What are Centipedes?

Centipedes are elongated arthropods known for their many legs, with one pair per body segment. Despite their name, they do not have exactly one hundred legs, but their appearance makes them easy to recognize. They are fast-moving predators that feed on insects, spiders, and other small creatures. Centipedes are usually found in damp environments and are active at night. While they are beneficial outdoors by controlling other pests, their presence inside homes can be alarming to homeowners.

Signs of Centipede Infestation

• Sightings of fast-moving, flattened insects with many legs, especially at night
• Centipedes hiding in basements, bathrooms, or other damp areas
• Sudden appearances in sinks, tubs, or showers
• Increased activity after rain or during humid weather
• Dead insects or other prey species that centipedes feed on

Why They are a Problem

Centipedes are not typically dangerous to humans, but their presence indoors is unsettling. Larger species can bite if handled, which may cause mild pain and swelling similar to a bee sting. More commonly, the problem lies in the psychological discomfort they cause when crawling across floors, walls, or ceilings. An infestation may also signal underlying issues such as high moisture levels or other insect populations that centipedes are feeding on.

Where Do They Come From?

Centipedes prefer moist and dark environments, which makes basements, crawl spaces, bathrooms, and laundry rooms ideal hiding spots. Outdoors, they live under rocks, mulch, leaf litter, and logs. They enter homes when seeking food or shelter, using pathways such as:

• Cracks in foundations and walls
• Gaps under doors and around windows
• Vents, drains, and utility lines
• Poorly sealed entry points in basements and garages

How to Get Rid of Centipedes at Home

If you are wondering how to get rid of centipedes in your house, here are some effective steps:

• Reduce moisture by fixing leaks and using dehumidifiers in basements or bathrooms
• Seal cracks, crevices, and gaps around doors and windows to prevent entry
• Remove piles of leaves, mulch, or firewood close to the foundation
• Improve ventilation in crawl spaces and attics
• Use a vacuum to remove centipedes indoors instead of handling them directly

These methods can help reduce activity, but recurring infestations often require professional pest control services.

Centipedes vs Millipedes

Centipedes are commonly confused with millipedes, but there are key differences:

• Centipedes have one pair of legs per body segment, while millipedes have two pairs
• Centipedes are fast predators that hunt insects, while millipedes feed on decaying organic matter
• Centipedes are flattened in shape, while millipedes are more rounded
• Millipedes curl into a coil when threatened, but centipedes move quickly to escape

How We Can Help

At Go Away Pest & Wildlife Control, we provide customized treatments to eliminate centipede infestations and prevent them from returning. Our team inspects your property for entry points, moisture issues, and underlying pest activity that attracts centipedes. We then apply safe, effective methods to protect both the inside and outside of your home or business. With our professional approach, you can enjoy a pest-free environment and lasting peace of mind.