Owning a home requires you to deal with many types of insects. Depending on where you live, will determine the type of insects you will most often come into contact with. Hiring a quality pest control company is a great first step. Unfortunately, the south is known to host many more insects due to the climate. Centipedes are just one of those many insects that love the warmth and humidity in the south. Wondering how to keep centipedes out of your bed? There are a variety of ways. Eliminating moisture and humidity levels in your home is a good start.
Let’s take a look below at some other ways to keep centipedes out of your home.
What Are Centipedes?
Centipedes grow between 25 and 35 millimeters (mm) and have 15 pairs of legs. Also known as Scutigera coleoptrata, their legs are attached to the body, and at the head of the centipede are long antennas. The antennae on their head help locate their prey. Additionally, their many pairs of legs allow them to run up and down walls while they look for food. Consequently, due to the many pairs of legs, they have earned the nickname “creepy crawlies.” Centipedes are not dangerous to humans, however, they have a back pair of legs that latch onto prey and inject a venomous liquid.
What Attracts Centipedes?
Centipedes are attracted by the climate and access to food. Living in your home is a great opportunity for them as they get shelter and access to other insects in the dark. They love dark and damp locations in your home. If you have an insect infestation of any sort, you will likely notice more centipedes. Centipedes eat other insects as their food source.
How to Keep Centipedes Out of Your Bed?
Believe it or not, there are a variety of ways to ensure that centipedes and other insects don’t get access to your home. Let’s take a look below at what some of the things you can do to keep centipedes out of your bed.
- Set up Barriers – Create a boundary with your pest control company. They will apply a natural chemical around the exterior of the home to keep centipedes from entering your house. Some of those natural ingredients could include peppermint oil, cayenne, and black pepper.
- Seal cracks and crevices – To keep any insect out of your home, you must have every entry point sealed up tight. Cracks in your doors, windows, and stucco are just a few areas where insects will gain access to your home and lay their eggs. Recaulk all seams and joints. This will ensure everything is sealed up tightly.
- Sticky traps – In some cases, laying out sticky traps in the corners of your basement or areas where the moisture and humidity levels might be high is a good idea. Keep in mind, the sticky traps might not trap the centipedes due to their many legs.
- Eliminate excessive Moisture – Utilize an air dehumidifier, install bathroom fans, and silica packets to keep the home dryer. Also, keep your gutters clear of any debris so that they stay dry.
- Eliminate Clutter – Clutter is a great way for insects to hide. The more hiding spots that are available, the more options they have to bread, eat, and hide. Additionally, clutter provides all insects with a hiding place, which will attract centipedes as they seek a food source.
- Pest control – You can eliminate insects from your bedroom or home by using some natural ingredients. Also, boric acid and diatomaceous earth. Spreading these chemicals or natural ingredients around the outside of the home will help keep the barrier strong. Also, you can hire a pest control company to assist.
- Remove them – If you notice a centipede in your bed, simply get a jar or container and trap the centipede in the container. Carry the container outside and let the centipede out. Also, to stop a centipede infestation you will want to use your local pest control. Additionally, if they are in your bed, they are likely seeking bed bugs as their food source.
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. Also, the millipede is known as a “creepy crawlies.” Millipedes will like dark and damp areas in the home. Also, they enjoy the dampness of your garden.
Next, knowing if you have a pest infestation is important. Also, the moment that you notice insect droppings or other signs of an infestation, call on your local pest control company. Additionally, waiting too long could prompt a bigger issue in the home.
Lastly, if you live in a tropical location like Florida, then you are likely dealing with a variety of insects. This includes scorpions. Consequently, there are three types of scorpions living in Florida. Fortunately, their stinger isn’t strong enough to cause death.
When Do I Call A Professional?
Getting rid of centipedes might not be the easiest thing for a homeowner. Eggs have been laid. Additionally, no matter how many times you remove a centipede, there could be more lurking. Call on your local pest control company to help eradicate the problem. Consequently, they will have the best solution for your home and keep pests and insects away.
Conclusion
The moment that you notice a centipede in your home, you will want to call on your pest control company. Also, create barriers around your home, eliminate all excess moisture, and remove clutter around the home. Consequently, doing these tasks will help eliminate centipedes’ desire to be there. Reach out to Inside and Out Pest Services in Jacksonville, FL, and surrounding areas to get your pest inspection done today.
