Centipedes are a common concern for homeowners in Colorado. Their swift movements and segmented bodies make them terrifying to look at. While they do not cause harm to humans, their presence can make one feel uneasy. If you have centipedes in your house, it is probably due to high moisture levels and easy access to food sources.
Areas such as damp basements, bathrooms, or any location where water collects can attract these pests. Centipedes love humid environments, making leaky pipes or poorly ventilated spaces ideal conditions for them. Moreover, these bugs like to be in groups, which makes their presence even more concerning.
Centipedes feed on other household pests, including cockroaches and spiders. However, that is no reason for them to keep living on your property. If you have found one centipede crawling about in your house, there may be more of them in hiding. Hire an Exterminator in Kansas City today for an inspection.
List of things that centipedes are attracted to
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Moisture and humidity.
Centipedes love damp environments and thrive in areas with excessive moisture. This includes leak-prone zones, poorly ventilated spaces, and high humidity levels. If you have water leakage somewhere on your property, you might attract these pests.
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Food sources.
Centipedes feed on smaller insects, such as cockroaches, silverfish, spiders, and other smaller pests. Therefore, if you have these pests in your house, you will attract centipedes looking for a food source. They won’t be attracted to your spills in the kitchen like ants and cockroaches.
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Organic debris and mulch.
Centipedes are attracted to organic debris and mulch often found near the foundation of a home. This is because these materials retain moisture, offering both shelter and food.
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Temperature changes.
Centipedes are sensitive to temperature changes. If the weather outside gets too harsh, they will seek shelter inside human homes. Extreme weather conditions, such as hot and dry spells or cold temperatures, prompt them to invade human spaces.
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Exterior lighting.
Finally, centipedes are attracted to lighting. If you have bright exterior lighting on your property, you will attract these pests. Using yellow or sodium vapor lights can help you avoid this and reduce the chances of attracting centipedes compared to standard white lights.
What to do if you find centipedes in your home?
If you have found centipedes on your property, you may be terrified at the sight of a cluster of them. For starters, you can remove the things they like from your house. This includes moisture sources. Check for leaks under sinks, basements, or around toilets. Regularly inspect your property to ensure zero leakages. A dehumidifier can also help reduce humidity levels.
Additionally, maintaining cleanliness and sanitation on your property is of utmost importance. When you leave clutter to get collected for a long time and do not clean specific areas of your house, pests make it their home. Remove items like cardboard boxes or stacks of paper and vacuum every corner of the house where you think centipedes might hide.
The most important thing to prevent centipedes is to seal the entry points. However, that is the work of a professional. First, you have to inspect your entire property for potential entry points and then use the right ways to seal them. Centipedes are tiny and can get in through the smallest of gaps and cracks.
While it is recommended that you call a professional pest control service, you may employ natural methods as well. This includes using diatomaceous earth, sprinkling salt around damp areas, or spraying areas with a vinegar solution. Sticky traps are also effective when you strategically place them around the house.
Do Not Live With centipedes!
If you have tried to remove centipedes from your property and their presence still creates a nuisance, call professional pest control in Colorado today. They are trained to help you remove centipedes and ensure you live in a pest-free environment.