Crawling Culprits: Understanding the World of Centipedes in Georgia

Crawling Culprits: Understanding the World of Centipedes in Georgia

Finding a centipede crawling on your kitchen floor can send shivers down your spine. The thought of having these many-legged creatures in your home can be unsettling, but unfortunately, they are common in Georgia. 

Centipedes can be found both indoors and outdoors, and they can be hard to control – but not impossible.

Are you dealing with centipedes in Georgia? Don’t let these many-legged pests stress you out. Here are some tips for Georgia centipede prevention and removal.

Introducing the Many Types of Centipedes in Georgia

Centipedes can make anyone shudder with their creepy-crawly appearance and numerous legs. But did you know that Georgia is home to many different types of centipedes?

Perhaps one of the most common types of centipedes found in homes in Georgia is the House Centipede. It is yellowish-gray with three stripes running lengthwise down its back and can move quickly across surfaces. While they are not harmful to humans, their appearance can be unsettling. It is essential to keep your home clean and tidy to avoid attracting them. They are venomous to their prey although humans are uneffected. Since they are predators, keeping their food source down will further prevent House Centipedes from showing up.

The Brown Centipede is another species commonly found in Georgia. It is reddish-brown, about 18-30 mm long, and has long antennae and a matching tail to confuse predators. Brown Centipedes feed on slugs, worms, spiders, and flies and are relatively harmless to humans. 

Next up, Eastern Bark Centipedes grow up to 75 mm long and have olive-colored plates with black fringes, a thin black stripe down their entire length, pale, translucent yellow legs and antennae, and a brownish-red head. These centipedes may also come in pale to dark blue or greyish-brown colors. They are generally harmless to humans.

Finally, the Eastern Red Centipede is known for its painful bite, and it’s uniformly red on all its top surfaces with light-colored legs. Fully grown, they can grow up to 6.5 cm long and may seem harmless. However, they should not be handled or provoked as their bite can cause intense pain and redness.

What Attracts Centipedes to Your Home?

Centipedes are creepy crawlies that can give even the bravest souls a shiver. They are often found in bathrooms, basements, and dark corners, and many homeowners struggle to get rid of them. But have you ever thought about what attracts centipedes to your home in the first place? 

More often than not, it’s moisture. Centipedes thrive in damp and humid environments, which is why you may find them in your bathroom or basement. These areas tend to have high moisture levels, which makes them the perfect breeding ground for these insects.

They’re also quite nimble. Most centipedes are tiny creatures and can easily find their way into your home through small crevices, cracks, and gaps. They can enter through windows, doors, and other openings, so it’s essential to seal these entry points. 

And, like any other living creature, centipedes need food and water to survive. They are predators so they prefer to feed on insects such as cockroaches, spiders, and other small bugs. If you have an infestation of these pests in your home, the centipedes will undoubtedly follow. 

Finally, centipedes are nocturnal and prefer to hide during the day. They seek shelter in dark and cluttered areas such as basements, attics, and storage rooms.

How to Keep Georgia Centipede Species Out of the House

Here are some tips to keep centipedes away from your house.

Keep the Garden Clean and the Grass Short

Centipedes often seek refuge in cool, damp areas, and a messy, overgrown garden gives them an ideal hiding place. Keeping your yard clean and tidy will remove their main reason for coming near your house. Trim your grass regularly and remove any leaves, branches, and other debris that may attract them.

Seal Up Cracks and Crevices

Centipedes are small enough to squeeze through the tiniest of cracks. Sealing up any crevices and cracks around your doors, windows, and foundation will prevent them from entering your home. Use a good quality sealant or weather stripping to seal these gaps. It will also help to keep out other common entry points for pests such as rodents and cockroaches.

Use Diatomaceous Earth 

Diatomaceous earth is a natural substance that is made from fossilized diatoms. It is commonly used as a pesticide and has been shown to be effective in killing centipedes. Sprinkle diatomaceous earth around the foundation of your home, in the garden, and other areas where centipedes are likely to enter. When the centipedes come into contact with it, they will die.

Install Door Sweeps or Thresholds on Doors and Windows

Installing door sweeps or thresholds on your doors and windows will help to seal gaps where centipedes may enter. These simple and inexpensive measures will also help to keep out drafts and reduce your energy bills – a side bonus!

Get Rid of Food Sources

Centipedes feed on other pests, such as cockroaches and spiders. Getting rid of these other pests will also get rid of the centipedes hunting for them. Eliminate any food sources that attract these pests and make sure your home is clean and tidy.

Put Out Sticky Traps

Sticky traps are an effective way of capturing centipedes. Place them along walls and baseboards, behind appliances, and in other areas where centipedes are likely to hide. When they come into contact with the adhesive, they will be stuck, and you can dispose of them. This can also be a great tool to gauge where they are gaining access into a home.

Keep Your Home Clutter-Free

Just like having a cluttered garden, a cluttered home provides many hiding places for centipedes. Reducing the clutter in your home will minimize the places where these pests can hide and nest. Regular cleaning and decluttering will also remove any crumbs and debris that may attract other pests.

Make Sure Humidity Stays Low

Keeping the humidity levels in your home low will reduce the number of centipedes and other pests. Use a dehumidifier, seal up any leaks, and make sure that your home is well-ventilated.

Consider Professional Pest Control for Dealing With Centipedes in Georgia

Dealing with centipedes in your home can be a frustrating and overwhelming experience, especially if you’ve tried DIY solutions without success. 

By considering professional pest control services, you can ensure that the problem is eliminated safely and effectively. Professional pest control companies offer cost savings, time savings, guarantees, and the peace of mind that comes with knowing that your home is pest-free,

If you’re dealing with a centipede infestation, contact Hawx Pest Control to learn more about our professional services and join our growing family of satisfied customers.