Bugproofing.

HadjiQuest

I have a horrible centipede problem in my house. I still live with my parents, so I can't call an exterminator at all as they don't believe these things are a real problem.

I do. My room is tiny, and I see up to 5 adult house centipedes a night, just all over. There are three main spots they come from; one is obscured behind an entertainment center and the other two are vertical, so I can't really hit them with raid.

What are my options? Things I can do myself to bug proof these areas that they come from?

Two of the spots are heating ducts, and one is the drop-down door to the attic.

Willeth

Duct tape maybe? Some form of builders' tape which doesn't leave adhesive on the wall or pull the paint off?

I'd just take photos every time you see one, and show your parents every evening. They have to realise it's a problem at some point.

HadjiQuest

Willeth wrote: »

Duct tape maybe? Some form of builders' tape which doesn't leave adhesive on the wall or pull the paint off?

I'd just take photos every time you see one, and show your parents every evening. They have to realise it's a problem at some point.

No. They're certifiably insane. This was my dad's room for years, and he never minded all the bugs. They don't call in outside help for anything, either.

But, yeah, I taped it off before, and I'm looking to do the same again. I can't really tape off the heating duct, but the attic door is the real problem.

I'd also like to lay down some sort of long-acting, low-harm-to-humans pesticide as well. Preferably something liquid that I could make and then brush down.

Anyone know any suggestions?

Willeth

How old are you? Maybe it's time to start thinking about your own place.

I know I wouldn't be able to stand living with centipedes in the room I sleep in.

Monolithic_Dome

Have you tried methods such as these?

including: dehumidifier, closing cracks, pesticides.

see317

HadjiQuest wrote: »

Willeth wrote: »

Duct tape maybe? Some form of builders' tape which doesn't leave adhesive on the wall or pull the paint off?

I'd just take photos every time you see one, and show your parents every evening. They have to realise it's a problem at some point.

No. They're certifiably insane. This was my dad's room for years, and he never minded all the bugs. They don't call in outside help for anything, either.

But, yeah, I taped it off before, and I'm looking to do the same again. I can't really tape off the heating duct, but the attic door is the real problem.

I'd also like to lay down some sort of long-acting, low-harm-to-humans pesticide as well. Preferably something liquid that I could make and then brush down.

Anyone know any suggestions?

I'd recomend a trip down the insecticide isle at your local hardware store. See what they've got that's formulated for centipedes. If the employees aren't complete morons, talk with them and see what they can suggest for the specific species. Otherwise, trust the labeling on the bottles.

HadjiQuest

Willeth wrote: »

How old are you? Maybe it's time to start thinking about your own place.

I know I wouldn't be able to stand living with centipedes in the room I sleep in.

20 as of tomorrow.

But I am a poor, commuting student who pulls down minimum wage in a part time job.

oldsak

5 adult centipedes a night is a ridiculous amount if you're not actively looking for them. Just think of how many you're not seeing. Keep in mind, centipedes are predators, so if you're seeing that many it's likely your bug problem is a lot bigger than just centipedes.

Tofystedeth

HadjiQuest wrote: »

I'd also like to lay down some sort of long-acting, low-harm-to-humans pesticide as well. Preferably something liquid that I could make and then brush down.

Anyone know any suggestions?

Have you tried Borax? Apparently its ratio of toxic to humans:toxic to bugs is about as good as it gets.
This site had a pile of other tips.