usually requires more than just DIY strategies. Professional attention is needed to locate nests and entry points.
Professional pest control companies (like us at Native Pest Management) can identify cracks, crevices, and moisture sources that attract centipedes and other pests. As experts, we can provide information on interventions to prevent future invasions.