IPM for Centipede

Centipedes are elongated arthropods with a single pair of legs per body segment. They are often found in damp, dark areas such as basements, crawl spaces, and around outdoor landscaping. This IPM plan focuses on preventing centipede infestations through monitoring, moisture control, habitat modification, and chemical use only as a final step.

Identification

• Basic Traits
  • Centipedes have a flattened body with one pair of legs per segment.
  • They move quickly and can dart away when disturbed.
  • They typically have a pair of elongated antennae.
• Kid-Friendly Explanation
  • Think of centipedes as “long bugs” with many legs that like to run fast. Their bodies are flat, and they have one pair of legs on each section of their bodies. If it zips across the floor when you see it, it could be a centipede!

Monitoring and Inspections

• Routine Checks
  • Inspect damp, dark areas (like basements, crawl spaces, or bathrooms) regularly.
  • Look for centipedes at night with a flashlight since they are more active in darkness.
• Record Observations
  • Document areas where centipedes are most commonly seen.
  • Note conditions such as moisture levels or presence of other insects (which centipedes feed on).

Prevention

• Moisture Control
  • Fix leaking pipes or faucets and ensure proper ventilation in crawl spaces or basements.
  • Reduce standing water around the home’s exterior by improving drainage.
• Sanitation and Habitat Reduction
  • Keep storage areas clean and free of clutter where centipedes can hide.
  • Remove piles of leaves, grass clippings, and other organic debris from near foundations.

Cultural Control

• Landscape Management
  • Trim back shrubs and bushes to reduce damp areas near your home’s exterior walls.
  • Use minimal mulch depth to reduce moisture. Consider replacing some mulch areas with gravel.
• Household Practices
  • Shake out shoes and clothing kept in dark areas before wearing.
  • Run a dehumidifier in damp rooms to lower humidity levels.

Biological Control

• Natural Predators
  • Ground beetles, spiders, and some birds feed on centipedes.
  • Avoid broad-spectrum pesticide use that may harm these beneficial predators.

Mechanical and Physical Control

• Exclusion
  • Seal cracks and crevices around doors, windows, plumbing, and utility lines with caulk or weatherstripping.
  • Install or repair door sweeps to prevent centipedes from slipping under doors.
• Trapping and Removal
  • Use sticky traps in areas where centipedes have been spotted.
  • Capture individual centipedes with a jar or vacuum and release them outdoors or dispose of them safely.

Chemical Control (Last Resort)

• Professional Consultation
  • If non-chemical measures do not control centipede populations, call a professional first at GC Termite Control: (619) 421 - 2101 or visit GCTermiteControl.com.
  • Professionals can provide targeted treatments and guidance on safe pesticide use.
• Selective Application
  • Apply insecticides only to cracks and crevices or known centipede harborages.
  • Choose reduced-risk products labeled for centipede control, following all label instructions.
• Perimeter Treatments
  • Consider exterior perimeter applications around foundations to deter centipede entry.
  • Avoid overuse of chemicals that might kill beneficial insects and disrupt the ecosystem.

Adaptive Management

• Ongoing Monitoring
  • Revisit and inspect problem areas on a regular schedule.
  • Track any changes in centipede populations and activity.
• Refine Strategies
  • Adjust IPM methods based on what works best and any shifts in environmental conditions.
  • Discontinue ineffective or unnecessary treatments to maintain a sustainable, efficient pest control program.