With their innumerable legs and prodigious antennae, centipedes cause revulsion in many people. Their bite is venomous, but they rarely break the skin of humans. Mainly they focus on their prey: other insects. However, they are unnerving enough that some exterminators specialize in centipede eradication. To avoid the problem in the first place, it's good to know what attracts these pests. Below is a list of some of the substances that draw centipedes.

What Attracts Centipedes to Your Home?

1.  Other Insects

Centipedes are predators whose food source includes other insects. Its favorite meals consist of beetles, crickets, cockroaches, spiders, bed bugs, and silverfish. The presence of these in your home could attract centipedes in search of prey.

2. Moisture

Moisture and dampness in and around the home can draw in centipedes. A clogged gutter or downspout creates an attractive nesting ground. Heavy rains and poor drainage around your house and garage can result in soggy earth, which centipedes enjoy.

3. Shelter

When outdoor conditions are inhospitable, such as during cold or dry spells, centipedes will find their way indoors for safety. You may discover them hiding in boxes, scurrying in or out of floor drains, or even nesting in clutter on the floor.

The fewer places you give them to hide and the fewer food and water sources available to them, the less of a problem you'll have with centipedes. Thus, keep your house as tidy as possible, address any moisture or standing water problems, and hire an exterminator to eradicate any pest infestations.

The appearance of centipedes in your home could indicate the presence of other pests, as well, since they are voracious predators. For an expert pest control treatment or inspection, contact Select Pest Control, an affordable exterminator serving the Cincinnati Tri-state area. They've been in business for more than 30 years and also specialize in bed bug and termite control in Ohio. Visit their website to see if you're in their service area or call (513) 352-0080 to schedule a consultation with an exterminator.