Centipedes

Overview

House centipedes are common household arthropods often found in damp environments like basements and bathrooms. Characterized by their yellowish-brown bodies and 15 pairs of long legs, they can move incredibly fast. While their appearance can be startling, they are generally harmless to humans and actually prey on other household pests.

Identification

• Yellowish-brown or grayish-yellow body, typically 1 to 1.5 inches long.
• Three dark longitudinal stripes running down their back.
• 15 pairs of extremely long, barbed legs extending from the body.
• A pair of long, sensitive antennae on the head.
• They move with a rapid, darting motion, unlike other centipede species.

Behavior & Habitat

House centipedes are nocturnal predators that prefer dark, damp, and humid areas. Indoors, they are frequently spotted in cellars, crawl spaces, bathrooms, and laundry rooms. Outdoors, they hide under rocks, logs, or leaf litter. They do not damage property or spread diseases, but their presence often indicates an underlying moisture issue or an abundance of other insects, which serve as their food.

Signs of Infestation

• Visual sightings of fast-moving, multi-legged arthropods on walls or floors, especially at night.
• Finding house centipedes trapped in sinks or bathtubs where they cannot climb out.
• An unusually high population of their prey (spiders, silverfish, cockroaches) which attracts them indoors.

Prevention Tips

• Reduce excess moisture by running dehumidifiers and fixing leaky pipes.
• Ensure bathrooms and basements are well-ventilated.
• Seal cracks and crevices around doors, windows, and the foundation to block entry.
• Eliminate clutter in storage areas to remove potential hiding spots.
• Control other insect populations in your home to cut off their food supply.

Professional Treatment

A professional approach involves addressing both the centipedes and their food sources. We thoroughly inspect your home to identify moisture problems and entry points. Treatment includes applying targeted residual barriers around baseboards, entryways, and the exterior perimeter to keep them out. Resolving underlying pest issues is key to permanent centipede control.