The Centipede Whisperer - Natural Ways to Remove Centipedes

There was a time when I was horrified of centipedes. Seeing a centipede still makes me shiver. I live with a centipede enthusiast so that has given me a new perspective on these creepy critters. There are several types of centipedes that are native to the United States. If you live in the northern United States you are likely to only encounter house centipedes and stone centipedes.

Lithobiidae family - Stone Centipede

Chances are you will not encounter the stone centipede, a member of the Lithobiidae family, unless you are flipping over rocks. Stone centipedes are not found in houses and prefer to stay hidden under stones, in bark, or in soil. They are small centipedes and cannot harm you. The best way to naturally get rid of these centipedes is to pretend they are not there. If you are not looking for them chances are you will not find them.

Scutigeridae family - House Centipede

The house centipede is most common centipede found in basements. It is a member of the Scutigeridae family. House centipedes are extremely scary looking although they stay small. Their long, wispy legs and incredible speed can induce terror in the bravest adult. House centipedes are innocuous and are natural pest control for smaller insects that may plague your house such as silver fish.

If you are not convinced that setting up your own basement eco system is the way to go here are some natural ways to remove house centipedes.

Natural Methods for Removing House Centipedes

Natural Method for Removing Centipedes Number One: Catch them

This method may not work for everyone, especially if you are terrified of centipedes. The first requirement is to be quick with a container. Make sure you have the lid handy. If you do end up catching the house centipede you can release it outside or sell it. Believe it or not, there are people who will pay for house centipedes and keep them as pets.

Natural Method for Removing Centipedes Number Two: Throw a shoe at them

This method requires you to have very good aim as house centipedes are fast. It also requires cleaning of both the wall and the shoe afterwards. This is by far the hardest method to achieve.

Natural Method for Removing Centipedes Number Three: Sticky traps

Sticky traps are probably the preferred method of naturally removing centipedes. Place the sticky traps in corners and places where you commonly see centipedes.

Centipedes found in the Southern United States

If you live in the southern United States you may encounter larger centipedes. I do not recommend keeping these centipedes in your home for pest control. Although many of these centipedes cannot harm you, there are a few that can inject painful venom. Your best bet for naturally removing these centipedes is to use sticky traps.

There is always Natural Method for Removing Centipedes Number Four: Release a larger animal to eat the centipede

You may laugh but I have released a lizard to eat the bugs in my basement. Lizards are much easier for me to deal with than centipedes. The problem with this method is once the lizard eats all of the bugs you need to catch it and lizards can be much faster than centipedes!

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