How to prevent centipedes from entering the house?

How to prevent centipedes from entering the house?

The key to prevention is to eliminate their survival conditions, dampness and hiding places.

Indoor protection

• Keep the house dry and well-ventilated; install exhaust fans in bathrooms; maintain indoor humidity below 50% (centipedes prefer above 70%).
• Fix leaking pipes to eliminate water sources.
• Seal cracks in walls, doors, and windows, centipedes have flattened bodies and can pass through gaps as small as 3 mm; all gaps must be sealed tightly.
• Replace floor drains with insect-proof types to prevent entry from pipes.

Outdoor clearing

• Move wood, bricks, and stone piles away from the wall.
• Remove leaf litter and debris from the yard.
• Avoid planting dense vegetation near the foundation.
• Mow the lawn regularly to keep it ventilated and dry.
• Centipedes are most active from April to October; increase yard cleaning frequency in spring and summer.

Chemical barriers

• Spray bifenthrin-containing household insecticide around the foundation to form a protective band.
• Centipedes crawl close to the ground; their abdomens contact the treated surface and they die.
• Reapply after rain to maintain effectiveness.
• Also spray indoor corners and floor cracks.

Daily precautions

• Shake out shoes before putting them on to avoid hidden centipedes.
• Wear gloves when handling stacked wood or cardboard boxes.
• Regularly check and clean basements and storage rooms.
• Open delivery boxes and cardboard packages outdoors.