Why Are Centipedes In My Bathtub?

Most homeowners will agree that finding any kind of bug in your bathtub or sink is not a pleasant experience and it does make you worry that you may have either a crack in your plumbing pipes or some kind of bug infestation behind your walls.

But rest assured that it’s not an uncommon occurrence – especially here in the southeastern part of the USA.

But why are you finding centipedes in your bathtub?

What Causes Centipedes In The House?

Centipedes will come into your home just like any other bug would. From a crack or opening somewhere, be it a pipe, your foundation, your external siding, etc. Centipedes like warm, dark and moist conditions so your drain pipes are an ideal habitat for them and that is why drains from sinks and bathtubs are attractive for them.

In addition to seeking out moist environments, centipedes also are attracted to food (like any other living thing) and for them, that means bugs, especially flies and spiders.

So, if your yard tends to attract flies and spiders then you will eventually also be attracting centipedes.

If your yard has areas that stay moist (think of leaky spouts, gutters, etc.) then you will be attracting centipedes.

How To Get Rid Of Centipedes In Bathtub Drains

There are some simple steps that you can take if you notice that you have centipedes in your bathtub and the first step is to try to keep them from coming to your home in the first place.

Step One – If you have access to your external drain or pipes – check to see if you can identify any cracks where these bugs might get in. Of course – if you can’t locate your external drain pipes then call a professional plumber for help.

Step Two – Check your drain pipes and gutters for stagnant water which gives centipedes an easy beeline into your home. If you find standing water – fix the problem if you can.

As you already know – centipedes love dark and damp spots so your job then is to avoid giving them that. You can do that by clearing out any collection of wood, dead leaves or other debris from your property.

Does Baking Soda Kill Centipedes?

An easy and natural way to help you to get rid of centipedes from your bathtub drain is the following formula:

1 cup of white vinegar

1/2 cup of baking soda

Pour these down the drain (separately). Baking soda releases carbon dioxide bubbles which kills bugs.

If you have any questions about your plumbing pipes or are having some problems with it, call Atlantis Plumbing today at 770-443-8229. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.