House Centipedes
Scutigera coleoptrata
House centipedes are distinctive yellowish-gray arthropods measuring 1 to 1.5 inches long with 15 pairs of very long, striped legs. Their legs become longer toward the rear, giving them a dramatic appearance. They move extremely quickly and can run up walls and across ceilings. Despite their alarming appearance, they're actually beneficial predators that hunt other household pests.
Habitat & Behavior
House centipedes prefer damp, dark areas with high moisture levels. They live in basements, bathrooms, crawl spaces, closets, and near floor drains. They hide during the day in wall cracks, under objects, and in undisturbed areas. Outdoors, they inhabit leaf litter, mulch, under rocks, and in woodpiles. They enter homes through foundation cracks and gaps while hunting prey.
Signs of Infestation
- Fast-moving centipedes scurrying across floors, walls, or ceilings
- Sightings in bathrooms, basements, or other damp areas
- Dead centipedes in light fixtures, sinks, or bathtubs where they became trapped
- Increased centipede activity during damp weather or in humid seasons
- Presence of other pest insects that centipedes hunt
Health & Property Risks
House centipedes are beneficial predators that feed on cockroaches, spiders, silverfish, and other household pests. They rarely bite humans and their venom is weak, causing only minor irritation similar to a bee sting. While harmless, their alarming appearance and speed make them unwelcome guests. Their presence often indicates moisture problems and the existence of other pest insects that serve as their food source.
Prevention Tips
- Reduce indoor humidity using dehumidifiers in basements and crawl spaces
- Fix leaky pipes, faucets, and eliminate standing water
- Seal cracks in foundation walls, around pipes, and near floor drains
- Remove clutter and storage items that create hiding places
- Address other pest insect problems that attract centipedes
- Improve ventilation in damp areas like basements and bathrooms
Professional Treatment Approach
Greenix's centipede control program focuses on moisture reduction and treating the pest insects that centipedes hunt. We apply residual insecticides to baseboards, wall voids, cracks, and crevices where centipedes hide and travel. Our technicians identify and recommend solutions for moisture issues and entry points. By eliminating their food source and creating unfavorable conditions, we effectively reduce centipede populations naturally.
Related Pests
Other common insects you might encounter
German Cockroaches
German cockroaches are small, light brown to tan insects measuring 1/2 to 5/8 inch long with two distinctive dark parallel stripes behind their heads. Despite having wings, they rarely fly and prefer to run. These prolific breeders are the most common cockroach species found in homes, restaurants, and food service establishments.
Silverfish
Silverfish are wingless, teardrop-shaped insects measuring 1/2 to 3/4 inch long with silvery-gray scales covering their bodies. They have three long tail-like appendages at the rear and two long antennae at the front. These primitive insects move in a distinctive fish-like wiggling motion and can live 2-8 years.
Earwigs
Earwigs are reddish-brown insects measuring 5/8 to 3/4 inch long with distinctive pincers (forceps) at the rear of their abdomen. Males have curved forceps while females have straight ones. Despite having wings folded under short wing covers, they rarely fly. The old wives' tale that they crawl into human ears is unfounded.
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