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Get to know house centipedes and how to prevent them

Abell Pest Control

House centipedes are frightening pests, especially if you've never seen one before. They're the creepy crawlers from your nightmares, with undetected, quick movements and long legs. Consider these tips to prevent house centipedes in your home.

What you should know about house centipedes

Unlike other types of centipedes, the house centipede remains indoors for most of its life, Pennsylvania State University noted. They're fans of damp, dark places, such as basements and laundry rooms. Occasionally, they'll come out of hiding and scare whoever they encounter. However, these centipedes aren't that bad. Though they may be scary, they're harmless to humans and rarely bite or hurt them. They also get rid of other bugs in the home, including silverfish, cockroaches and even bed bugs! So, these long-legged guys may not be so bad after all. Consider these quick facts about house centipedes, such as:

  • They have 15 pairs of legs, which are about 1 inch long at most.
  • During warm months, they prefer damp places such as attics, basements, closets and bathrooms. During colder months, they go underneath the house into the dirt.
  • They're in every region of the world.
  • House centipedes are speedy and can run up to 16 inches per second.
  • The babies only begin with four pairs of legs and gradually develop more.

How to prevent house centipedes

Consider these pest management tips to keep house centipedes away from your home.

  • Get rid of other pests: Since centipedes are fans of snacking on other types of pests, the first prevention method is to get rid of dinner, Apartment Therapy noted. If it's a rampant pest problem, such as bed bugs, contact bed bug exterminators. However, if it's another type of bug that isn't bothering you, simply eliminate the ones you encounter from your home.

  • Install a sufficient bathroom fan: Bathrooms are a great place for these pests to hide, since they constantly encounter moisture. Keep your bathroom as dry as possible by installing an adequate bathroom fan that takes away any moisture from steam.

  • Use a dehumidifier: For areas of your home susceptible to moisture, such as a basement or closet, use a dehumidifier. These machines keep your house dry, which house centipedes won't like.

  • Look for any openings and seal them: Centipedes can get into your home by wiggling through a small crack or crevice. So can other pests. Keep all bugs out by inspecting your home for cracks and openings and sealing them properly.


About the author:

Since 1924, Abell Pest Control has provided quality services, protecting our customers and their patrons from coast-to-coast. Our customers enjoy the expertise and resources of a national provider. Prouder yet, we are members of your community, ready to service your home or business 24/7.

We are reliable experts in pest control—experts who care. At Abell Pest Control, we bring experience, efficacy and knowledge to customers who are looking for a fast, safe and effective solution to their pest problem.

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