The house centipede, Scutigera coleoptrata, is an arthropod known for its unsettling speed and numerous elongated legs, causing alarm when spotted indoors. Successfully getting rid of these pests relies on a two-pronged approach: dealing with the centipedes currently present and fundamentally altering the environment that made your home appealing.
Immediate Action for Visible Pests
When a centipede is seen, quick action involves physical removal without chemical sprays. One non-toxic method is to swiftly place a cup over the centipede and slide stiff paper underneath to trap it for safe release outside. This avoids the potential for a sticky stain if the pest were crushed.
A high-powered vacuum cleaner offers a direct solution for centipedes that are difficult to reach. Empty the vacuum’s collection canister or bag immediately into a sealed plastic bag and dispose of it in an outdoor trash receptacle. For passive removal, place sticky traps along baseboards, in corners, and near doorways where centipedes are frequently observed.
Consider applying a thin layer of diatomaceous earth (DE) in cracks and crevices as a non-toxic control measure. The microscopic, jagged edges of this natural powder damage the centipede’s protective outer layer, causing it to dehydrate. This method offers residual control but should only be used in areas where it will not be easily inhaled.
Controlling Environmental Attractants
House centipedes are strongly drawn to high moisture and a readily available food supply. Since they lack a moisture-preserving cuticle, they are highly dependent on humid environments to survive. The most effective long-term strategy involves reducing the relative humidity inside the home, particularly in basements, crawl spaces, and bathrooms.
Use a dehumidifier in damp areas, aiming to keep the humidity level below 50%. This makes the environment significantly less hospitable for centipedes. Ventilation is also important, so run exhaust fans during and after showering or cooking to remove moisture-laden air. Check for and repair any sources of standing water or leaks, such as dripping faucets or sweating pipes.
The presence of centipedes often signals an underlying pest problem, as they are nocturnal predators that feed on other insects. Their diet includes common household pests like silverfish, spiders, and carpet beetles. By controlling the populations of these smaller insects, you eliminate the centipede’s primary food source, encouraging them to move elsewhere.
Managing clutter is another important step, especially in damp, dark areas like storage rooms and basements. Clutter provides centipedes with necessary shelter and hiding spots. Centipedes seek out cool, dark, and rarely disturbed places, and piles of boxes or debris offer protected harborage. Removing or organizing these piles reduces the available protected surface area, making the space less appealing.
Sealing Entry Points
Physically preventing centipedes from entering the structure is the final barrier once indoor attractants are managed. Centipedes typically live outdoors and enter homes through structural gaps, often in search of moisture. Sealing these exterior access points is a highly effective form of exclusion.
Inspect the foundation for cracks or gaps where utility lines, pipes, or wiring enter the home. Use caulk or appropriate sealant to fill these openings, as even small crevices allow entry. Install or replace weatherstripping around doors and windows, and ensure door sweeps are intact to eliminate gaps at the threshold.
Manage the exterior perimeter to reduce the centipede population near the foundation. Ensure the ground around the house slopes away from the foundation to promote proper drainage and keep the soil dry. Clear away organic debris like thick mulch, leaf piles, and firewood resting directly against the foundation. These materials trap moisture and provide ideal outdoor harborage for centipedes and their prey.