Get rid of centipedes

Centipedes

A centipede is a yellowish gray insect with several pairs of legs. It moves with speed and eats other insects like spiders and cockroaches. Although their poison is harmless for humans they look eerie and bite like a bee. They can be commonly detected in mulch, rocks and wood in the lawn. Further they spread into steps, flowerbeds and pavements.

Methods

To overcome Centipedes, apply an insecticide like borax and swimming pool filter earth, to get rid of their food. They would be changing their habitat. Insecticides that kill centipedes are also available but they act very slowly. Clean up those areas where they are most likely to be found (i.e. dark and damp areas). By clearing up the garbage, it is more likely that they would move to some other place. Use of a hand vacuum to suck them up is also advisable. They are not detected in large numbers and hence can be knocked down using a broom. Schedule of Watering of lawns must be changed so that they feel less friendly. Ultra Turf Centipede Turf Fertilizer is specially made for Centipede lawns. It contains some iron for greening the lawn and a time-release fertilizer. It is to be used in early spring and fall. Use this twice a year. It should be applied on dry grass and the lawn completely watered after its application. Use a spreader to apply it and never use the hand. This preferentially kills centipedes and cannot destroy insects and weeds. Treading them would also work but it leaves a mess.

Products

Centipedes can be annihilated using following products. Insecticide granules disappear on wetting and don't stain walkways or damage plants. They are applied using a spreader and penetrate mulch and grass without much watering. They can remain effective for 2-4 months. To have good results, the lawn should be mowed and after a day or two it should be sprayed evenly. It is a low odor insecticide and should not be sprayed on animals. These products must be used strictly as per the instructions as they can harm humans, animals and plants if wrongly applied.

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