8 Tips on How to Kill House Centipedes Naturally

Why do house centipedes love to invade your space, and what can you do about it naturally? Essential oils can be effective allies for repelling these unwelcome guests. Read on to explore more practical, natural pest management to rid your home of these speedy intruders.

Key Takeaways

• Sticky traps and sealed entry points help keep house centipedes out of your home.
• Lower humidity with dehumidifiers or fans to make your home less appealing to centipedes.
• Diatomaceous earth and essential oils like peppermint naturally repel centipedes.
• Professional pest control can provide solutions when natural methods are insufficient to kill centipedes.

How to Get Rid of House Centipedes Naturally

Anyone looking to tackle house centipedes naturally can explore many options. Here are some strategies that focus on making your home less inviting to any type of centipede.

1. Use Sticky Traps

Sticky traps can be a practical way to capture centipedes. These traps use a strong adhesive on a flat surface, capturing any insect that steps onto it. They're best placed in dark, damp corners, where these arthropods tend to hide.

Consider getting traps designed for small insects, as they are more sensitive to the weight of light critters. This increases the chances of catching them before entering less visible spaces.

2. Seal Entry Points

House centipedes often find their way indoors through unsealed crevices and cracks. Carefully examining the house for entry points can reduce their numbers. Use caulk to seal gaps in areas such as around windows, doors, and baseboards.

Besides sealing cracks, consider using door sweeps to prevent pests from finding a way through door gaps. These minor installations create a physical barrier, further discouraging entry.

3. Reduce Humidity

Centipedes thrive in moist environments with high humidity. A dry climate within the home deters them, making it less accepting of their presence. Using dehumidifiers can lower moisture levels in damp areas like basements and bathrooms.

Exhaust fans in places prone to dampness, such as kitchens and bathtubs, can maintain optimal moisture levels. Addressing leaks promptly also helps to keep excess moisture in check.

4. Sprinkle Diatomaceous Earth

Diatomaceous earth offers a natural, non-toxic way to tackle centipedes. Made from fossilized algae, this powder damages the exoskeletons of insects. It’s most effective when sprinkled in areas where centipedes frequently move.

While diatomaceous earth is safe for humans and pets in its food-grade form, handling it with care is advised. Avoid creating dust clouds when applying, and wear a mask if necessary to prevent irritation from inhalation.

5. Vacuum Regularly

Regular vacuuming reduces the number of centipedes and other household pests like cockroaches. This method can remove centipedes, the eggs, and debris that attract them. Paying special attention to carpets, baseboards, and under furniture can make a difference.

Set a consistent vacuuming schedule, aiming for at least once a week. This disrupts their living environment and helps maintain an unwelcoming home to pests.

6. Apply Essential Oils

Essential oils have been noted for their natural repellent properties. Here are some effective ones to consider:

Mix a few drops of essential oil with water in a spray bottle. Spray the solution around common hiding places like baseboards, door frames, and dark corners. You can also use essential oil diffusers to spread the scent throughout your home.

7. Try Boric Acid

Boric acid, a naturally occurring substance, can control house centipedes. When ingested by centipedes, it interferes with their metabolism, ultimately leading to death.

Apply lightly in hard-to-reach areas where they are most active. Avoid placing it in areas that are accessible to children and pets. Boric acid can be hazardous if ingested by them.

8. Remove Indoor and Outdoor Clutter

Cluttered environments offer excellent shelter for these creepy crawlies. By reducing clutter inside and outside the home, areas become less hospitable. Clear out old boxes, unused bags, and unnecessary stacks in basements or attics.

Outside, pay attention to garden debris. Leaf litter, mulch, and tree bark can give them hiding spots. Regularly rake leaves and remove decaying wood to limit outdoor shelter options. This action helps reduce the chance of these critters migrating inside.

Is It Time to Call a Pest Control Service?

If someone is experiencing centipede bites—though rare—it could suggest a larger infestation problem. While house centipede bites are not common and usually harmless, their presence may signal a greater pest issue.

Professional pest control companies (like us at Native Pest Management) can offer peace of mind when DIY insecticides just won’t cut it. It’s often about knowing limits and accepting when a little external expertise is needed for your centipede problem.