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Centipedes are long insects that crawl along the ground and up walls. They can range from a few centimetres long and reach up to 30cm in some regions. Their body comprises many different segments, each with its pair of legs. Depending on their size, centipedes may have anywhere from 30 to 382 legs. These insects prefer to make their homes in dark, moist places.
Centipedes are carnivorous insects. They have sharp pincers, known as forcipules. All centipedes are venomous and release this venom when they use their pincers to bite. While they usually only use their pincers to attack and kill their prey, they can bite humans. In most cases, they will try to run and hide, but when cornered, they have been known to attack. Their bites can be very painful and usually leave a large red welt on the skin. This could last anywhere from a few days up to a week. They may also cause fever, chills, and weakness. Some people may even experience anaphylactic shock.
Do centipedes plague your house? If you have centipedes in your house, you need to apply effective pest control and prevent them from coming back. These creepy crawlies can invade your home and may even end up in your bed. Here are nine tips on how to keep centipedes out of your bed:
Tip #1: Set up barriers to keep them from entering your home.
Sealing the outside of your home is an excellent way to prevent centipedes from entering it in the first place. Insect repellants or pesticides deter these pests from finding their way into your house and bed. Spraying a chemical called Lambda-cyhalothrin around the exterior perimeter of your house will kill any insect that crosses its barrier. You can also choose a more natural pest repellent such as peppermint oil or cayenne pepper.
Tip #2: Keep your house dry.
Moist areas are the ideal environment for attracting centipedes. They thrive in dark, damp places, so keeping your home free of moisture will help repel them. Using a dehumidifier in your bedroom will deter them from entering. You can also install fans that help circulate the air and prevent dampness from seeping in.
Tip #3: Seal your home.
Most homes, especially older ones, have tiny cracks along the foundation. These cracks allow centipedes and insects to enter your house and potentially make their way to your bedroom. Inspect your home and patch any holes in your foundation with a cement compound. Also, check around all windows and doors and caulk any gaps or openings that may allow pests to get through.
Tip #4: Use pesticide.
A natural pesticide is a great way to kill insects in your home. Since centipedes feed on other insects, taking care of all pests in your house is vital. Spray any insect you come across with diatomaceous earth or boric acid, which will kill them immediately. These options are less toxic than other pesticides and are safer for use inside the house.
Tip #5: Set insect traps.
If you suspect insects or centipedes have invaded your home or bedroom, setting traps will help eliminate them. Sticky traps use a glue solution to trap any insect that walks across them. Place these traps in the areas where you have seen centipedes or where they are most likely to appear. These places include your basement, bathroom, and bedroom.
Tip #6: Reduce the clutter in your home.
A cluttered home provides multiple places for centipedes to hide and thrive. Tidy up your home and remove all clutter from your floors, especially in damp areas like the basement. You should also clear clutter outside your house to provide fewer places for insects to live.
Tip #7: Remove your bed and clean it.
If you have found centipedes in your bed, a thorough cleaning is the best way to get rid of them. Remove your bed from the home and deep clean your bedding and mattresses. Scrub the bed frame, headboard, and underneath the bed as well. While you are at it, clean your bedroom, remove any clutter and be sure to kill or remove any insects that you come across.
Tip #8: Deal with the issue immediately.
One of the best ways to prevent centipedes from crawling into your bed is to deal with the issue as soon as it arises. At the first sign of insects or centipedes, remove them from your home or kill them. Insects multiply quickly and, if not dealt with, will quickly multiply into a much bigger problem.
Tip #9: Call a pest control service.
If you have tried all these helpful tips and still have issues with centipedes, it may be time to call in the experts. A pest control service can assess your situation and help eliminate the problem once and for all.
