What kills worms around the house?

Table of Contents

The presence of worms around your house can be unsettling, but thankfully, several effective solutions exist: dehydration, salt, vinegar, diatomaceous earth, and certain pesticides can kill worms around your house, while proper sanitation and preventative measures will keep them from returning.

Understanding the Worms You’re Dealing With

Before addressing what kills worms around the house, it’s crucial to identify what kind of worms you’re encountering. Common household worms include:

Earthworms: Usually found outdoors, they may enter the house after heavy rain.
Drain Flies (Larvae): These small, dark worms live in drains and feed on organic matter.
Maggots: The larvae of flies, often found in garbage or decaying matter.
Pinworms: A parasitic worm that infects humans, particularly children.
Millipedes/Centipedes: While not technically worms, they are often mistaken for them.

Understanding the type of worm helps determine the most effective elimination method. For instance, solutions for drain flies won’t be effective against pinworms.

Direct Methods to Kill Worms

Several direct methods can be employed if you’re looking for what kills worms around the house immediately:

Dehydration: Worms require moisture to survive. Sprinkling drying agents like salt or diatomaceous earth directly on them can cause them to dehydrate and die.
Vinegar: A strong vinegar solution can be sprayed directly onto worms, disrupting their skin and causing them to die.
Boiling Water: Pouring boiling water into drains can effectively kill drain fly larvae. However, exercise extreme caution to avoid burns.
Pesticides: For severe infestations, consider using pesticides specifically designed to kill worms. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully and prioritize safety. Boric acid is also effective.

Preventative Measures: Keeping Worms Away

Prevention is key to avoiding future worm problems. This includes:

Proper Sanitation: Keep your home clean, focusing on areas prone to organic build-up, such as kitchens and bathrooms. Regularly clean drains with enzymatic cleaners.
Moisture Control: Reduce moisture in and around your home. Repair leaky pipes and ensure proper ventilation.
Waste Management: Dispose of garbage properly and promptly. Keep garbage cans covered.
Seal Entry Points: Seal any cracks or crevices in your foundation or walls that worms could use to enter your home.
Food Storage: Store food properly in airtight containers to avoid attracting flies that lay eggs and produce maggots.

Natural Solutions vs. Chemical Solutions

When deciding on what kills worms around the house, consider the pros and cons of natural vs. chemical solutions.

Solution Type	Pros	Cons
:————	:—————————————————————————————	:———————————————————————————————————–
Natural	Environmentally friendly, generally safer for pets and children, readily available	May require multiple applications, potentially less effective for severe infestations
Chemical	Highly effective, faster results, can target specific worm species	Potential health risks, environmental impact, requires careful handling and storage

Choose the method that best aligns with your priorities and the severity of the infestation.

Dealing with Specific Worm Types

Earthworms: Primarily an outdoor problem. Simply relocating them to a garden or grassy area is the best solution. Address any entry points to prevent re-entry.
Drain Flies (Larvae): Focus on cleaning drains with enzymatic cleaners and boiling water. Regularly scrub drainpipes to remove organic buildup.
Maggots: Remove the source of attraction (e.g., rotting food) and clean the area thoroughly. Use insecticides specifically designed for maggots if necessary.
Pinworms: Require medical treatment. Consult a doctor for appropriate medication and follow strict hygiene practices, including frequent handwashing and laundry.
Millipedes/Centipedes: Control moisture and eliminate their food source (decaying organic matter). Seal entry points and use insecticides if needed.

Understanding Diatomaceous Earth (DE)

Diatomaceous earth (DE) is a natural substance made from the fossilized remains of diatoms (a type of algae). It’s effective as what kills worms around the house because its microscopic, razor-sharp edges cut into the worms’ exoskeletons, causing dehydration and death. Use food-grade DE, as it’s safer for use around pets and children. Apply a thin layer of DE in areas where you’ve seen worms.

Safety Precautions

When dealing with any type of worm infestation, prioritize safety:

Wear Gloves: When handling worms or using cleaning solutions, wear gloves to protect your skin.
Proper Ventilation: Ensure adequate ventilation when using chemical insecticides.
Read Labels: Always read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for any cleaning products or pesticides.
Keep Out of Reach of Children and Pets: Store all cleaning products and pesticides in a safe place, out of reach of children and pets.
Wash Hands Thoroughly: Wash your hands thoroughly after handling worms or cleaning products.

When to Call a Professional

For severe or persistent infestations, or if you’re unsure what kills worms around the house effectively in your specific situation, it’s best to call a pest control professional. They can accurately identify the worm type, assess the extent of the infestation, and recommend the most appropriate treatment plan. They also have access to professional-grade pesticides and equipment that may not be available to homeowners.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is it dangerous to have worms in my house?

While most worms found around the house aren’t directly dangerous, they can be indicators of underlying problems like poor sanitation, moisture issues, or even structural damage. Certain worms, like pinworms, are parasitic and require medical treatment. Others, like maggots, can spread bacteria and diseases.

Can I use bleach to kill worms?

Bleach can kill worms, but it’s not the most effective or environmentally friendly solution. It’s also harsh and can damage surfaces. Vinegar or boiling water are often better alternatives. When using bleach, ensure good ventilation and wear protective gear.

How do I get rid of worms in my potted plants?

Worms in potted plants are often beneficial earthworms. If they’re causing problems, reduce watering and allow the soil to dry out slightly. You can also repot the plant with fresh soil. Avoid using pesticides in potted plants, as they can harm the plant.

Will vinegar kill worms?

Yes, vinegar can kill worms. The acidity of vinegar disrupts their skin and causes them to die. Spray a strong vinegar solution directly onto the worms. This method is most effective for surface-dwelling worms.

Is diatomaceous earth safe to use around pets?

Food-grade diatomaceous earth is generally considered safe for use around pets, but avoid getting it in their eyes or respiratory system. Use it sparingly and always follow the instructions on the product label.

What attracts worms to my house?

Worms are attracted to moisture, decaying organic matter, and food sources. Poor sanitation, leaky pipes, and uncovered garbage cans can all attract worms to your home.

How do I prevent drain flies from coming back?

Regularly clean your drains with enzymatic drain cleaners to remove organic buildup. Avoid pouring grease down the drain, as it provides a food source for drain fly larvae. Ensure proper ventilation to reduce moisture in the bathroom and kitchen.

Are earthworms harmful to my garden?

Earthworms are generally beneficial to gardens because they aerate the soil and break down organic matter. However, excessive numbers can sometimes damage seedlings.

How do I know if I have a pinworm infestation?

The most common symptom of a pinworm infestation is intense itching around the anus, especially at night. You may also see small, white worms in the anal area. Consult a doctor for diagnosis and treatment.

Can worms get into my house through the toilet?

While it’s uncommon, certain types of worms, like drain flies, can enter your home through the toilet. Ensure the toilet bowl is clean and that the drain is properly sealed.

What is the best way to dispose of dead worms?

Dispose of dead worms in a sealed plastic bag in the garbage. Wash your hands thoroughly after handling dead worms.

How often should I clean my drains to prevent worms?

Ideally, you should clean your drains with an enzymatic cleaner at least once a month to prevent organic buildup and worm infestations. More frequent cleaning may be necessary if you experience frequent drain problems.