I Have Centipede Worms in My House Plants

Indentifying Common Centipede Worms

• Common centipedes are marked by their "hairy" appearance. With 15 pairs of slender legs, striped brown and yellowish segmented body, these arthropods resemble mutant caterpillars and can grow to lengths of 1 1/2 to 3 inches. Centipede worms move quickly and scurry toward the first dark spot they see find when approached.

Benefits of Centipede Worms

• Although some people are horrified by their appearance, centipede worms are beneficial in ridding homes and houseplants of pests. Commonly attracted to ares where food is ample, centipedes feed on small spiders, termites, ants, roaches and silverfish. House centipedes become a problem, however, when they are spotted in large numbers in sinks, bathtubs and on walls and baseboards.

Damp Plant Soil

• House centipedes thrive in areas that are dark and damp such as damp basements, crawlspaces and moist soil. Centipedes hunt for food around houseplants if fare is readily available. Centipedes also burrow into plant soil where they lay eggs in spring. This often becomes a problem for homeowners. As eggs hatch, young centipedes grow rapidly, leading to possible infestation.

Eliminating Centipede Worms

• The easiest way to eliminate centipede worms from your home and houseplants is to eliminate their food supply. Sticky insect and ant traps should be placed near doorways, basement cracks and crawlspaces to trap ants and other insects. Traps also catch the centipedes. Is also beneficial to cover house plant soil with screen to prevent worms from burrowing into the soil and reproducing. Similar screening methods are also used keep cats out of plant soil. Sprays and dusts -- safe for home use -- are also effective in eliminating centipede worms.