Dealing with an infestation of centipedes can be extremely frustrating. These pests are small, but have multiple legs and can be somewhat creepy to deal with.
Many people that deal with centipede infestations aren’t aware of what attracts them to a home. Insects, like ants, are normally attracted to sugar and other substances. But not as much is known about centipedes’ habits, especially since their presence isn’t as common.
If you’re dealing with a centipede infestation, this article is for you. Continue reading to find out what attracts these pests to your home.
What Attracts Centipedes?
There are actually several elements that attract centipedes to a home. The following section will highlight the most common reasons for centipede infestation.
1. Moisture
House centipedes are attracted to moisture. These creatures don’t survive for very long in situations of drought. They quickly dry out, which leads to death. Because of this, these pests require areas with high levels of moisture.
This makes them very common around lakes and other bodies of water. If your home has areas of dampness around it, you may find higher numbers of centipedes.
- If you have leaking water hoses or spigots, this can lead to high amounts of moisture around your property. Make sure nothing is leaking around your home if you don’t want to attract pests like centipedes.
- When gutters break or have leaves stuck in them, this can cause standing water. This standing water will attract centipedes, but there are ways to avoid this. Make sure you keep your gutters clean so water can be captured and channeled properly.
- When it rains, the soil around your home gets damp. Areas that have high amounts of shade will cause this water to stick around longer than it should. This can be prevented by cutting bushes and tree limbs that cause this shade.
2. Food
Centipedes often invade out of the need for food. These pests are scavengers and will stop at nothing to find scraps of food lying around. When these creatures find food around the exterior walls of your home, they will often make their way inside. Many homeowners keep garbage cans against exterior walls, and this can be one of the best ways to attract these bugs.
- Ornamental plants and other vegetation can attract centipedes. They will attempt to make a quick snack out of many of these plants.
- Rocks and other heavy objects that have bugs under them will attract centipedes. These pests will often search under these items to find food.
- Keep your trash can away from your exterior walls. If you place it at the end of your driveway, make sure you keep the top closed.
- Most insects are attracted to light sources. When you leave your curtains open at night, the light pours into the yard and will attract centipedes. Keep your curtains closed or be sure to turn bright lights off at night.
3. Harborage
Harborage comes in many forms throughout the property of a homeowner. Many bugs and animals will come into your yard and get close to your foundation in an attempt to locate this harborage.
- An old woodpile is a perfect place for lurking insects to hide. Avoid attracting centipedes by cleaning up these woodpiles.
- Construction materials, tools, and appliances can be sources of harborage when they’re left in your yard. Whenever you’re done working, be sure to clean up any leftover materials or tools. Appliances are a great way to attract not only centipedes but other creatures such as bed bugs.
- Toys that your kids leave out in the yard can make temporary homes for lurking pests. Toy cars or any other items that have crevices can make great harborage for centipedes. Ensure your children clean up their toys when they’re done playing outside with them.
- Anything that sits on your grass and prevents light from shining through can be a haven for insects. Piles of leaves, birdbaths, and other items that push grass down cause areas of moisture and kill the grass are great harborage locations. Centipedes and other insects will crawl under these items and make a temporary home.
- Weeds, tall grass, and other overgrown shrubs can be areas of harborage for centipedes and other pests. Keep your yard neat and trimmed to prevent centipedes from making a home in the tall shrubs. These overgrown plants also trap moisture, making them even more attractive for centipedes.
4. Cracks
Cracks located on any concrete surface will also attract centipedes. Sidewalks, old cinderblocks, and even the foundation of your home can be temporary homes for these pests. It’s important to inspect all of these areas to make sure they haven’t become infested with centipedes or other insects.
- Buy a tube of caulking and seal any cracks in concrete that you can find. This will eliminate the presence of centipedes and other insects, trapping them inside and preventing new ones from entering.
- Check your windows and door seals as well. Any openings in the seals of these places will allow centipedes to enter your home. These areas can be sealed with caulking or stuffed with foil in a jam.
All of the situations mentioned above will attract centipedes and other insects. Consider the following situations as well, which may attract these pests.
- Whenever there are high levels of humidity, centipedes may be present. Moisture creates humidity, which will lead to an infestation. Keep the air in your home dry by purchasing a dehumidifier to prevent them from entering your house.
- The presence of other pests will also attract centipedes. These pests feed exclusively on other insects. The chances are high that if you have an infestation of other insects, centipedes might follow shortly after. Handle other infestation issues before dealing with centipedes to prevent them from returning.
Conclusion
If you’re facing a centipede infestation, you can try to handle the problem on your own. However, the chances are, if you’ve noticed the presence of these pests visibly, the infestation is already quite severe.
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