Are you familiar with the children's rhyme “I know an old lady…”? It goes something like, I know an old lady who swallowed a fly, then she swallowed a spider to catch the fly, then swallowed a bird to catch the spider, and on and on. You might wonder what that has to do with keeping millipedes and centipedes out of your New England home… bear with us.
Millipedes and centipedes are essentially nothing more than a nuisance. They don’t carry disease, they don't bite, and they don't harm humans. When they come into your home it’s likely because it’s too hot, dry, or cold outside. They are seeking a moderate temperature and moisture. These critters are often found in damp areas of your home like basements, bathrooms, and under sinks.
If they can’t harm you, then what’s the issue? These critters are creepy and unappealing with their multiple legs and scurrying movements. Now we come back to the Old Lady rhyme. Pests are often interdependent upon each other for survival. Like in the song, spiders eat flies, birds eat spiders, etc.
Millipedes and centipedes in your home can become food for other pests. Their presence is also an indication that there are weaknesses in your home that is allowing them to get in. This weakness can allow other pests in as well, and these other invaders may not be as harmless.
Steps You Can Take to Keep Pests Out of Your New England Home
You’ll want to take measures to keep your New England home free from these nuisance pests. Here are a few of the best ways to identify how pests are getting inside:
- Check your home's foundation for small cracks.
- Look for holes in screens.
- Identify gaps under doors.
- Find openings around utility wires and pipes.
- Seek out spaces around windows.
- Search for vents without screens.
- Observe whether you have outlets that aren’t properly sealed.
- Discover insulation that is damaged.
- Repairing these deficiencies will help keep your New England home free of pests.
- Call in Professional Help
Another, more effective, way to keep pests out is with a year-round pest control plan from Big Blue Pest Solutions. With over 80 years’ experience in pest exclusion, Big Blue Pest Solutions are your New England experts in pest control you can trust.
Our trained technicians will conduct an inspection to help you identify ways to exclude pests. They will perform the proper treatments to eliminate any current infestations. Don’t hesitate to call us to come out and get rid of any creepy crawly millipedes and centipedes that are creating a nuisance in your New England home.