How to Get Rid of Centipedes in Your Sink

centipede crawling in sink
What You'll Need
Flashlight
Plunger
Baking soda
White vinegar
What You'll Need
Flashlight
Plunger
Baking soda
White vinegar

Seeing centipedes in your sink can be unsettling. Though flushing them down the drain might be your first instinct, this isn’t a long-term solution. However, you can follow a few simple steps to ensure your sink remains free from centipedes in the future.

Step 1 - Check External Drains

If you have access to it, look at the external drain to ensure it doesn’t have any damage. If the grate containa any cracks and holes or is not fitted correctly, fix this immediately. These openings can provide centipedes easy access, as centipedes prefer damp, secluded spaces and can squeeze their bodies through tiny cracks.

Use a flashlight to check the drain as well as the gutters and drain pipes to ensure they are not blocked and holding stagnant water. Stagnant water gives centipedes an access route into your home, as they have the ability to crawl through water and up drainpipes. If there is any, fix this issue promptly.

Step 2 - Tidy Your Property

Centipedes like dark and damp areas, so you should make sure they don’t have any places to hide. To get rid of these pests and prevent them from entering your home, clear any debris from around your property where they could take up residence, such as piles of firewood or dead leaves. Unnecessary debris and foliage will also attract other insects which, in turn, attract the centipedes that feed on them.

Step 3 - Check the Sink

Make sure your sink is working as it should be, and that it is free from any unpleasant smells or slow running water. Should either of these situations be the case, the sink is likely to be blocked. Clean the pipes with a plunger.

Step 4 -Use Vinegar

To clean the drain free of food debris and centipedes, you may also pour some white vinegar down the drain. If you want, you can add ½ cup of baking soda down the drain first to create a bubbling reaction.

Step 5 - Check the Sink Pipes and Floorboard

Check that there is no damage to the pipes beneath the sink, and immediately remove and replace any fixtures and fittings that are water-damaged beyond repair. Pay special attention to floorboards and where they meet the wall, as rotting wood will crumble away to provide access to the insects.

Step 6 - Prevent Centipedes

To prevent these pests from coming back, keep the pipes and drains clean and free from any blockages. Fix any damage to the pipe work as soon as it is found to seal up any potential access points. In addition, check other points of access in your home, and kill centipedes or remove them immediately when you see them in your house.