What should I do if there are small centipedes in the flowerpot? ——Hot topics and solutions on the Internet in the past 10 days
Recently, many netizens have reported on social platforms and gardening forums that small centipedes frequently appear in flower pots at home, triggering widespread discussions. This article combines hot topics and data from the entire network in the past 10 days to provide you with structured solutions.
1. Analysis of the causes of the appearance of small centipedes

According to feedback from netizens and expert opinions, the main reasons for the appearance of small centipedes in flower pots include:
| Reason | Proportion | Typical scenario |
|---|---|---|
| Soil is moist | 45% | Overwatering or poor drainage |
| Rich in organic matter | 30% | Use undecomposed fertilizer or fallen leaves to accumulate |
| dark environment | 15% | Flowerpots placed in corners or basements for long periods of time |
| external intrusion | 10% | Climb in through gaps in doors and windows |
2. Summary of popular solutions across the network
The following are the most frequently mentioned solutions in the past 10 days:
| method | support rate | Operation difficulty | effectiveness |
|---|---|---|---|
| Replace with dry soil | 32% | medium | ★★★★☆ |
| Spray pepper spray | 25% | simple | ★★★☆☆ |
| Place diatomaceous earth | 18% | simple | ★★★★☆ |
| Introduce natural enemies (such as predatory mites) | 10% | complex | ★★★☆☆ |
| Use moth balls | 15% | simple | ★★☆☆☆ |
3. Step-by-step processing guide
Step 1: Check the flower pot environment
• Observe the soil moisture. If the top 5cm is wet, reduce the frequency of watering.
• Clean the bottom of the flowerpot from fallen leaves, rotten roots and other organic residues.
Step 2: Physical removal
• Use gloves to turn the soil and use tweezers to remove visible centipedes.
• Expose the flowerpot to sunlight for 2-3 hours (suitable for drought-tolerant plants).
Step 3: Natural insect repellent
• Mix garlic juice and water in a ratio of 1:10 and spray the soil surface.
• Sprinkle coffee grounds evenly around the edge of the pot and replace them weekly.
4. Precautions
•Avoid chemicals: Most pesticides can damage plant roots.
•Prevent recurrence: Check the drainage holes of flower pots every month to maintain ventilation.
•Centipede Characteristics: Small centipedes do not actively attack people, but they need to be protected against accidental contact.
5. Netizens’ hotly discussed opinions
According to data from Weibo, Xiaohongshu and other platforms, the more controversial views include:
| point of view | Number of supporters | Number of opponents |
|---|---|---|
| "Centipedes can loosen the soil, no need to clean it up" | 12,000 | 35,000 |
| "The soil must be completely replaced" | 48,000 | 11,000 |
| "Irrigation with boiling water is most effective" | 0.6 million | 52,000 (high risk of root damage) |
Summary: To deal with small centipedes in flower pots, you need to combine environmental adjustment and safe insect repellent, and give priority to natural methods. If the problem persists, it is recommended to consult a professional landscaper.
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