Centipede – how to recognise and where do they come from in the house?

The house centipede often appears in our homes, causing concern due to its appearance and numbers. However, is it always a real threat? How can it be recognised, what are the most common causes of its appearance and how can this problem be effectively eliminated?

What is a woodlouse?

The woodlouse, also known as Oniscus asellus, is a small arthropod that often turns up in our homes as an uninvited guest. They are mainly found in damp and dark places, which is due to their biological preferences regarding their living environment. It is relatively easy to identify a sowbug thanks to several characteristic features. They reach a length of about 12-15 mm and have an oval body covered with characteristic segments, which gives them a carapace-like appearance. The colour of this pest usually varies between grey and brown, which makes it easier for it to camouflage itself in walls or basements. Unlike other household insects, the common house centipede moves rather slowly, which is also one of the aspects that help to recognise it. In the house, it can most often be found in basements, bathrooms or other places with high humidity.

Where do common house centipedes come from in the house? Their presence may be due to improper humidity levels or the presence of organic debris in places such as boxes on balconies or flower pots in their original habitats. Identifying this insect will allow for specialised measures to be taken, tailored to the specifics of this particular species. Paying attention to the aforementioned characteristics will help not only in effective recognition, but also in choosing appropriate methods of elimination, such as consulting professionals specialising in the control of European garden centipedes. This way, you can effectively prevent them from appearing in your home, minimise the risk of damage and ensure peace of mind in your own environment.

Why do millipedes appear in the house?

Although the common millipede is not a frequent visitor to our homes, it often appears in places with specific environmental conditions. When analysing the reasons for the presence of common millipedes in homes, it is worth paying attention primarily to their natural habitat. Masonry centipedes prefer damp and dark spaces, making basements, bathrooms and rooms with high humidity levels the ideal environment for them. These arthropods are most commonly found where there are unfavourable air circulation conditions and no access to sunlight.

When the weather conditions outside are unfavourable, they seek shelter in places that provide a suitable microclimate. Another reason for the presence of these creatures in homes may be the proximity of green areas, such as gardens and parks, where organic remains accumulate, which are food for centipedes. Once a centipede finds its way inside, it can also attract other insects, which in turn attract the attention of other predators. Properly diagnosing the causes at home and effectively controlling the level of humidity can help minimise the risk of getting a house centipede and protect your living space from their unwanted visits.

What are the risks associated with the house centipede?

Although the common house centipede may seem like a harmless creature in our homes, its presence brings with it a number of potential risks and problems that are worth keeping in mind. First of all, although this arthropod is not a direct threat to humans, its presence in large numbers can indicate problems in the house, such as inadequate air circulation or increased humidity, which encourages the growth of mould and other pests. The house centipede usually prefers humid environments, so its appearance may indicate a problem with leaks or poor ventilation, which over time can lead to damage to the building structure.

Another problem with the presence of a European house centipede in the house is that it can attract other insects and predators that can enter the habitat it has created. Although the centipede itself does not transmit dangerous diseases, its presence can be an alarm signal for apartment owners, who should take care of the maintenance of the house and control of indoor climatic conditions.

How can I prevent the appearance of common house centipedes?

Preventing the appearance of common house centipedes in our homes requires a few simple but effective steps to keep our surroundings free of these unwanted guests. First of all, it is worth concentrating on maintaining an adequate level of humidity in rooms, especially in places such as basements, bathrooms or kitchens, where moisture can accumulate. Regular airing of these rooms, as well as installing a good ventilation system, can significantly reduce the risk of the appearance of common house crickets. It is also extremely important to seal any cracks and crevices in the walls, which can provide easy access for these arthropods.

Another important aspect of prevention is to keep the garden and the area around the house clean and tidy. Removing organic waste such as leaves or rotting wood reduces the attractiveness of the environment for common house crickets. The use of suitable protective measures, e.g. arthropod traps or natural repellents, can also be an effective prevention measure. Regularly checking and maintaining the house infrastructure for leaks and moisture will help to avoid problems with these insects in the long term.

How can I effectively combat common house centipedes?

Successfully eradicating the European common house cricket requires a combination of several methods, including both traditional and more advanced techniques. There are many home remedies to minimise the presence of this insect. Here are a few suggestions worth considering:

• maintaining a dry environment: regular airing of rooms and the use of dehumidifiers can significantly reduce humidity in the home, which is crucial in the fight against common house centipedes,
• sealing cracks: carefully sealing any cracks and crevices in the walls effectively prevents centipedes from entering the building,
• Use of natural repellents: scents such as peppermint oil or vinegar can repel centipedes, effectively reducing their numbers.
• Mechanical traps: special glue traps can help control the population of centipedes in the home.

In situations where home methods are not enough, it is worth contacting professional pest controllers. Specialists have the right knowledge and tools to effectively solve the problem.

Benefits of professional help in fighting the common house spider

Professional help in fighting the common house spider guarantees effectiveness and long-lasting results. Hiring pest control services brings numerous benefits:

• Expertise: professional pest control services provide access to the knowledge of experts who can identify the main source of the problem,
• safety: using appropriate methods and chemicals, eliminating the common house cricket is safe for household members,
• personal approach: specialists adapt their activities to the individual needs of a given household.