Let’s start with the obvious: centipedes are creepy-crawly insects that you certainly wouldn’t want in your homes for a motley of reasons. Centipedes are hunters, not scavengers. This means that there could be an underlying reason for their presence in your home. They only come out at night to hunt down prey, and they’ll stay in the same place until their food has been consumed.
But how to keep centipedes out of your bed? A simple way to keep them out of your bed is by placing a mirror on top of your walls so that the centipede will see itself reflected back into its own environment.
The way to keep centipedes out of your bed is by using a mesh cage, which prevents them from climbing up the sides. You can also use plastic wrap and duct tape in various ways that are discussed below.
We have discussed multiple ways to keep centipedes out of your home. To help you understand these pests properly, we have also answered any doubts or questions you might have about centipedes. Keep reading to understand more about how to keep your home centipede-free!
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What do you need to know about centipedes?
Centipedes are small, typically ranging from half an inch to three inches in length. They’re often scary because of their looks: they have a pair of long, thin legs that can extend up to over 300 in number and a tail that’s nearly as long.
They live mostly on the ground, but can also be found in trees or under rocks. Centipedes will eat other bugs like crickets, mealworms, and houseflies.
House centipedes have longer and straighter legs than other centipedes. They are also larger in size, with their heads usually reaching up to 2 inches.
When it comes to keeping a house free of these creatures, you will want to make sure that your bed is not where they like to live because this is one area they often go unnoticed until the problem gets really bad.
Furthermore, they are not particularly dangerous and don’t bite. They can be found in both species – as centipedes (which have short legs) and as house centipedes (whose bodies are shorter in comparison to their long legs). House centipedes are also known as Scutigera coleptrata.
What exactly is a centipede?
A centipede can be described as a multi-legged arthropod. In the context of its definition, centipedes are arthropods that have one pair of legs per body segment.
When in danger, they can drop their legs and regenerate. They are found in different colors, but most often, they are brown or greenish-brown with darker markings.
An interesting fact about centipedes is that, despite their name making a reference to the number ‘100’, centipedes very rarely have exactly 100 legs.
Rather, they have a pair of legs for each segment of their body, and they can only have an odd number of body segments. This means that they can actually never have 100 legs!
Centipedes are also predominantly nocturnal pests that feast on other pests like roaches and other types of insects. Further, these insects generally live by themselves, not in groups or packs.
They usually have two claws on their first pair of legs, which they can use to attack their prey using venom or even defend themselves against predators like humans. However, centipedes rarely ever attack human beings.
Centipedes are found in temperate areas around the world but most commonly in tropical regions because it is hot enough for them to survive there year-round.
Common habits exhibited by centipedes
Centipedes are generally outdoor bugs that favor damp places- like other insects we can encounter at homes. Centipedes tend to be most active in the summertime and may prefer the outdoor area to your home.
In order to function in dry environments, centipedes have evolved a unique set of adaptations. The exoskeleton is covered with bumps that are not waxy like other insects so that they can retain moisture better than their competitors.
House centipedes are the only known species of centipede found to live in human dwellings. They have even been suggested as an indicator species for measuring air quality and overall habitat health.
When a centipede is outside its hiding place, it will venture out to explore the environment. Centipedes generally live in homes and bite insects, killing them by injecting venom. In fact, centipede bites may result in a severe reaction, but they are not deadly on their own.
In reality, despite being venomous and potentially dangerous to humans, a centipede does not bite human skin. They are more interested in prey like cockroaches and crickets because they can detect the change of their heartbeat through vibrations on the ground.
Centipedes are typically nocturnal and hide in damp, dark areas during the day. They get out at night to hunt for food and come back in the morning.
Centipedes are hermaphrodites. They will search for a safe place to hide and hide in the furniture so they can avoid being spotted by humans.
What do house centipedes eat?
House centipedes are predatory and will eat silverfish, roaches, spiders, moths, or flies. They also hunt termites to feed their young.
House centipedes are actually, in a way, beneficial because they kill other pest insects. However, house centipedes can eat a wide variety of foods, including dead animal remains and plant materials.
Why do you have house centipedes in your home?
House centipedes are usually a result of an accidental or deliberate escape from their hidey-hole. They tend to enter your house because the temperature is very warm in the summertime, and they can’t survive outside for long periods of time.
Centipedes like to live close to humans because it’s more likely that they’ll find food near us as well as other animals that we’re closer to.
House centipedes are not particularly a threat to people, but they can be an issue for children and pets. They also leave open spaces during the winter months, so that food supplies remain plentiful in your home.
If you want to keep them out of your bed, then one of the easiest ways to make sure of that is by ensuring that there is no water or dampness near where you sleep at night.
Further, another reason why you have centipedes in and around your bed is the presence of a bed bug infestation. These bugs are small insects that prefer to hide in the mattress and feed on the blood of humans.
They can cause immense damage as they leave behind their feces, which contain an enzyme called hydrolytic enzymes.
This can lead to a bed bug infestation when it is not taken care of properly. Since centipedes feed on insects like bed bugs, they might be attracted to a plentiful food source that your bed presents!
Therefore, the best way to deal with house centipedes is by keeping pests like bed bugs out at all costs–they usually come from outside your home or inside if you have pets who bring them in.
There are also countless other reasons why a house centipede might be in your home. The most common reason is that they have found their way into the building via cracks and gaps around windows, doors, or vents.
The fact is that these pests can live without being disturbed for extremely long periods of time as it’s possible for an average centipede to survive on its own at the base of a building where these insects typically reside.
The life of a centipede
Centipedes are one of the oldest known insect species and have a simple molting life cycle. The life cycle is divided into three different phases: egg, nymph, and adult. These insects also grow more sets and pairs of legs as they molt. Therefore, the older the centipede, the greater the number of its legs!
Centipedes live for about four years, which means that they generally also achieve sexual maturity and can reproduce at about one year of age. In order to survive and reproduce, centipedes require lots of food and water.
In contrast to what many people believe, centipedes actually hatch from eggs. They emerge as tiny versions of adults and grow into larger specimens over time.
The female centipede generally lays the egg sac on a surface like soil or vegetation near ponds or streams where they are more likely to survive while waiting for their next meal. She could also choose to lay the eggs in humid areas such as cracks in walls and other such places.
What scent can you use to keep centipedes out of your home and bed?
Centipedes have a sensitive antenna that picks up the scent of their prey. They are attracted to scents such as chocolate, coffee, and other similar foods.
If you’re wondering how to keep centipedes out of your bed, there is a simple solution. Centipedes are repelled by strong-scented herbs or essential oils and will stay away from an area that smells like them.
Here are some oils that you can use to keep centipedes away – vanilla oil, citrus, lavender, eucalyptus oil, peppermint oil, and tea tree oil. These oils, when used as centipede repellants, can do wonders in clearing them out of your home.
Centipedes are also repelled by some natural plants, such as mint, basil, garlic, or onions. To keep centipedes away from your bed, you should put these herbs in a bowl next to your bed and leave them there for a few days before going to sleep.
Does the scent of cayenne pepper repel centipedes?
Yes, the scent of cayenne pepper can repel centipedes. The cayenne pepper does not kill centipedes. However, it might help keep them out of your home.
If you want the best chance at keeping centipedes out of your house without using chemicals or pesticides, try placing cayenne on the ground around where they are coming in and letting it stay in the open for a few days before removing it.
You can sprinkle cayenne pepper around doors, windows, and patio doors to form a barrier against centipedes. Even if you have pets at home, you don’t have to worry about their safety because the strong scent of this pepper will keep your pets away from it altogether.
Does cinnamon keep centipedes out of your living space?
Centipedes don’t like cinnamon, so the scent of this spice will keep them away and prevent bites or infestation in your home and bed.
The smell of cinnamon is powerful enough to keep centipedes away, but it may also make you nauseous. If you experience any nausea, then try using a different scent.
Can tea tree oil kill centipedes?
Tea tree oil is a powerful scent that can drive centipedes away. Tea Tree Oil has the properties to kill these insects and will help prevent them from getting into your room.
How can you get rid of baby centipedes or nymphs?
The same things that kill an adult centipede will also kill a baby one. There are some easy methods to get rid of the pesky little creatures, and they can be done in just a few minutes.
The best way to kill or exterminate baby centipedes is by using a vacuum cleaner. If you can find them and kill them in their eggs before they hatch, your bed will be safe from pests. They’ll also leave behind dead babies that you can dispose of as well.
Baby centipedes are quite small, and they can get in the way of sleep. Fortunately, baby centipedes can be easily scraped off and disposed of by soaking them in rubbing alcohol or burning them safely.
It is crucial that you address a baby centipede problem right when you notice it. Otherwise, those babies will grow up to be larger and infest your bed looking for food and sustenance!
How to Keep Centipedes Out of Your Bed?
There are some fundamental tips that you can make use of to keep centipedes away from your bed. We have listed them out for your reference so that you can start implementing them today itself!
Keep your bed free of excess humidity.
Centipedes can enter your home because of a plumbing leak anywhere in your home. When they do, they will be drawn to the moisture and may gradually make their way onto your bed.
To prevent them from climbing and settling into your bed, seal up any leaks in the walls of your bedroom or floor with caulk or spray foam insulation.
A lot of pests, such as centipedes, can also be prevented from entering your home by using a dehumidifier to keep your surroundings free of excess moisture.
Ensure that your home is free of cracks and dark areas
Centipedes will try to go in through any small cracks, so sealing off all the holes and cracks in your home is a good idea. If you want to protect your home from bugs, there are some easy ways in which people can seal off or block any cracks and holes.
You can also try blocking them with something like cloth or cardboard can help. You should also consider using a bug zapper outside of the house to deter insects as well.
Keep your home free of pests.
The most straightforward method to prevent centipedes from entering your bed is to get rid of other bugs and insects in your home. Generally, these insects are cockroaches.
To get rid of cockroach pests, you can use a bug catcher. This can be purchased at most hardware stores and grocery stores for around $20-$30, but there are also many other homemade alternatives that people have found success with as well.
Groom your garden
Centipedes create their nests in bushes and shrubs. Therefore, it is best to cut down the bush or shrub in your yard because it will prevent centipedes from laying more eggs and going inside your home.
Be sure not to leave any plant material on the ground that could create a habitat for pests like ants, cockroaches, larvae of mosquitoes, etc.
How will you know if you have a centipede infestation in your home?
The signs of a centipede infestation can be difficult to pinpoint, but if you notice them crawling on your bed or moving around it, there are several steps that you can take to fix the problem.
If you’re unsure if your house has been invaded by these pests and want to know more about how they’re managed, keep reading this article for some helpful information.
Presence of other pests
If you have a pest infestation of any sort, you may also have centipedes crawling around your home. To prevent centipede infestations from happening, it is important that you clean up any areas where these other insects are living and dispose of them accordingly.
Pests like termites, cockroaches, ants, flies, and silverfish are some such insects that attract centipedes.
Centipedes in drains
Centipedes are pests that like to live in moist areas. If you find centipedes in your drains, it means you have a centipede infestation. They generally enter the drain and come out at night to feed on roaches or other larger insects.
Unexplainable holes in your home
Centipedes are also known to be able to find their way through materials like stucco or wood. Therefore, if you find that your wooden floors or furniture have holes in them, it might signal an infestation by centipedes.
Where do centipedes prefer to lay their eggs?
Centipedes lay their eggs in damp places, such as under rocks or logs. These areas may be indoors or outdoors and are generally located close to water sources. Female centipedes will lay their eggs directly into holes in the ground and other places outside of your home.
In order to prevent a centipede infestation, you should check for any moist areas that could be hiding an egg-laying female centipede. The most common place is on the baseboards, but they are also found inside houseplants and outdoor plants and on tree bark or storage containers.
Can house centipedes be dangerous?
Centipedes generally use venom to kill their prey, which they then release into the wound as a defense mechanism.
Even though they don’t usually bite people, it is important to remember that centipedes can still be dangerous because of their venom. A centipede bite can also be quite painful to endure with the effects of the venom itself.
How should you treat a centipede bite?
Centipedes are not considered to be harmful, but if you have an allergy or sensitivity, centipedes can cause harm. Do not hesitate to seek medical attention if you feel as though a centipede bite has made you sick.
Treatment of a centipede bite depends on the severity. Ice packs can help with swelling, and topical creams, like hydrocortisone or benzoyl peroxide, can be helpful for itchiness.
The first thing to do is disinfect the bite. Use warm water, soap, and rubbing alcohol for this. If you clean your bites often, they won’t get infected or spread to other parts of your body that may be sensitive to the chemicals in natural insect venom.
