Wildlife Spotlight: Why Centipedes Enter Homes and How to Keep Them Out
Centipedes may not be harmful to humans, but spotting these fast-moving, many-legged predators in your home can still be unsettling. Known for their speed and ability to hunt other pests, centipedes are a natural part of the ecosystem—but their presence indoors often signals an underlying pest problem.
At Paragon Pest Control, we’re here to help you understand why centipedes enter homes, how to manage them effectively, and how to address the root cause of their invasion.
Why Do Centipedes Enter Homes?
Centipedes thrive in dark, damp environments and often find their way into homes in search of food and shelter. They’re drawn to areas where other pests, like spiders, ants, and small insects, are abundant. Common entry points for centipedes include:
Cracks in walls or foundation
Gaps under doors or windows
Moist areas like basements, bathrooms, and kitchens
While centipedes themselves are not harmful to humans, their presence can indicate an infestation of other pests that serve as their food source.
Are Centipedes Dangerous?
Centipedes are not aggressive and rarely bite humans. In fact, their venom is used to paralyze prey and poses no significant threat to people. However, their unsettling appearance and rapid movement can make them an unwelcome sight indoors.
The bigger concern lies in what centipedes represent—an underlying pest problem. By addressing the pests they feed on, you can reduce the likelihood of centipede encounters.
How to Manage Centipedes and Their Food Sources
Getting rid of centipedes starts with controlling the conditions that attract them and their food sources. Here’s how:
Eliminate Moisture: Use a dehumidifier to dry out damp areas like basements or bathrooms. Fix leaky pipes and ensure proper ventilation.
Seal Entry Points: Inspect your home for cracks, gaps, and openings where centipedes and other pests might enter. Seal them with caulk or weatherstripping.
Remove Food Sources: Centipedes feed on other pests. Professional pest control services can eliminate the insects that attract centipedes to your home.
Declutter and Clean: Keep storage areas tidy and regularly vacuum to remove hiding spots for both centipedes and their prey.
How Paragon Pest Control Can Help
At Paragon Pest Control, we provide comprehensive pest management solutions to address not just centipedes but also the underlying pest issues that draw them indoors. Our process includes:
Thorough Assessments: Identifying areas where centipedes may be entering and feeding.
Targeted Treatments: Focusing on eliminating the insects centipedes rely on for food, reducing their presence indoors.
Preventative Measures: Recommending solutions to keep pests—and centipedes—out of your home for the long term.
Protect Your Home Today
While centipedes themselves may not cause harm, their presence is often a sign of an underlying pest problem. If you’re noticing these unwelcome visitors, trust Paragon Pest Control to help manage the pests that are drawing them into your home.