The Best Way To Naturally Keep Centipedes Out Of Your Home

Did you know there's a great DIY way to naturally keep centipedes away if there are areas of your home and garden that might be attracting the pests? Damp basements, cluttered storage corners, and overgrown garden beds often provide the perfect hiding places for these multi-legged invaders. But while centipedes aren't harmful to humans, spotting one racing across the floor of your home can still be an unsettling experience. On top of that, centipede infestations could possibly point to underlying moisture or pest problems in the house. That's why many homeowners are turning to natural, DIY methods that discourage centipedes without filling their living spaces with harsh chemical sprays.

In fact, one of the most effective approaches in this realm is using diatomaceous earth (DE). This naturally occurring powder is safe for people and pets but works as a lethal barrier for many insects. Sprinkling it in problem areas of your home can create a nearly invisible line of defense against centipedes that are looking to sneak inside. You'll also want to reduce your indoor humidity, since centipedes thrive in damp conditions. Pairing DE with a few simple changes around the house, like running dehumidifiers, sealing cracks, and decluttering dusty storage areas, helps create a strong foundation for overall centipede control. And once you have all the right supplies, you'll be ready to try this straightforward DIY mixture that takes your natural centipede defense one step further.

A simple DIY mix to keep centipedes away

To create this DIY centipede deterrent for your home, start with a spray bottle halfway filled with water. Add a few drops of dish soap, a splash of vinegar, and a spoonful of diatomaceous earth — you can find DE at hardware stores. Then, shake the mixture until it's evenly combined, and spray it into the corners of basements, crawl spaces, or any spots where centipedes might creep inside. The combination dries out and kills pests while also making treated areas less appealing to them. For a little extra DIY protection from centipedes, lightly dust a dry layer of DE along baseboards and entry points where you've seen activity to add another physical barrier.

However, there are important things to consider when using diatomaceous earth for pest control. You'll want to use food-grade DE only, as pool-grade versions are unsafe for indoor use. It's best to apply the powder when areas are dry, since moisture reduces its effectiveness. While this DIY method works great against centipedes, it can also help prevent other unwanted house guests (particularly soft-bodied bugs), which might be something to keep in mind since there are many types of bugs you don't want living in your home. In the end, by keeping moisture down, sealing gaps, and using DE responsibly, you'll create a home environment that's both safer and less inviting for pests. With a few simple steps, you'll have a natural, chemical-free solution to keep centipedes from getting too comfortable in your house.

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