Centipedes are creepy crawlies that can send shivers down your spine. If you’ve ever woken up at night wondering whether a centipede was scuttling across your sheets, you’re not alone.
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: Centipedes typically prefer damp, dark places and avoid open, exposed areas like beds. But they may crawl onto beds on occasion, especially at night or in humid environments.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about centipedes and beds. You’ll learn all about centipede behavior, what attracts them to certain areas, whether they pose any danger, and most importantly – how to prevent them from ever crawling into your bed.
Do Centipedes Prefer Beds and Bedrooms?
Centipedes prefer damp, enclosed spaces
Centipedes typically thrive in areas that are damp, dark, and enclosed, such as basements, garages, bathrooms, and crawl spaces (Terminix). They like places that provide shelter and protection. With lower temperatures and higher humidity, centipedes can avoid drying out.
That’s why they may be found under rocks, wood piles, tree bark, and mulch outside. Indoors, they crawl into cracks in walls, floor spaces, closets, and small openings.
Beds and bedrooms are typically not ideal centipede habitat
Since most bedrooms are warmer and drier than a centipede’s favored environment, they do not usually contain large centipede populations. Bedrooms and beds themselves lack the dampness, darkness, and enclosure centipedes seek out.
Typical indoor temperatures of 68-75°F are on the warmer end for centipedes as well. Without a source of moisture and hiding spots, bedrooms often do not provide suitable centipede habitat.
They may crawl onto beds at night or in humid climates
However, it is still possible for a centipede to find its way onto a bed, especially at night when beds are occupied with sleeping humans. The warmth and carbon dioxide emitted by people in bed can attract centipedes.
They may crawl onto beds by accident while hunting other household arthropods like spiders, flies, moths or silverfish that are more comfortable indoor pests.
In tropical or humid climates, centipedes are more likely to thrive indoors and potentially wind up on a bed. A 2021 survey in Hawaii found 39% of residents reported seeing centipedes inside their homes frequently (Hawaii News Now).
Leaving windows open or having cracks in walls/floors can allow humid outdoor air to raise indoor moisture levels.
While not common, a centipede walking across a bed can happen, especially at night. Reduce their intrusions by keeping bedrooms dry, sealing entry points, and removing centipede food sources. Traps or pesticide sprays around possible entryways can also discourage them from entering sleeping areas.
What Attracts Centipedes to Beds and Bedrooms?
Centipedes are creepy crawlies that can find their way into the most private spaces, including bedrooms and even beds. Understanding what draws them there can help prevent and eliminate infestations.
Seeking Shelter and Darkness
Centipedes prefer dark, damp areas to hide and nest, and beds often provide the perfect habitat. Mattresses on the floor or bed frames close to the wall give centipedes access while allowing them to remain out of sight.
Cracks and crevices around baseboards, closets, and floor vents also offer shelter for the many-legged pests. From these hidden spots, they venture out at night in search of food and water.
Drawn by Prey Like Bed Bugs or Silverfish
Centipedes are voracious predators, hunting smaller arthropods like silverfish, cockroaches, and even bed bugs. An infestation of these creatures can lure centipedes to a sleeping area in search of an easy meal.
Getting rid of other household pests removes this food source for centipedes. Caulking cracks and crevices also limits access for their prey. Starved of food, centipedes will look elsewhere to roam and forage.
Access Through Cracks, Crevices, Pipes, Drains
Centipedes don’t need much space to squeeze inside. Any crack or hole bigger than 1/16 of an inch allows them entry. They easily crawl through damaged vent covers, loose light fixtures, tears in window screens, gaps under doors, etc.
Indoor-dwelling centipedes also crawl up drain and toilet pipes from sewers and soil. Sealing off these access points keeps them out of living spaces like bedrooms and beds.
Humid Environments
Centipedes thrive in damp areas where relative humidity levels exceed 55%. Bathrooms and basements tend to be more humid, attracting the pests.
Excess moisture allows centipedes to grow larger by speeding up their molting process. Females also lay more eggs when humidity is high. Controlling moisture with dehumidifiers, fans, and air conditioning makes areas less welcoming.
| Why Centipedes Invade Beds | Prevention Tips |
|---|---|
| Searching for food | Eliminate other household pests like silverfish and bed bugs |
| Seeking shelter | Caulk cracks and crevices around baseboards, vents, pipes |
| Attracted to humid environments | Use dehumidifiers and fans |
While the reasons for centipede invasions may vary, keeping them away comes down to denying them food, shelter, water, and entry points. This comprehensive approach reduces sightings over time until the unwelcome guests disappear completely.
Are Centipedes Dangerous to Humans in Beds?
Centipedes are creepy-crawly creatures that can make an unexpected appearance in homes, including bedrooms and beds. While startling and a nuisance, centipedes pose little real danger to humans resting in beds. Understanding their behavior can help provide peace of mind.
Bites are rare and mild unless allergic
Centipedes are not aggressive insects and prefer to avoid humans. They mainly bite only if stepped on accidentally or threatened. The bite is described as being less painful than a bee sting. It can cause minor swelling, red marks and irritation in the affected area.
Some people may have severe allergic reactions, but these are very rare.
Only about 20-30 cases of confirmed centipede bites are medically documented every year in the United States. Fatalities from centipede bites are virtually unheard of. So the chances of being bitten by a centipede in bed are extremely low.
Mainly an annoyance and cause of fright
Mostly, centipedes in bedrooms are just a nuisance. They move quickly which can startle someone resting in bed. Some people are creeped out by their long, thin legs and alien-like appearance. But rest assured – centipedes don’t seek out beds specifically and they won’t intentionally crawl on you at night.
Centipedes prefer damp, dark places and are likely just passing through a bedroom by accident. They may be attracted to bathrooms or basements first, only wandering into bedrooms in search of food, water or shelter.
Seek medical attention for severe reactions
In the very rare case you are bitten by a centipede in bed and have a severe reaction, seek medical care. Signs of serious allergic reactions include:
- Difficulty breathing
- Swelling of the lips, face or throat
- Dizziness
- Chest pain or tightness
- Nausea or vomiting
Antihistamines, pain medication, antibiotics, IV fluids and other treatments may be given to relieve symptoms. But again, such severe reactions are unlikely from a centipede bite.
So while startling, centipedes don’t pose much danger to people resting in bed. Take precautions like sealing cracks, keeping the home dry and cleaning up clutter to discourage these nighttime nuisances from taking up residence.
How to Keep Centipedes Out of Your Bed
Seal cracks and crevices
Centipedes enter homes through cracks and crevices in walls, floors, foundations, and around utility pipelines. Carefully inspect these areas and seal any openings wider than 1/16 of an inch with silicone caulking.
Pay special attention to potential entry points like windows, doors, pipes, vents, and under sinks. Sealing these access points blocks centipedes’ route into your bedroom.
Use dehumidifiers
Centipedes thrive in damp, humid environments. Using a dehumidifier keeps indoor relative humidity below 50%, making conditions less hospitable. Position the dehumidifier near suspected entryways like foundation walls or the basement.
Maintaining proper humidity discourages centipedes from invading upper levels of your home including the bedroom.
Remove clutter and debris
Centipedes forage for food in dark, damp, concealed locations with clutter and debris. Routinely clearing piles of sticks, leaves, compost, firewood, and other yard waste away from the home’s perimeter eliminates harborage sites.
Also, organize storage areas and underneath beds which can attract the arthropods. Removing their hiding spots forces centipedes to find shelter elsewhere.
Apply pesticides sparingly
Occasionally applying low-toxicity pesticides like diatomaceous earth in cracks, crevices, utility openings, and behind appliances kills centipedes on contact. However, use chemicals judiciously and only combine with exclusion and sanitation methods.
Over-applying or broadcast spraying pesticides kills beneficial insects and can flare Secondary pests like flies and roaches. Consult a certified pest control professional for advice using the most specific, least toxic products.
Install bed bug interceptors
Specially designed bed bug interceptors like ClimbUp Insect Interceptor prevent centipedes from crawling onto bed frames. The traps have a small moat that traps climbing insects, keeping them off mattresses.
According to university trials, interceptors stopped 100% of bed bugs; they also exclude centipedes accessing beds. Using interceptors keeps you from waking up with centipedes in your bed!
What to Do if You Find a Centipede in Your Bed
Remove bedding and wash on hot cycle
If you discover a centipede in your bed, the first step is to strip the bed of all linens, pillowcases, and blankets. Carefully remove everything and contain it in a sealed bag if possible. Then, wash all fabrics on the hottest water setting recommended for the material.
High heat helps kill any remaining centipedes or eggs hiding in the fibers. Tumble drying on high heat provides extra protection. After washing, inspect items closely before putting them back on the bed.
Vacuum mattress seams thoroughly
Use the crevice tool attachment on your vacuum cleaner to thoroughly clean all the tight spaces around the mattress. Pay close attention to seams, tufts, buttons, and edges where centipedes can hide. Remove the mattress from the frame and stand it on its side to reach every crevice.
Vacuum both sides, the top and bottom. Ideally, use a vacuum with a HEPA filter to capture allergens. When finished, seal and dispose of the vacuum bag or empty canister outdoors.
Apply desiccant dusts if needed
For severe centipede infestations, you may need more than vacuuming. Apply a fine layer of diatomaceous earth, silica aerogel, or triatomine bug powder. These desiccant dusts dry out the waxy coating on centipedes’ exoskeletons and leads to dehydration.
Focus dusts along baseboards, bed legs, and mattress seams. Let the powders sit for a few hours before vacuuming. Always wear a respirator when working with desiccant dusts to avoid lung irritation.
Monitor for additional signs
Keep a close eye out for more centipedes after cleaning the bed. Install glue boards or double-sided tape around the frame to capture specimens. Look for fecal spots, shed skins, and egg cases which indicate an established population.
Getting rid of centipedes takes diligence, but the effort helps ensure restful, pest-free sleep. If infestations persist despite your best efforts, consider contacting a licensed exterminator for chemical treatments or fumigation.
Conclusion
While the thought of sharing your bed with a centipede is disturbing, take heart in knowing they prefer to avoid beds and humans whenever possible. With some diligent prevention and monitoring, you can keep these many-legged crawlers from ever slipping between your sheets.
By understanding centipede behavior and what attracts them, sealing off access points, controlling humidity, and keeping a tidy bedroom, you can rest easy knowing your bed is centipede-free. And if one still manages to find its way onto your mattress, act quickly to remove it and stop additional ones from following in its footsteps.
