A centipede is a representative of arthropods that belongs to the order of millipedes. Moreover, this is not an insect, as many think, but an invertebrate animal! Millipedes live in almost all corners of the planet and number about 12 thousand species. In Russia, you can often find an ordinary flycatcher. This is a small centipede with a body size of 3-5 centimeters and many thin long limbs. An adult has 15 pairs, the latter being the largest. There are also long antennae on the head. Therefore, it is not always possible to determine where the head is, and where the back of the body.
A centipede in a house is not such a rare occurrence. It can be started both in a private house and in an apartment. Why this is happening and how to deal with it, the publication will tell.
Reasons for appearing in the house
Understanding why there are centipedes in the house will help knowledge of their habits and behavior. In nature, these creatures live in humid places where small insects are abundant - the main food of millipedes. With the advent of winter, they begin to seek shelter from the cold and often wander into the cellars and dwellings of people. Flycatchers can even reach high floors through ventilation shafts and slots in the ceilings.
Especially these animals are attracted to bathrooms, places under sinks and dark corners, where spiders, cockroaches, ants and other small insects most often live. If there is a constant source of food and moisture, the flycatcher will live in the house for a long time and will even be able to successfully reproduce if other individuals are present.
That is, the appearance of centipedes in the house is facilitated by several factors.
- High humidity.
- Heat.
- The presence of insects.
- Darkness.
Is a centipede dangerous in a house for a person?
In general, millipedes are completely harmless creatures. They do not spoil furniture, do not harm plants and never attack people first. On the contrary, the flycatcher tends to hide back in the slot so that it is not touched. Only in rare cases, when she is in real danger, can she bite by injecting poison into her skin. But do not be scared, he is very weak. Therefore, only a slight redness occurs at the site of the bite. And then, a millipede is able to bite through the skin of a small child and small pets. An adult is too tough for her.
That is, the question of whether centipedes are dangerous in the house can be answered in the negative. They do not pose a threat, but only scare away their frightening appearance. And so, living together with a flytrap is very useful. She, being a predator, perfectly exterminates spiders, flies, midges, cockroaches, fleas, moths, silverfish, larvae and worms.
But not every owner for various reasons is able to come to terms with the fact that in his house such a creature wound up. Therefore, people have come up with several ways to destroy centipedes.
How to get rid of a centipede in a house?
The first thing that comes to mind when you see such a “miracle” in your home is to slap it with the first object that comes into your hands. Most often it becomes a slipper. But it is worth considering that the centipede is able to repair and re-grow damaged parts of the body, if it is not completely killed. It would be much more humane to catch a flytrap in a jar and with the onset of heat release it into the street.
This method is suitable if one or two centipedes accidentally wound up in the house. If they settled the house thoroughly, then it is better to resort to more radical methods. Moreover, it is not necessary to use special preparations or toxic substances. Folk remedies are no less effective.
Eliminate moisture
The main reason why centipedes appear in the house is the abundance of moisture. It is worth getting rid of it, and then the flycatchers will leave to look for a more suitable place to live. Therefore, it is necessary to carry out a general cleaning and carefully inspect hard-to-reach places (behind the bathtub, toilet bowl and under the sinks). Perhaps, water collects somewhere or a wet rag is littered. All wet places must be wiped dry. Condensation must not be allowed on pipes or walls. This can often be observed after bath procedures. Often you should ventilate the bathroom and wipe the floor in it. If necessary, you can use a heater to dry the air. Wet towels and floor rags must not be left in the house. It is better to dry them on the street or open balcony. It is also worth more often interested in the condition of the basement and attic. If an accumulation of water is detected there, you will have to call the plumbing.
Redecorating
If centipedes appeared at home, then somewhere there are holes or crevices through which they entered. If you eliminate the moves, this will help prevent the appearance of other parasites that love to feast on food supplies and human blood.
You need to carefully examine the walls, floors, ceilings, skirting boards, places near the drain and mosquito nets on the windows. If holes and slots are found, you will have to do cosmetic repairs.
Remove the centipede food source
Millipedes will not settle in the house unless there is a food source. Therefore, the home should be checked for insects. As a rule, most of the centipedes will leave on their own after the destruction of spiders, cockroaches, flies and other living creatures. To do this, you can use various chemicals. But do not hope that they will also kill the flytraps. These creatures quickly develop immunity to insecticides and adapt to new conditions. Other methods will help to get rid of them completely.
Boric acid
Boric acid is considered an effective remedy that eliminates centipedes in the house. It can be used in any form: both in powder form and in the form of an alcohol solution. When ingested or on the body, boric acid causes severe burning, which usually leads to the death of millipedes.
It is enough to scatter powder in those places where flytraps most often appear. An alcoholic solution of boric acid with a spray gun must be applied to walls, floors and baseboards. When working with any form of the substance, care should be taken.
Freezing
How to get rid of centipedes in a private house in the winter, they knew in ancient times. To do this, they arranged freezing of the room. It is easy to do, and without any special devices. You need to turn off all heating in the house for 2-3 days and go live somewhere else. During this time, all pests and insects will die.
It is clear that for an apartment and a private house that are heated by central heating, this method is not suitable.
Modern means
Many modern people also know how to get rid of centipedes in the house. To do this, they use toxic drugs that destroy not only the flycatcher, but also other uninvited guests who attract it. Since such products are classified as strong chemicals, safety measures must be taken. During treatment, wear a mask and gloves, and at the end of work - ventilate the room.
The following drugs are suitable for controlling flytraps:
- "Dichlorvos Neo." Available in the form of an aerosol that is odorless. He kills centipedes almost instantly. The effect of the drug lasts for two weeks.
- "Raid". Also presented in the form of a spray, but with the smell of lavender. It continues to operate for several days after processing the premises. The tool necessarily requires ventilation.
- Medilis Ziper. This is a fairly toxic tool that needs to be sprayed on the alleged habitat of millipedes. The drug among the others stands out because it does not harm pets.
- "Clean house". This tool is more suitable for the destruction of centipede nests. But it effectively copes with other pests.
- "Global". It is a toxic paste for the destruction of various pests. It must be applied to the habitat of the arthropod and around the perimeter of the room. The smell of the paste is unpleasant, but weak.
Preventive measures
To prevent the appearance of centipedes in a private house and apartment, it is necessary to take preventive measures. If this is not done, then the flycatcher may return again. What actions should be performed?
- Clean the house regularly and keep clean. Including to check inaccessible places for moisture.
- Destroy small insects that can attract millipedes.
- If necessary, make cosmetic repairs (close up all cracks and holes).
- Periodically, it is possible to treat the premises with special means against insects and other pests.
The publication told how to get rid of centipedes in a private house and apartment, as well as the reasons for their appearance. If you follow the above recommendations, then these creatures will leave the home forever and never return.