Many people have wondered whether there are natural ways to get rid of centipedes.
Of course, the last thing you’d want is to find these creepy creatures lurking in your home. These centipedes thrive in primary spaces like your bathrooms, basement, or yard.
But since chemical-based insecticides are toxic to your pets and kids, we’re now looking for better natural alternatives.
So, if you’re wondering what these approaches are, then you’ve come to the right place. Here, we’ll discuss the top natural ways to ensure your house is centipede-free.
What Attracts Centipedes?
Centipedes don’t typically enter your house if you maintain and clean it regularly. But if your home provides the things they love, then there’s a high chance you’ll get a centipede infestation.
Below is a list of the things that will drive centipedes into your house.
Moisture
Centipedes love to thrive in places with excess moisture. Since these pests aren’t capable of holding in water, their first instinct is to look for wet sources to stay alive.
You’ll usually see them in damp areas, such as your kitchen, basement, and of course, your bathrooms.
Pests
If you’ve encountered a pest infestation before, then it’s better to start preparing now because you’re also at risk of having centipedes visit your home.
These carnivorous creatures feed on soft-bodied insects and arthropods, including cockroaches, spiders, and worms.
Shelter
For centipedes to stay hydrated and alive, they usually look for shelters that allow them to remain hidden from people and the sun.
Some of the usual places they can hide in are overgrowths, woodpiles, leaf litter, and even items or tools left on the grass outside.
Are There Natural Ways to Get Rid of House Centipedes?
Centipedes get into your house through cracks or holes. On top of that, they can also enter through spaces around your windows and doors.
Because of this, people usually rely on chemical-sprays that contain harmful substances like pyrethroids.
Although they’re effective in eliminating these creatures, they may harm your family’s health.
What Are the Top Natural Ways to Get Rid of Centipedes?
If you see these tiny creatures lurking in your homes, make sure to eliminate them immediately.
Don’t worry because there are better alternatives to the usual chemical-based insect fogs and sprays.
With these approaches, you won’t have to worry about your family and pet’s health anymore.
Below are top natural ways:
1. Cayenne Pepper
Cayenne pepper contains substances such as capsaicin that can naturally repel insects. Pests like centipedes tend to associate this compound’s fiery sensation with danger.
So, their first instinct is to stay away from this natural barrier when they can.
To prevent these creatures from entering your home, make sure to place a layer of cayenne pepper on your home’s entryways.
Apart from this, you can easily find cayenne pepper in your local grocery for an affordable price. Just keep your pets and children away from this insect barrier.
2. Cinnamon
Another home ingredient you can use to repel centipedes is cinnamon. This product has a robust and distinct scent that these creatures try to avoid.
So sprinkling cinnamon around the spaces between your windows, patios, and doors will bring effective results.
3. Dehumidifier
Centipedes love damp areas, so one way to get rid of them is to get a dehumidifier. You can also use an exhaust fan in your bathroom to reduce moisture in the area.
But besides eliminating centipedes, this approach will also reduce other home pests like cockroaches and ants.
4. Sticky Traps
Sticky traps are also an effective way of getting rid of these creatures and the pests they eat.
Just place them around your home or in damp and dark areas where you think these pests are hiding.
You can get these sticky traps effortlessly in the grocery. But if you don’t have enough time to go to the store, you can make your very own at home.
Here’s a quick tutorial for our DIY sticky trap.
Make Your DIY Sticky Trap
To make your DIY sticky trap, you’ll need to boil water and corn syrup in a large saucepan. Once the mixture turns into a paste, cut bright-colored construction paper into squares or rectangles.
The next step is to brush the paste on one side of your construction paper. You can use a small paintbrush for this. Lastly, place your DIY sticky traps around your house.
5. Dishwashing Soap Spray
Another DIY approach to eliminate centipedes in your house is to make a dishwashing soap spray.
You’ll find this method convenient because its only ingredients are dishwashing soap and water. Just mix soap with water and place the mixture in a spray bottle.
Shake the bottle gently and start spraying. This spray will remove the wax and oils on these centipedes, causing dehydration and eventually their death.
6. Alcohol Spray
Aside from dishwashing soap spray, you can also make a DIY alcohol spray using a few materials at home. Just pour rubbing alcohol and water into a spray bottle.
The next step is to shake the bottle gently and spray it directly over the centipedes.
7. Boric Acid
One of the most effective ways of eliminating centipede infestations at home is by using boric acid.
All you need is to sprinkle this powder around your home. Don’t worry because this product is non-toxic to your pets and children.
8. Essential Oils
Centipedes are sensitive to robust and distinct scents. So, using certain essential oils is another effective yet natural way of eliminating them.
These include cedar oil, peppermint oil, or neem oil.
You can make sprays by mixing any of these essential oils with water.
But you can also make a repellant station by filling up a mason jar with these products and placing them near your home’s entryways.
9. Diatomaceous Earth
Lastly, sprinkling diatomaceous earth around your house can also get rid of these tiny crawlers. Like boric acid and cayenne pepper, it’s also non-toxic and won’t cause any harm to your pets and kids.
How to Avoid Centipedes in The Future?
After getting rid of these creatures in your home, the next thing you’d want is to get them out of your house for good. But to do this, you need to eliminate the things that attract them.
Remove Sources of Moisture
The most crucial measure is to remove the sources of moisture in your home. Ensure that you don’t have leaks at home and that your basement, kitchen, and bathrooms are dry.
Maintaining your gutter and preventing overgrowths can also drive these pests away.
Maintain your House and Yard
Besides this, keeping your home clean from pests that centipedes feed on is another way of preventing them from entering your place.
Sealing cracks, holes, and gaps on your house’s foundation can also reduce these pests.
Furthermore, place your woodpiles and compost bins as far as possible. Lastly, don’t forget to remove clutter, toys, or tools from your yard.
Instead, place them into their corresponding storage.
Wrapping It Up!
If your house provides the right amount of moisture and a source of food for centipedes, you’ll likely have an infestation.
But besides chemical-based insecticides, there are many natural ways to get rid of centipedes.
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