How to Get Rid of Millipedes, Fleas & Centipedes

Control millipedes, fleas and centipedes with the proper techniques

At one time or another, every household tends to get some kind of little pests that must be taken care of. Millipedes and centipedes pose no threat to humans, but they are scary looking, with their long bodies and multiple legs. Fleas look less intimidating, but their bite causes uncomfortable itching in both people and animals. Dealing with these little invaders is not difficult, and once they are eliminated you can get back to normal life.

Instructions

Centipedes and Millipedes

1. Clean out moist, dark hiding spots, where these arthropods like to live. Keep the areas dry, and let in light, if possible. Some possible hiding places include under sinks and cabinets, in closets and in laundry rooms.

2. Eliminate pests' food sources. For centipedes, this means other household bugs; and for millipedes, you should clean damp and rotting vegetation outside the house. Try sweeping, mopping and vacuuming the inside of the house regularly, using traps and insecticides to kill other bugs, and clean up rotten leaves and plants lying around the yard.

3. Seal cracks, install weather strips under doors and repair windows to make sure centipedes and millipedes can't get into the house anymore.

Fleas

1. Kill fleas on your pet by bathing the animal and treating him with a flea shampoo. Use a special flea comb to get through all the animal's fur and destroy eggs.

2. Clean the house thoroughly to get rid of adult fleas, larvae and eggs that are on the floors and furniture. Vacuum everything, and dispose of the vacuum bag immediately. Steam clean carpets, and wash all clothes, linens and pet beds in hot, soapy water.

3. Use spray insecticides targeting fleas all over the house to kill any straggling fleas. Sprinkle a borate carpet treatment into all rugs.

4. Keep fleas away by regularly bathing and treating your pets for fleas.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep pets and children away from rooms being treated with spray insecticides.

References

• Oklahoma State University: Centipedes and Millipedes
• University of Florida: Fleas: What They Are, What To Do