The nocturnal centipedes are active at night. They are found both in the exteriors and the interiors of the domestic premises. Their living areas comprise of the damp places that are located under the stones, leaves, boards and twigs that are lying in there for a long time. They are found in abundance in the foundations of any buildings too. The centipedes are extremely dangerous for the plantations, architecture and the human health too. Apparently, they do not seem dangerous, but as the number increases their severe impacts also multiply. Thus, to avoid any danger, the centipedes must be immediately removed.
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Centipede Damage
Garden centipedes are a potential threat to the plantations including fruits, vegetables, and the flowers. As they live close to the roots, therefore, they cause the rotting of the roots by attacking them. This results in the incomplete growth of the plant like blue leaves in tomato plant and growth of the heartless lettuce. They are also active decomposers.
Centipede Bites
The centipede bites are usually characterized by the pierced skin that is affected by a toxic compound. It is caused by the forcipules. These forcipules are the modified legs of the centipede. Once these legs come in contact with the skin, they leave a kind of hemorrhagic marks that appear like a chevron. The wound is painful because of the venom transmitted into the body of the subject. These bites are not life-threatening but can cause high degree skin infections and skin allergies.
Where are they Usually Found?
The centipedes are the members of the biological class known as Chilopoda. The term centipedes refer to numerous pairs of legs attached to its body. The term means a hundred legs. A single centipede is long, flat and segmented. It can have as less as 15 leg pairs while the maximum number can range up to 177. The centipedes can be seen in some colors. The size also varies from 4 to 152 mm. their heads have a pair of highly sensitive antennae also. The mouth has claw like structures that contain a venom.
It is not difficult to find the centipedes once they enter into the domestic premises. They prefer staying in the warm and humid places. They reside in the corners and edges of the kitchen, and bathrooms. They are also easily seen in the dark basements, within the drainage pipes and even in the garage areas. As they can crawl under any narrow space, therefore, it is not an uncommon thing to find them under the bathroom basins and bath tubs. The backyard includes the places covered with leaves, wooden pieces, and rocks and in the tree barks.
How to Kill Centipedes
Kill them on Sight
The centipedes are quick moving crawlies. With a large number of legs, it is very easy for them to run away in no time. If you want to get rid of them, start hitting them or spraying them immediately when you find them around. Many wild lovers do not want to take away the life of the little crawlies. For such animal freaks, it is suggested to entrap them in a jar and leave them away from the domestic vicinity.
Setting up Lethal Traps
The traps are an effective way to catch the centipedes. Once they are set around especially close to the corners and the crevices they would be a great helping hand in getting rid of the other pests and crawlies that you do not like to have around.
1. Victor Poison-Free Insect Magnet Traps
- About the product
It is one of the easiest ways to get rid of the pests including the centipedes. It contains a certain pheromone that attracts the centipedes. As they come closer, they get fixed to the adhesive layer of glue smeared on it.
- How to use
Just place them close to the crevices and openings that welcome the centipedes and get rid of them.
- Where to use
As they are safe and straightforward to use and do not cause any harm to the human health, therefore they can be easily placed within the domestic bounds in any room to get rid of the centipedes.
2. All Insect Sticky Trap
- About the product
It comes in the shape of an odorless and transparent strip that has a width of 2.5 inches and length of 6 inches. One piece can stay efficient for eight weeks and can be disposed of when not in use.
- How to use
The strip is spread near the areas where centipedes. There are no special installation modes for the strip.
- Where to use
They can be employed near the windows, doors and on the floors. With the help of tapes and other sticky materials, they can be fixed to the wall too.
3. TERRO Spider & Insect Trap
- About the product
It is a collection of 4 strips with the glue smeared on it. The product is effective not only against the centipedes but also traps other intruders like spiders, scorpions, ants, cockroaches, and crickets. It can be used conveniently in any place that has kids and pets around. The life of one strip is three months.
- How to use
It is ready to use a sticky strip that is affixed to the places with centipedes. It is more efficient for the interiors.
- Where to use
There are no specified places to install it. It can be utilized anywhere in the house, and offices. The sticky strip can be fixed in any corner.
Chemical Insecticide
1. Ortho Home Defense MAX Insect Killer Spray
- About the product
It ensures complete protection all through the year once it is spread in the indoors or outdoors. You can use it on any surface without leaving behind any irritating odor and stains. It is user-friendly and does not require any pump or tools for spreading it.
- How to use
Depending upon the area of your choice set the nozzle to the indoor or outdoor setting. Spray the affected area by keeping the bottle at a distance of 12 inches. Make a layer of 4 inches along the areas that are under attack.
- Where to use
It is safe to be employed in the bathroom, kitchens, family rooms, pantries, attics, garages, basements, closets, storage areas, and bedrooms.it works effectively along the foundations.
2. Delta Dust Multi Use Pest Control Insecticide
- About the product
The main ingredient in DELTA DUST is deltamethrin which is tested to be the complete remedy against all kinds of creepy crawlies. It is waterproof and can work amazingly in the areas with moisture. Once it is created around, it is not affected by the running water either. Nothing short of running water will disturb it, making Delta Dust an ideal crack and crevice treatment. It can fight against the centipedes for eight months.
- How to use
It needs a bellow duster for the application.
- Where to use
It works efficiently in the creaks and crevices.
3. Conquer Liquid Insecticide
- About the product
It is a strong insecticide that can be safely used anywhere. It does not have an adamant odor like many insecticides.
- How to use
It can be conveniently sprayed anywhere. With one bottle 240 gallons can be used to produce 240 gallons for the outdoors that can be employed successfully in an area of 40,000 square feet.
- Where to use
It is safe to use in any area including homes and commercial.
How to Get Rid of Centipedes for Good
1. Get Rid of Other Pests in the Home
Having pests around can encourage the growth of centipedes. Thus, remove as much of pests as possible.
The leaves, rocks and tree barks stacked in the outdoors can be the home to centipedes also. Keep the backyard clean.
2. Close off All Entrance Points
The centipedes can quickly crawl through all kinds of tiny cracks and holes. Even drainage pipes can be easy access. Block all such openings to help get rid of the centipedes.
3. Cayenne Pepper
It can be used both as a dry and a wet repellant against the centipedes. You can spray around the potential entrance points and the populations of the centipedes.
4. Keep your Home Dry
Keep the crevices and corners, under tub areas dry. Don’t let humidity prolong in places like kitchens and the bathrooms.
5. Remove Organic Materials from the Side of your House
Sprinkle it directly or spray by mixing in the water, it will be an excellent protection against the centipedes.