Inspection
Identifying moisture sources, entry points, and areas of active centipede or insect activity.
Centipede Control & Prevention
Fast-moving and unmistakably many-legged, centipedes tend to show up where moisture does. Here's what to know about identifying them, why they're indoors, and how to keep them out.
Centipede Quick Facts
Legs15 to 177 pairs, depending on species
BodyLong, flattened, segmented — one pair of legs per segment
ColorsYellowish to dark brown, sometimes striped
Active PeriodNocturnal; most active in spring and fall
Preferred ConditionsDamp, dark, and undisturbed
Common Hiding SpotsBasements, bathrooms, crawl spaces
Understanding Centipedes
Understanding Centipedes
Centipedes are fast-moving arthropods known for their long, segmented bodies and many pairs of legs — despite the name, no centipede actually has exactly 100. Leg count varies by species, with each body segment carrying a single pair.
Centipedes are outdoor pests by nature, typically living in soil, mulch, leaf litter, or under rocks and logs. When they do come indoors, it's usually because a home offers the same damp, dark conditions they seek outside — along with a reliable food source.
Centipedes are predators, not scavengers. They feed on other small insects and arthropods — including spiders, ants, and cockroaches — using venom delivered through modified front legs to subdue their prey before consuming it. Because they rely on other insects as a food source, their presence can sometimes be an early indicator of broader pest activity in or around the home.
Key characteristics
Long, flattened, segmented body with one pair of legs per segment
Fast-moving and agile, often startling homeowners when spotted
Nocturnal, most active at night
Hunts other small insects rather than feeding on plants or wood
Prefers high-moisture environments
How Centipedes Get In & Why They Stay
Centipedes are drawn indoors primarily by moisture and the presence of other insects to prey on. A home with damp basements, poor ventilation, or a leaky pipe offers exactly the kind of environment they look for.
Common attractants
- Excess moisture from leaks, condensation, or poor drainage
- Damp, humid areas like basements, bathrooms, and crawl spaces
- An existing population of insects such as spiders, ants, or cockroaches
- Clutter, mulch, leaf litter, or firewood piles near the foundation
- Small cracks and gaps around the home's exterior
Signs of an infestation
- Live centipedes spotted in basements, bathrooms, crawl spaces, or garages
- Sightings that increase at night, when centipedes are most active
- Consistently damp or humid conditions in the areas where they're found
- A noticeable presence of other small insects, which may be attracting them
- Repeated sightings in the same low-traffic, moisture-prone areas
Because centipedes hunt other pests for food, spotting one indoors can sometimes point to additional insect activity nearby. An occasional centipede sighting isn't unusual, especially in older homes — frequent or recurring sightings, particularly in damp areas, are a stronger sign of an established presence.
Good to Know
Are Centipedes Dangerous?
Centipedes are generally not considered dangerous to humans, though they are capable of delivering a mild venomous bite through modified front legs — technically more of a pinch than a bite in the traditional sense. Most encounters result in little more than surprise, given how quickly centipedes move. A bite may cause mild pain, swelling, or irritation similar to a minor sting. If you experience significant pain, spreading swelling, or signs of an allergic reaction, seek medical attention.
This information is educational only and is not medical advice.
Our Approach to Centipede Control
Effective centipede control focuses on the conditions that draw them indoors in the first place — primarily moisture and the presence of prey insects — rather than treating sightings alone.
Targeted treatment
Applying treatment around the foundation, entry points, and high-moisture interior areas where centipedes are likely to be found.
Moisture-focused prevention
Addressing damp conditions in basements, bathrooms, and crawl spaces that make a home attractive to centipedes.
Exclusion
Sealing cracks, gaps, and other entry points to help prevent centipedes from making their way indoors.
Follow-up
Monitoring treated areas to confirm activity has been addressed.
Prevention
Centipede Prevention Tips
Simple habits that make a home less attractive to centipedes:
Fix leaks and reduce excess moisture, especially in basements and bathrooms
Use dehumidifiers or improve ventilation in damp areas
Remove clutter, leaf litter, mulch, and firewood piles near the foundation
Seal cracks and gaps around doors, windows, and the home's exterior
Address any existing insect activity, since centipedes are drawn to available prey
Keep basements and crawl spaces clean and well-ventilated
Because centipedes are pulled indoors largely by moisture and food availability, reducing both goes a long way toward keeping them outside where they belong.
FAQs
Centipedes are generally not considered dangerous to humans. They can deliver a mild venomous bite through their front legs, which may cause brief pain, swelling, or irritation, but serious reactions are uncommon.
Centipedes are drawn indoors by moisture and the presence of other insects to hunt. Damp basements, bathrooms, and crawl spaces — along with leaks or poor ventilation — create the conditions they're looking for.
No. Despite the name, leg count varies widely by species, ranging from around 15 to 177 pairs. Each body segment carries a single pair of legs.
These areas tend to stay damp and are often less disturbed than the rest of the home, making them ideal hiding spots for centipedes. Repeated sightings there usually point to consistent moisture conditions.
It can. Centipedes prey on other small insects like spiders, ants, and cockroaches, so their presence sometimes indicates additional pest activity nearby.
Reducing moisture, clearing clutter, and sealing entry points can help, but centipedes often hide in hard-to-reach areas that DIY methods may miss. Professional treatment is typically more effective for lasting results, especially if the underlying moisture issue isn't fully resolved.
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Don't Let Centipedes Move In
A centipede sighting is often a sign of moisture — or another pest problem — worth addressing. Reach out for an inspection and a treatment plan built around your home.
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