If you find a centipede at home, here’s what it means…

Unlike cockroaches or rodents, centipedes are not carriers and do not spread disease.

They can bite, using their venom-injecting claws, but bites are relatively rare because millipedes typically avoid contact with humans. When bites do occur, symptoms are usually mild and may include:

• Redness, swelling, and localized pain that feels similar to a bee or wasp sting.

• Mild itching, burning, or tenderness around the bite area.

Serious complications are extremely rare. However, people who are allergic to insect venom may experience more severe reactions, such as severe swelling, difficulty breathing, or intense pain. Anyone experiencing these symptoms should seek immediate medical attention.

How to get rid of centipedes

If centipedes become a nuisance, here are some practical measures to reduce their presence:

• Reduce humidity:  Repair any leaks in plumbing, use dehumidifiers in damp areas such as basements, and keep kitchens and bathrooms dry and well-ventilated.

• Seal entry points:  Close cracks in walls, gaps under doors, windows, and repair broken screens to block their entry into your home.

• Remove hiding places:  Declutter spaces where millipedes like to hide, such as piles of clothes, cardboard boxes, wood piles, and cluttered storage areas.

• Eliminate their food sources:  Control other pests like cockroaches, spiders, and ants, which are the main food for centipedes.

• Natural repellents:  Sprinkling diatomaceous earth around baseboards, corners, and damp areas can help deter centipedes. Essential oils like tea tree, peppermint, or eucalyptus can also repel them if applied carefully.

• Direct removal:  If you see a centipede, you can catch it with a jar, vacuum it up, or use sticky traps specially designed for crawling insects.

How to prevent centipedes from coming back

Continued on the next page