Centipedes

What Are Centipedes?

Centipedes are predatory arthropods known for their many legs and their ability to catch and immobilize prey with venomous fangs.

From a pest control perspective, centipedes are mostly harmless but can become a nuisance when they invade homes in search of food and shelter. They are typically found in basements, bathrooms, and crawl spaces—areas with high humidity that provide the ideal conditions for them to thrive.

Appearance

Centipedes are easily recognized by their elongated, segmented bodies with one pair of legs per body segment. Their legs are long and slender, and they have two elongated antennae used for sensing their environment.

One notable feature is their forcipules, which are modified, pincer-like front legs located behind the head. These specialized appendages function as sharp fangs that inject venom into prey, immobilizing it and making it easier to consume.

Behavior

Centipedes are nocturnal hunters, feeding primarily on other small insects such as cockroaches, silverfish, and beetles.

Although they prefer dark, damp environments, centipedes are known to enter homes, particularly during cooler months, in search of warmth and food. They can squeeze through small cracks and openings, making it easy for them to enter homes and other buildings.

Risks

Centipedes are more of a nuisance than a direct threat to humans. They don’t cause damage to belongings or stored food, nor do they attack people or pets (although they may bite in self-defense in rare cases). Usually, their presence indicates a moisture problem or an abundance of other insects within the home.

In most situations, centipedes are actually considered beneficial because they prey on other household pests.

House Centipede

House centipedes (Scutigera coleoptrata) are seldom seen because they are nocturnal and are quick to flee when people are around. They usually enter homes during the winter and hide out in cool, dark, and humid areas in basements and bathrooms.

Size: 1″ – 1.5″ (25 – 35 mm), not including legs/antennae

Color: Yellowish-gray or light brown

Identifying Features:

A flat, elongated body with up to 15 segments when fully grown
30 slender legs (15 pairs) with light and dark stripes
2 pincer-like front legs (forcipules) located behind the head
3 dark stripes running longitudinally down the back
Long, thread-like antennae

How to Get Rid of Centipedes

You can effectively manage centipede infestations by addressing moisture issues, reducing harborage, sealing entry points, and eliminating other pest populations. If necessary, use insecticides carefully and always follow the instructions on the label.

Reduce Moisture

Use dehumidifiers in damp areas like basements and bathrooms.
Ensure proper ventilation in moisture-prone spaces.
Fix any leaks in pipes or plumbing that may add to indoor dampness.

Reduce Harborage

Keep stored items off the floor and away from walls in basements or garages. This limits potential hiding spaces for centipedes and makes it easier to spot any that may enter.
Remove piles of boxes, papers, and clutter from areas like basements, garages, and closets.
Outdoors, clear away leaf litter, mulch, and woodpiles from around your home’s foundation.

Seal Entry Points (Exclusion)

Use caulk or sealant to fill cracks and crevices in walls, baseboards, and around windows and doors.
Install weatherstripping around doors and windows.
Add door sweeps to the bottom of exterior doors.
Use foam sealant or caulk to close off any openings around pipes and utility lines.

Insecticides

Use insecticides labeled specifically for centipedes, such as synthetic pyrethroids (e.g., cyfluthrin, deltamethrin, permethrin).
Spray or apply insecticides in cracks, crevices, and areas where centipedes are active.
Inorganic dusts like boric acid or diatomaceous earth can be applied to hard-to-reach areas for longer-lasting centipede control.
Always follow the manufacturer’s directions carefully and use protective equipment when applying insecticides.

Can Centipedes Bite People?

While centipedes have venomous bites, they are generally harmless to humans. Their small jaws make it difficult for them to penetrate human skin, and on the rare occasions when they do bite, the result is typically a mild reaction, comparable to a bee sting. A centipede bite may cause slight redness or swelling, but it rarely leads to serious complications. However, those with allergies to insect bites may experience stronger reactions.

Need help getting rid of centipedes? Talk to one of our pest experts today.

Contact Us

Centipede Identification & Control