Are centipedes invading your basement? If so, you’re looking for a solution to eliminate them quickly and efficiently. You may have tried various methods, such as boric acid or sticky traps, but they still need to eliminate the problem.
Whether you have a few centipedes or an infestation, there are some steps you can take to get rid of them. It’s important to identify the source of your centipede infestation and address that first.
Fortunately, there are several steps you can take to make sure that these pests are removed from your home once and for all. In this post, we’ll give you an overview of how to get rid of centipedes in your basement. Read on to learn more!
What Will You Need?
You’ll need a few supplies to get rid of centipedes in your basement. These include:
- Vacuum cleaner
- Silica gel packets
- Insecticidal spray or dust mite treatment
- Sticky traps
- Dustpan and brush for cleanup after vacuum cleaning.
Once you’ve gathered the necessary items, you’re ready to begin.
10 Easy Steps on How to Get Rid of Centipedes in Your Basement
Step 1. Vacuum All Areas:
Vacuum all areas of your basement. This will capture any present centipedes, as well as other debris and dust mites that may be contributing to their presence. If you’re dealing with an infestation, repeat this step daily for two to three weeks.
Step 2. Place Silica Gel Packets:
This is a great way to get rid of centipedes in your basement without using pesticides or other harsh chemicals. Place silica gel packets throughout the area where you’ve noticed these pests, and they should be drawn away from their hiding places due to the dryness it creates. It’s also important to ensure the packets are not accessible to children or pets.
Step 3. Use Insecticidal Spray or Dust Mite Treatment:
If you still notice a presence after vacuuming and using silica gel packets, consider using an insecticidal spray or dust mite treatment. These products will help to eliminate any remaining centipedes as well as other pests that may be present in your basement. As with any pesticide, read the instructions carefully and follow them closely.
Step 4. Place Sticky Traps:
The use of sticky traps can also help to get rid of centipedes in your basement. Place these traps in areas where you’ve noticed the most activity, and they should catch any remaining centipedes. Make sure to check the traps regularly and replace them when necessary.
Step 5. Clean Up After Vacuuming:
It’s important to clean up after vacuuming your basement, as this will help to prevent any future infestations from occurring. Use a dustpan and brush combination to collect all debris that has been vacuumed up, then dispose of it properly in an outdoor trash bin or recycling center. Keep the area clean, and be sure to vacuum on a regular basis.
Step 6. Check for Cracks or Gaps:
Check your basement for any cracks or gaps that may be allowing centipedes to enter your home. Sealing up these areas with caulk or other sealants will help keep centipedes from entering and effectively prevent future infestations. Keep an eye out for potential entry points and seal them up as soon as possible.
Step 7. Remove Any Clutter:
Cluttered areas are breeding grounds for centipedes, so it’s important to declutter as much as possible in your basement. This includes removing all cardboard boxes, stacks of paper, old clothes, and anything else that could provide shelter for the pests. Another great tip is to get rid of any excess moisture in the area, as this will make it less hospitable for centipedes.
Step 8. Replace Old Weather stripping:
Weather stripping around windows and doors can wear out over time and provide an entry point for centipedes into your basement. To prevent this, replace any worn or damaged weather stripping with new materials and ensure that the seals are tight. As an added precaution, use mesh screens on all windows and doors to exclude these pests.
Step 9. Use Essential Oils:
Certain essential oils can be used to help deter centipedes from entering your home or basement. Try using eucalyptus, peppermint, tea tree, lavender, or citronella oil in a diluted solution around the perimeter of your basement. Look for any signs of centipede activity, and reapply the oil as needed.
Step 10. Call A Professional:
If you’ve tried all of the above steps but still aren’t having any luck getting rid of these pests, it may be time to call a professional pest control company to assess and treat the infestation. They will use specialized products and techniques to ensure that your centipede problem is handled once and for all. Additionally, they can advise on preventative measures for keeping them out in the future.
By following these simple steps, you can effectively get rid of centipedes in your basement and prevent them from returning. Don’t let these pests take over your living space; with a little effort, you can get rid of them for good!
5 Additional Tips and Tricks
1. Reduce Moisture Levels in Your Basement: Centipedes need moist conditions to survive, so reducing the humidity level in your basement by using a dehumidifier can help keep them away.
2. Fill Cracks and Crevices: Seal any cracks or small openings around the walls and windows of your basement with caulk to make it harder for centipedes to get inside.
3. Clean Up Clutter: Centipedes like dark, damp places, so remove any piles of leaves, wood, or other debris from around the outside of your home that could provide an inviting hiding spot for these creatures.
4. Vacuum Regularly: Regularly vacuuming carpets, furniture, and other areas where centipedes may be hiding can help keep them away.
5. Use Insecticide: If all else fails, an insecticide spray can eliminate the centipedes in your basement. Be sure to follow the instructions on the label carefully and apply it directly to any areas where you see centipedes or their hiding spots.
By following these tips and tricks, you can effectively eliminate centipedes in your basement for good! With some effort and some know-how, you’ll have that pesky infestation under control in no time.
5 Things You Should Avoid
- Don’t Leave Food or Crumbs Lying Around: Keeping your basement clean of any potential food sources for centipedes is key.
- Don’t Use Mothballs: Mothballs may help temporarily, but they won’t provide long-term relief from a centipede infestation.
- Don’t Panic: Centipedes are more of a nuisance than anything else and will not cause you harm unless provoked.
- Don’t Leave Lights on in Your Basement at Night: Lights attract bugs which will, in turn, attract centipedes who feed off them.
- Don’t Forget to Check Regularly for New Infestations: Even after you’ve taken steps to get rid of centipedes in your basement, it’s important to check regularly for any new signs of an infestation.
You can help keep your basement centipede-free by avoiding these five key mistakes! With a bit of effort and vigilance, you can be sure that these creepy crawlers won’t be making a home in your house anytime soon.
Does Salt Kill Centipedes?
The short answer is yes. Salt can kill centipedes, as it acts as a desiccant and dehydrates the insect by drawing out the moisture from its body. However, salt should only be used in small quantities (such as sprinkled along window sills and doorways), as too much can damage plants and other living organisms in your home. When using salt to eliminate centipedes, ensure you keep children and pets away from the area.
As with any pest control measure, when trying to eliminate centipedes from your home, it’s important to use an integrated approach that considers all potential infestation sources.
This means taking preventative steps such as reducing moisture levels, sealing cracks and crevices, cleaning up clutter, vacuuming regularly, and using an insecticide when necessary. In some cases, salt can also help eliminate centipedes in your basement.
Following these tips and guidelines can eliminate centipedes in your basement for good!
Conclusion
In conclusion, centipedes in your basement can be quite a nuisance. However, you can use a few strategies to tackle this problem, such as eliminating their sources of food and moisture, setting up traps and barriers, and using chemical sprays, or natural methods like hot soapy water.
While these methods may reduce the infestation in your basement and keep them away for good, it is also important to remember that it pays to do regular checks for signs of centipedes or other pests. This way, you can quickly identify any emerging issues and act accordingly with the right products or preventive measures.
Although how to get rid of centipedes in your basement can be a challenging task, by being proactive and taking the necessary steps mentioned here, you will soon have peace of mind knowing that your home is safe from any unwelcome four-legged guests.