There is no shortage of creepy-crawlies that can invade your home. Some, such as termites, can cause extensive damage. Others are less harmful, but that doesn’t mean you want them around! Both millipedes and centipedes are common pests. Here are the signs of an infestation and how to treat it.
Centipedes in the basement are a common occurrence that no homeowner wants to deal with. While centipedes are generally harmless to humans they can be unsettling and a sign of other pest problems. The good news is that there are several effective methods to get rid of centipedes in the basement and prevent future infestations.
Understanding Basement Centipedes
The centipedes commonly found in basements are called house centipedes (Scutigera coleoptrata). House centipedes are fast-moving insects with long, flattened bodies divided into 15 segments, each with a pair of legs. They can grow up to 1-2 inches long and are yellowish-grey in color with three dark stripes running down the back.
House centipedes prefer damp, humid environments and are nocturnal, meaning they come out at night to hunt for food. They feed on other small insects and arthropods such as cockroaches, spiders, silverfish, and termites. While centipedes themselves are harmless, their presence indicates there may be other pest issues in the home.
Centipedes lay eggs during warmer months, up to 35 at a time. The eggs hatch into larvae that molt and gain segments and legs as they grow. Centipedes will live in small cracks and crevices in the basement walls as well as under boxes, furniture, and other clutter.
Signs of a Centipede Infestation
The most obvious sign of centipedes in the basement are visible centipedes, especially at night. However, there are other clues that point to an infestation:
- High humidity or dampness in the basement
- Cracks or crevices in walls and floors
- Clutter and storage areas that provide hiding spots
- Presence of other insects like spiders, silverfish, and cockroaches
- Centipede egg casings may be visible as small white patches
Seeing even one or two centipedes warrants action to prevent larger infestations. Act quickly before they reproduce and become established in the home
Getting Rid of Centipedes in the Basement
Here are the most effective methods for controlling and eliminating centipedes in basements:
Reduce Moisture and Humidity
Centipedes require moisture to survive. Use dehumidifiers, fans, and proper ventilation to lower humidity levels below 50%. Fix any leaks or dampness issues. Waterproof foundation walls and use vapor barriers where needed.
Remove Clutter and Storage Items
Get rid of stacks of boxes, papers, wood piles, and other clutter centipedes can hide under. Clean and organize storage areas to eliminate habitat spots. Store items in sealed plastic bins.
Caulk and Seal Cracks and Crevices
Inspect walls, floors, corners, and cabinets for gaps and cracks. Seal these access points with caulk or expandable foam to block centipedes from entering. Pay special attention to openings around pipes and wiring.
Use Insecticides and Repellents
Apply EPA-registered insecticides labeled for centipede control along baseboards, corners, and entry points. Diatomaceous earth and boric acid powder also help kill and deter centipedes.
Install Yellow Lights
Centipedes avoid bright light. Install yellow incandescent or LED bulbs in the basement to repel the insects. Leave lights on at night when centipedes are active.
Utilize Traps and Glue Boards
Trap centipedes along walls using strips of double-sided tape or inverted glue boards. Jar-style insect traps with a light attractant also capture wandering centipedes at night.
Vacuum Daily
Use a powerful vacuum with a hose attachment to suck up centipedes and remove dust and debris where they hide. Vacuum daily and empty the contents outdoors.
Remove Centipede Habitat Outdoors
Outdoors, keep the perimeter clear of woodpiles, stacks of materials, and dense vegetation Store firewood away from the foundation Install outdoor lighting and eliminate excess moisture.
Preventing Centipedes from Returning
After eliminating the current centipedes, take steps to prevent future infestations:
- Maintain basement humidity under 50%
- Seal cracks, holes, and entry points
- Install door sweeps and screens on vents
- Clean gutters and direct water away from foundation
- Store food in sealed containers
- Remove other insect habitats like spider webs
- Continue trapping and vacuuming periodically
- Limit cardboard boxes and other clutter
Staying vigilant and quickly addressing any signs of centipedes will help keep the basement centipede-free. Acting quickly at the first sighting can prevent larger infestations. With diligence and the proper control methods, you can successfully get rid of basement centipedes.
What are millipedes and centipedes?
Most bugs we encounter have six legs. Those are insects, which include fleas, termites, ants, cockroaches, and other common pests. If a bug has more than six legs, it is either an arachnid (spider or scorpion) or myriapod (centipede or millipede).
Myriapods enjoy dark, damp conditions, where they typically consume decaying organic matter. Outdoors, they are extremely beneficial to the ecosystem. Indoors, though, they can be quite a pest! Their presence also indicates that your home has too much moisture or dirt, which can cause other problems.
Despite their names, millipedes do not have 1,000 legs and centipedes do not have 100. They do have many more legs than most arthropods we encounter. You can tell them apart because centipedes are generally larger, move quickly, and have long legs. Millipedes are wormlike creatures that are much smaller, are slow-moving, and have very short legs.
Where do they live and what do they eat?
Millipedes primarily eat decomposing materials, but centipedes are predators. They feed on both insects and arachnids. Centipedes are usually venomous, and their bites can be immensely painful.
People with bite or sting allergies, especially children, can go into anaphylactic shock, although such incidents are rare. Millipedes are not harmful to humans, although some people experience mild skin irritation after they come into contact with millipedes.
All myriapods depend on moist environments with an ample food supply. which means they often hide out in your basement. This part of your home tends to have a lot of spiders and other bugs, which centipedes feed on. They often enter through cracks in your foundation, especially during winter as they seek warmth.
How to Get Rid of Centipedes (4 Easy Steps)
FAQ
Why am I finding centipedes in my basement?
Damp or Humid Atmosphere
You will often find these creatures under sinks, in bathtubs, or under leaking pipes in your basement. They love being in a humid environment, so if you have a lot of moisture in the air, you’re at risk of having a house centipede infestation.
Should you kill house centipedes?
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Harmless to Humans:House centipedes are not a threat to humans or pets, and their bites are rarely painful or cause any serious harm.
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Natural Pest Control:They are beneficial because they prey on other common household pests like spiders, cockroaches, silverfish, and termites.
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Don’t Build Nests or Webs:Unlike some other pests, house centipedes don’t build nests or webs in your home.
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Relocate them instead of killing them:If you find a centipede in your home, you can simply catch it and relocate it outside.
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Focus on Prevention:Instead of killing them, focus on preventing an infestation by addressing potential problems like damp areas, cracks in walls, and clutter.
Do dehumidifiers get rid of centipedes?
Running a dehumidifier in the basement really helps keep them away. They like the damp so the reducing the basement humidity is a first step. I hardly ever see them since I started using one a few years ago.
Can centipedes climb up beds?
These creepy crawlers love any areas that are warm and damp, which is why some people may run into them in their basement. However, they’re beginning to make an arrival in people’s apartments, and even their beds! As appalling as that may be, these little pests are fans of getting into bed with you.