The Key First Step To Get Rid Of Centipedes Invading Your Sink

It's scorching outside. With a drop of sweat on your brow, you dash to your kitchen to rinse a glass so you can quickly gulp some cold water. Then, you spot a brown, hairy centipede right inside the sink. You let out a sharp scream. You might smoosh the many-legged insect with your flip-flop — if you have the nerve. However, this can be messy, and many agree that you should reconsider squishing centipedes that you find in your home. Of course, you can call for help, head to the hardware store, or get rid of centipedes with an inexpensive item from your pantry for a quick fix. It's all understandable.

Though mostly harmless, these pests can deliver a painful sting, not much different from a bee's. That said, the first critical step to getting rid of centipedes invading your sink probably hasn't crossed your mind until now: checking external drains for leaks. Here's why it makes sense to check external drains if you want to get rid of these pesky bugs.

External drains handle water. If there's a breach, including a loose fitting or a crack, the area around the breach will likely be damp. Unfortunately, house centipedes love damp areas. This is because centipedes, unlike other arthropods, don't have a wax-like coating that helps them retain moisture. Without this protective coating, centipedes are vulnerable to water loss, which explains why they seek moist areas. Their work is made easier if there's a loose fitting on your external drain, with a tiny space they can squeeze themselves through. They may look sluggish, but in just a second, a centipede can cover a distance of just over a foot. That's how you'll soon find them pinballing around your sink.

Other than fixing your external drains to get rid of centipedes, it would help if you tidied your environment to eliminate the little nooks where centipedes can hide. Make sure water flows well in your sink or other pipes, as you'll want to avoid stagnant water. Also, examine your floorboards, especially where they join the wall. You may find that the floorboard has started to rot, leaving tiny spaces where centipedes can wiggle through. Lastly, vinegar can work well to rid your drain of these insects. Pour a ½ cup down the sink's drain twice — but with a one-hour break. Just don't follow this with a bleach rinse, as the ensuing chlorine gas can trigger a couple of respiratory issues, including chest pain. Still, you don't have to stick with three hacks; there are many ways to get rid of house centipedes.