Here, we provide a guide on keeping centipedes out of your bed and preventing them from returning.

Will house centipedes crawl into your bed? Yes.

For most people, it’s unsettling to find centipedes crawling on their beds. If this is a problem you currently have, there are effective ways of addressing it.

These creatures will hang around for as long as there’s food about. You might wonder what food that is. Centipedes feed on insects.

How to Keep Centipedes Out of your Bed

So, finding them around your bed and room clearly shows insect presence. Of course, you’ll want to take action to keep them at bay which is why this article is written.

  • Are Centipedes Dangerous?

Centipedes are arthropods belonging to the Class Chilopoda.

These creatures are known to sting with different species causing varying degrees of pain when they sting. Specifically, larger species of centipedes tend to inflict more painful stings or bites.

What risks are posed by centipede bites? These come in varying degrees depending on multiple factors.

First, the general symptoms of a centipede bite include redness & swelling, pain in the area bitten, and a burning sensation or itch.

You may also experience headache, numbness, tingling and tenderness around the bite area, and enlargement of the nymph nodes.

While these are common symptoms, some people may experience more severe symptoms arising from centipede bites.

Examples of severe symptoms include skin infections, rapid heart rate, fever & chills, bleeding, swollen throat, breathing difficulty, and nausea.

In rare cases, people may experience neurological symptoms and anaphylactic shock. We won’t be getting into such details.

Signs of Centipede Infestation

How do you know you have a centipede problem?

This is the first step to effective control. Identifying the problem is needed to enable you to take adequate measures. It isn’t difficult to figure out the problem.

The most obvious sign is seeing one on your bed or indoors.

Other signs of centipede infestation include finding other bugs indoors. The time of year also matters, as centipede activity tends to be higher in certain seasons.

  • Finding Centipedes Indoors

One of the most identifiable signs of centipede presence is actual sighting.

Have you seen these creatures on your bed or anywhere indoors? It’s a clear sign you’ll need to take action to avoid problems due to worsened infestation.

  • Indoor Bug Presence

We earlier said centipedes are predatory creatures.

They stick around your home when there is ample ‘food’ supply. So, if you suspect a centipede problem, you only have to look for signs of other bugs like roaches, ants, silverfish, bed bugs, and spiders.

Unfortunately, these are also pests that can equally present a problem. With these bugs noticed, you’ll need to take action to rid your home of centipedes and all other bugs you find.

  • Time of Year

Spring and fall are times when centipede problems are more prone.

Their activity tends to be higher during such periods. Centipede eggs hatch in spring and become a problem as you’ll notice more of these are around your home, including your bed.

Keep Centipedes Out of your Bed

With the introduction to centipedes, it’s clear why you should avoid having them in your bed or within your home. Thankfully, there are effective ways to deal with the problem.

Most of the best strategies have to do with preventive action.

You’ll need to take actions like keeping your yard clean, sealing cracks & crevices, using a dehumidifier, and keeping your bedroom clean.

Treat your home’s foundation with pesticides; keep your room dry through proper aeration and using traps. These actions would help to keep them in check.

i. Keeping your Yard Clean

Before centipedes can find their way onto your bed, they must come into your yard first.

It’s essential to keep your yard clean by trimming back plants and bushes, regularly raking debris and leaves, and cutting your grasses frequently. A clean yard won’t be attractive to centipedes.

This action helps keep centipedes in check.

ii. Sealing Cracks & Crevices

Like a lot of bugs, centipedes find cracks and crevices attractive. Because these are hiding places for bugs, centipedes find such places to feast on prey.

To prevent centipedes from using these openings to get in, identify and have all such cracks and gaps sealed with caulk or weather stripping.

iii. Using a Dehumidifier

Centipedes find humid environments attractive. If you live in a humid climate, you might consider getting a dehumidifier to combat your home’s humidity.

With less humidity, there will be less incentive for centipedes to hang around.

iv. Keeping your Bedroom Dry

A dry bedroom goes a long way to keep centipedes off your bed. With no moisture, centipedes are unlikely to stick around. Also, inspect to check for leaks around.

Basement rooms are likely to have moisture problems. Ensure no leaks are left unattended. This action contributes to overcoming your centipede problem.

v. Treat your Home’s Foundation

Your home’s foundation shouldn’t be left out of your intervention. Here, the goal is to create an impenetrable barrier that keeps centipedes at bay.

The effective use of pesticides is necessary to prevent poisoning. You’ll follow the use instructions provided on the pesticide label.

Have a professional handle the application if unsure about proper and safe pesticide use. This prevents accidents while ensuring centipedes stand no chance of getting into your home.

iv. Properly Aerate your Room

Proper room aeration is necessary to remove humidity from your room. In addition to using a dehumidifier, have your windows open and turn on a fan.

Also, inspect your bathroom and check the faucets and other plumbing installations for signs of leaks. Have them fixed if there are leakage signs.

vii. Use Traps

Centipedes can be eliminated or kept out of your bed through traps.

Sticky traps are handy for this type of job. These can be bought at your local hardware store and used as instructed. Combining these measures will likely give you the much-needed relief you seek.

viii. Get Rid of Bugs

Because centipedes are drawn to bugs, your preventive action should include eliminating them.

While some bug issues can be quickly resolved via DIY techniques, others require a professional approach. Never hesitate to have a professional handle your treatment procedure.

Keep centipedes out of your bed using any combination of these techniques. The preventive approach tends to be the most effective and should be adopted.

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