Centipedes are unsightly insects that will make anyone uncomfortable. While they are mostly harmless, centipedes can be quite frightening to residents and their guests. These are small, yellow-grey insects with up to 15 pairs of legs, giving them a hairy appearance. The average centipede is 10cm long and can live anywhere from 3 to 7 years. Centipedes usually emerge in the spring and feed on spiders, cockroaches, and other insects within cool, damp areas. If you think you have a centipede problem in your home, do not hesitate to reach out to The Exterminators Toronto for effective centipede control within the Greater Toronto Area: 647-496-2211.
The following lists a few ways to get rid of centipedes yourself:
Capture and Relocate
Centipedes don’t usually appear in large numbers, so you may be able to get rid of them by squishing them on site or by catching and releasing them outside. To catch a centipede, simply cover it with a jar or cup, then slide a piece of paper underneath it. Lift the container carefully, then bring it outside to release the insect somewhere far away from the home. Be careful not to hold the bug in your bare hand because it could bite.
Set Traps
If you would rather not handle the insects yourself, consider purchasing some glue traps from your local hardware store. Glue traps, or sticky traps, are effective at trapping insects and monitoring their population. Simply follow the directions on the package and place them near the baseboards and corners of infested rooms. Remember that centipedes are nocturnal and need moisture, so they prefer the darkest and dampest parts of the home. Check your glue traps every few days and throw them out as needed.
Use Insecticides
Insecticidal sprays and dusts are also available to get rid of centipedes. Before buying, check that the products you are considering are formulated for centipedes and that they are appropriate for your situation. There are a variety of insecticides to choose from and they have different effects. Read the labels carefully and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Remove Attractants
A long-term solution to a centipede problem is to remove what is attracting centipedes to your home in the first place. Outside, keep your yard tidy and remove all leaf piles and glass clippings. Store firewood a few inches away from the structure of the home. Inside, check that your faucets don’t leak and consider investing in a dehumidifier. Centipedes need moisture to survive, so be sure that bathroom fans are in good working order.
Seal Cracks and Crevices
Another way to get rid of centipedes is to ensure that they cannot get inside the house. Use an expanding foam, gel, or caulking and seal every crack you find in the windows, doors, siding, and piping. This will stop any more insects from crawling inside and keep rodents out as well.
Centipedes are unpleasant creatures that can be kept under control with the right approach. If you are dealing with a severe infestation in your home or business, call your local pest remover. Professionals have access to pesticides that are much more effective than those available to the public and can get rid of centipedes much faster. For guaranteed and affordable centipede control solutions, call The Exterminators.
