17/02/2025
Get rid of centipedes with household products❌❌🚫🚫
Centipedes are often a sign of a larger issue, such as an abundance of other pests in your home. While centipedes are harmless to humans, they can be a nuisance, and getting rid of them using household products can help keep them away. Here are some methods to deter and remove centipedes:
1. Diatomaceous Earth (Food Grade)
Diatomaceous earth (DE) is a natural, non-toxic powder that can help control centipedes. It works by damaging their exoskeleton, causing them to dehydrate and die. You can sprinkle food-grade diatomaceous earth in areas where you've seen centipedes, such as along baseboards, under furniture, and in corners.
Tip: Be cautious when using DE around pets and small children, and avoid breathing in the powder.
2. Essential Oils (Peppermint or Tea Tree Oil)
Centipedes dislike strong-smelling oils, particularly peppermint and tea tree oils. You can make a simple spray by mixing about 10-15 drops of peppermint or tea tree essential oil with water in a spray bottle. Spray this mixture around areas where centipedes are known to roam, like corners, cracks, and baseboards.
Tip: You can also try using eucalyptus or lavender oils, as they may work just as well.
3. Vinegar and Water Spray
Vinegar is another natural deterrent for centipedes. Mix equal parts of vinegar and water in a spray bottle and spray it around entry points, cracks, and other areas where centipedes are appearing. The strong scent of vinegar will drive them away, and the spray may also kill them on contact.
4. Cedarwood
Centipedes tend to avoid the scent of cedarwood. You can place cedarwood blocks, chips, or balls in areas where centipedes are active, like closets, attics, and basements. You can also use cedarwood essential oil mixed with water in a spray bottle and apply it to areas where centipedes have been spotted.
5. Baking Soda and Sugar Trap
A simple mixture of baking soda and sugar can also help reduce centipede numbers. Mix equal parts of baking soda and sugar and place the mixture in areas where you’ve noticed centipedes. The sugar will attract the insects, and the baking soda will dehydrate and kill them.
6. Lemon or Citrus Peels
Centipedes are repelled by citrus smells. You can place fresh lemon or citrus peels in places where centipedes are active, such as in corners, closets, and under furniture. This method works by masking their scent trails and making the environment less hospitable to them.
7. Seal Cracks and Gaps
One of the best ways to prevent centipedes from entering your home in the first place is to seal any cracks or gaps in doors, windows, and walls. Use caulk or weatherstripping to close up entry points, especially in basements and attics where centipedes are more likely to enter.
8. Sticky Traps
Place sticky traps around areas where you've seen centipedes. These traps will catch them as they move about your home. While this is more of a catching technique than a repellent, it can help reduce the population.
9. Talcum Powder (Baby Powder)
Talcum powder can be an effective deterrent for centipedes. Sprinkle it along baseboards, cracks, and around doorways. The powder can disrupt their movement and make the area less attractive to them.
10. Cleanliness and Reducing Clutter
Centipedes thrive in damp, dark environments with plenty of hiding places. To prevent infestations, make sure your home is clean and dry. Here’s what you can do:
Remove piles of leaves, grass, and other debris from around your home.
Clean up any standing water in bathrooms, kitchens, or basements.
Declutter areas like attics, basements, and closets where centipedes can hide.
Make sure your basement is well-ventilated and dry.
11. Herbs (Bay Leaves or Lavender)
Bay leaves and lavender are natural centipede deterrents. You can place dried bay leaves or bundles of lavender around areas where you've seen centipedes. This method is less potent than some others but can still be effective for light infestations.
12. Use a Dehumidifier
Centipedes are attracted to moist environments. Using a dehumidifier in basements, bathrooms, or other damp areas of your home can help make your environment less inviting for centipedes. Reducing moisture will discourage them from settling in.
13. Neem Oil Spray
Neem oil is a natural insect repellent and can be used to keep centipedes away. Mix a few teaspoons of neem oil with water in a spray bottle and apply it to areas where centipedes are active. The strong scent will act as a deterrent.