Centipedes are multi-leg creatures that originated in the tropical areas of the Mediterranean but have adapted over time to other climates. They like the humidity and warmth but also like tropical rainforests and the Arctic Circle and are found all over the world, including here in the southern part of the U.S. How to keep centipedes out of your bed? Make sure you don’t have a bed bug infestation, eliminate moisture in the home, install bathroom fans, and seal off cracks to name a few.
What Are Centipedes
Centipedes that are found in the home are known as Scutigera coleoptrata. They grow between 25 to 35 mm and have 15 pairs of legs. These legs are attached to the body and there are long antennas on the head. The antennae help guide the centipede to find their prey. Since they have a lot of legs, they like to run up and down walls in the home looking for food. Many refer to them as “creepy crawlies” because of their long body and many legs.
In the back of the body, there is a pair of legs that can latch on to the prey and inject venom. The good news is they are not dangerous to humans. Enjoying the darkness, they will often move in the home in the late hours.
What Attracts Centipedes
As mentioned above, centipedes like all types of climates, but often they will enter a home to find food. They also like a home that has other insects it can feast on, dark spots that allow them to hide, and a combination of dampness and warmth.
How to Keep Centipedes Out of Your Bed
1. Set Up Barriers in the Home
One way to keep the house centipede out is to hire a pest control company to put up a barrier on the home consisting of a product that they like to use to keep pests at bay. The boundary that is made can be natural or from chemicals and your pest control company will know what to use. The object is to set up the boundary so the centipede will crawl over it and dies. If you are looking for a DIY, try cayenne pepper or peppermint oil.
2.Seal Cracks On the Home
Centipedes and other insects and pests love cracks on the home. The best thing to do is seal up the cracks. The last thing you want is a pest making its way inside and laying eggs in the home! Cracks near doors and windows are important to keep an eye out for as this is where many are found. Recaulking the seams and joints may be needed to prevent centipedes from entering. If you are unsure of how to do this, contact a professional.
3.Sticky Traps Can Help
Sticky traps can help in various areas of the home such as the basement or other corners. You can also place them close to your bed to try to keep centipedes away. However, sometimes these don’t work well because the centipede has so many legs and may be able to get itself loose.
4.Rid the Home of Excessive Moisture
As mentioned above, centipedes like moisture and if you have an excessive amount, you may be inviting them in and not knowing it. One place to check is the bathroom.
Bathroom fan- can allow the moisture to get out of the home through windows and other places instead of sticking around. This may help stop centipedes in their tracks.
Use an Air Dehumidifier – this appliance will suck in the air and gets rid of the moisture and releases the air into the home. This makes the air dry and centipedes aren’t fond of this so they will stay away.
Silica Packets – often you find these in a box of shoes as they keep the humidity away. One of these packets can make the area feel less damp.
Keep Gutters Clean – this eliminates moisture on the outside of the home.
5. Clutter Needs to Go Away
Insects love clutter because they can hide, breed, and eat in clutter. This will also attract other insects that the centipedes will want to feed on. Taking the time to get rid of clutter not only makes the home look better, but you are also taking away hiding spots for centipedes and other pests.
6. DIY Pest Control or Hire a Pest Control Company
When you see insects in your bedroom or home, you want to take care of and eliminate them. To do this, you can use a natural pesticide like diatomaceous earth or boric acid. These are safer alternatives to toxic chemicals. On the other hand, you can also hire a pest control company to help get rid of your centipedes, and other small insects and pests.
7. Remove Centipedes From Your Bed And Carry Them Outside
If you don’t like the thought of killing an insect or pest, have a container readily available in case you see one. You can put it in there and carry it outside. However, make sure you cover the container so the pest doesn’t escape on your way outside.
Other Recommended Maintenance
Now that you know about centipedes and what attracts them to your home, take a look at a few other issues with pests.
One of those pests is the millipede. The millipede is also known as a “creepy crawlie” like the centipede and sometimes gets into the home. However, they don’t like the dryness of a home so they usually will go to the basement of the home. Other times they may stay outside in the garden.
Another pest is the bed bug. As mentioned earlier, if there is a bed bug infestation, then there will be centipedes as well. This is because centipedes eat bed bugs and if there is a lot of them, this attracts the centipede. Using a flashlight and checking for bites are good ways to find bed bugs during the day.
Lastly, sometimes we might not know if we have a pest infestation. If you see pest droppings or see anthills in your yard, you may have an infestation. You may also notice plant damage on the surrounding vegetation or even nesting signs. Contact your local pest control company to help.
When Do I Call A Professional
If you have a centipede infestation or can’t get rid of the pests, contacting a professional pest control service is the way to go. Professionals will be able to get rid of the centipedes and also check for eggs. They know what will work best in the home for your situation. They can also help you with any other pest issues you may have in the home or prevention.
Conclusion
Centipedes and any kind of insects or pests can be annoying and the last place you want them is in your bed. Creating barriers, getting rid of the moisture and clutter, and sealing up the cracks will all help you in keeping centipedes away.
If you aren’t sure yet if you want to commit to a full service, contact All South Pest Control and try their one-time pest service option. They can determine your pest services needs and offer the best preventative maintenance for future pest issues in McDonough, GA, and the surrounding areas.
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