Skolopendras are the type of small millipedes that often live in residential buildings, which is why people are shocked and confused by their appearance. This is unpleasant, such an insect causes much more disgust and disgust than even cockroaches. Of course, finding a person who can live under the same roof with such a pest is very difficult. Therefore, anyone who is faced with this situation, sooner or later will wonder about how to get rid of scolopendras in the house. About this and provide detailed information in our article.
general description
Externally, the scolopendra is similar to a worm, in which many limbs are developed. Some people call these insects centipedes, but it should be understood that these are completely different types of insects. The first pair of legs of the scolopendra performs the function of claws, which the individual uses to capture prey. On the limbs are spikes soaked in poison. The length of one individual can be up to 10 cm, for example, the Crimean scolopendra has such a size. How to get rid of this insect in the house?
Before answering the question, you should pay attention to the fact that millipedes love to live in damp and warm places, from which they go in search of food only with the arrival of the night. In the wild, these insects live in piles of fallen leaves, construction debris and other similar places. Crawling individuals are looking for the same shelter in the living room, most often they settle in the bathroom, in the kitchen or in the bathroom. Scolopendras get there through open windows and doors, as well as through cracks and crevices in the sewer and ventilation systems.
What attracts scolopendra?
Speaking about how to get rid of a scolopendra in a house, one should also figure out what specifically attracts these insects. Thanks to this, you can further avoid the occurrence of a similar problem. The appearance of millipedes in a living room is favored by the following conditions:
- Excessive humidity in the room. This is the main factor in the appearance of scolopendra in the house.
- The presence of food. This should include other domestic insects that live in a residential area.
- Comfortable for living scolopendra air temperature.
Is scolopendra dangerous?
The appearance of the scolopendra is terrifying. But is this insect dangerous to human life and health? The bites of the individual that lives in the house can not be called dangerous for people. Scolopendra bites only in case of self-defense. The poison that gets on the wound provokes swelling, redness, slight pain and burning sensation. However, after 1-2 days, such symptoms disappear.
Preventive actions
In order to never wonder about how to get rid of scolopendra in the house, it is necessary to carry out preventive measures.
- Moisture control. The fact is that scolopendras are very afraid of a lack of moisture. The most global and simplest method is drying the room, because where dry, light and pure insects will not start. That is why it is necessary to regularly air your apartment. You should also eliminate all plumbing failures, stagnation of moisture under the bathtub or sink.
- Insulation. Another important rule is the sealing of small gaps, crevices, cracks, voids, through which millipedes can enter the house.
- Window protection. Windows are best protected with mosquito nets. After all, they are most often the main way for insects to enter the house.
- The fight against other domestic insects, which should include ants, fleas, cockroaches, as they act as food for scolopendra.
Cleaning the house area from various deposits of garbage, as well as from fallen leaves, which can serve as a shelter for millipedes.
How to get rid of scolopendra in the house?
Do not try to get rid of an unpleasant insect with a slipper or other improvised means. This is quite difficult to do, because the body of the millipede is covered with a very dense shell. It is also necessary to take into account the dodging of the insect, which is why it is very difficult to get on it.
How to get rid of scolopendra in a private house? The quickest way is to catch it with your hands, a scoop or a brush, and then take it out onto the street away from your home. This method is relevant only if you notice in your home only one pest. But how to get rid of scolopendras in an apartment, if there are many of them? To do this, use the most effective and proven methods.
Chemicals
How to get rid of scolopendra in a private house or apartment? The most effective are chemicals in the fight against insects. Most often, drugs with a wide spectrum of action are used, which are designed to destroy various harmful insects. This should include:
- Medilis Ziper.
- "Dichlorvos".
- "Raid".
- Starex.
- Henkel Kombat.
Before getting rid of scolopendra with the help of insecticidal preparations, it is necessary to put on personal protective equipment: rubber gloves, a respirator, and also the most closed clothing.
Folk ways
You can also deal with the pest with the help of folk remedies. Some people for this purpose take the well-known boric acid, which is used in the fight against many domestic insects. However, it is worth paying attention to the fact that scolopendra is considered a predator, therefore, it cannot be said with accuracy that boron powder will attract its attention. If the scolopendra gets through the ventilation into the apartment, then the lattice must be treated with boric acid.
Another unusual folk method of controlling insects is the preparation of food lures based on chemicals. For example, if the Prussians live at home, then you can make balls to destroy cockroaches. When a scolopendra eats poisoned food, it itself will die.
Traps
When answering the question of how to get rid of home scolopendra, traps should also be mentioned. To do this, in a specialized store you can buy sticky designs that are placed in the places where these insects appear. The result of the fight against scolopendra can be seen very soon.
Specialized services
If there are a large number of scolopendras in your living room, it is best to seek help from a specialized service that employs employees who use professional tools to solve this problem. It should be noted that this method of controlling insects is the most effective at the moment. However, this service costs a lot of money.
Precautionary measures
To avoid being bitten by this insect, you must carefully examine your bed before going to bed. You should pay attention to the fact that small millipedes can hide even in clothes, so things must be shaken out every time before putting on.
As mentioned earlier, in the case of the independent use of chemicals, it is necessary to use personal protective equipment. After you poison the insects, you should also ventilate the living room, and wipe the surfaces in the house with a damp cloth.
Reviews
Reviews about the fight against scolopendra, who live at home, suggest that this insect does not cause much harm to humans or housing, but its appearance is still awesome. To combat them, many use ordinary dichlorvos. In order to prevent the spread of scolopendra in a residential building, it is necessary to adhere to the preventive measures that were described in our article above.
Information in conclusion
So, we have examined what a scolopendra is, wherefrom most often such an insect enters the living room. However, the main question was how to get rid of this pest at home. Of course, the most effective way is to contact a special service. But if the number of insects at home is small, then chemicals can be used to combat. In order to prevent the spread of scolopendra in the living room, it is necessary to carry out preventive measures, which were described in our article above. Finally, it is important to note that you should not be afraid of millipedes, since it is not dangerous to human health and life.