As homeowners in Mississippi, we’re no strangers to sharing our space with various creatures. One such resident that often makes its presence known is the house centipede. These creepy crawlies can be unsettling to encounter, but before you reach for the nearest shoe, it’s important to understand the role they play in our homes and what their presence might signify.
Meet The House Centipede
House centipedes, scientifically known as Scutigera coleoptrata, are arthropods with long, flattened bodies and numerous legs. While their appearance can be unsettling, these creatures are harmless to humans, do not harm infrastructure, and are actually natural pest controllers. They are carnivorous predators that feed on other insects like spiders, cockroaches, and ants. In this way, they help maintain a balanced ecosystem within your home. Seeing a lot of centipedes in your home is a strong indication of an underlying pest problem and may warrant a call to the professionals.
Dealing with House Centipedes
House centipedes prefer damp, dark environments, and are often found in bathrooms and damp closets. While they may be harmless, if centipedes are abundant, it could indicate that their primary food sources – such as insects and spiders – are plentiful as well. Here’s how to keep them out of your home:
- Reduce Moisture: Address any sources of excess moisture in your home, such as leaky pipes or damp basements. House centipedes thrive in humid environments, so using dehumidifiers and fans is the best way to control their numbers.
- Seal Entry Points: Seal cracks and gaps in your home’s foundation and walls to prevent centipedes from entering.
- Catch and Release: If you encounter a centipede, catch it gently using a glass and a piece of paper, then release it outside.
- Pesticide: House centipedes are nature’s pest control, so if you’re seeing them in large numbers in your home there’s a high chance you have a different pest infestation that they’re feeding on. With their many legs, pesticides are not very effective against house centipedes as they just glide over coated surfaces. While some over-the-counter pesticides will help reduce pest populations in your home, professional-grade products are much more effective.
Year-Round Protection You Can Trust
At Southern Pest Control, we know a thing or two about keeping pests out of your home. Dedicated to serving our community here in Mississippi, we have over 45 years of experience using innovative solutions and the latest technology. Whether you simply don’t want house centipedes or suspect you may have an underlying issue at play, don’t hesitate to call us today!
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