How to Kill Ground Centipedes

Ground centipedes can deliver a very painful sting, along with an allergic reaction when you are bitten.

Ground centipedes are one of 8,000 species of this particular type of insect. Centipedes can deliver a painful bite, along with poison contained on their multiple sets of claws. Ground centipedes can sometimes be found in moist areas of your home, in addition to gardens and wooded areas. Although keeping your home clean and dry may reduce the risk of centipede infestation, eliminating their insect food source and exterminating them still may be required to rid yourself completely of them. Kill any ground centipedes that remain so your children, pets and other inhabitants are not threatened by this ancient insect.

Things You'll Need

• Caulk gun
• Caulk
• Pesticide
• Fan

Instructions

1. Clean your home regularly, and set a fan in the area where you notice ground centipede activity in your home. The fan will assist in keeping the area dry, creating an environment that is not conducive to their living requirements. Keep your house free from moisture, since centipedes thrive in a moist surrounding.

2. Use the caulking gun and caulk to seal any gaps you notice, which may be providing the ground centipedes access to your home. Windows, doors and cracks in your home's structure all need to be caulked properly to keep this insect at bay. Eliminating an entry way into your house will reduce the number of centipedes you will need to exterminate.

3. Remove their food source and kill ground centipedes by treating your home with an insecticide. Ground centipedes require insects for their survival, and exterminating other bugs will cause the centipedes to look elsewhere for their food. Purchase an insecticide from your local home and garden store, or hire a professional exterminator to spray your house on a regular basis. Follow the instructions provided with the insecticide treatment kit for treating your home in accordance with the product's specifications.

4. Spray insecticide around the outside perimeter of your home, or have a professional exterminator treat these areas for you. Spray any entrances, ventilation ducts and crawl spaces with a chemical treatment as well. This will keep centipedes from making their way into your house.

5. Remove debris from around you home and garden. Wet leaves, grass clippings, unnecessary mulch, pieces of wood and stones all provide a comfortable environment for centipedes. Removing this debris will reduce the number of insects you will need to exterminate.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't water your lawn excessively, because moisture attracts centipedes.

• Mowing your lawn regularly will prevent attraction from centipedes as well.

• Keep all insecticides out of reach from children and pets.

• Follow the insecticide's instructions precisely to ensure the poison is administered correctly.

References

• Pest Exterminator: Centipedes
• NSCU: Controlling Millipedes In and Around Homes