Centipedes
House centipedes are fast-moving predators that thrive in damp, cluttered environments.
Background & Behavior
(Chilopoda) Also known as house centipedes, these fast-moving arthropods have many legs and hunt other insects at night. They prefer damp areas such as basements, bathrooms, and crawl spaces. While their venom is mild to humans, their appearance can be alarming. Centipedes can actually help control other pests but signal excess moisture in the home.
DIY Approaches
- Reduce indoor humidity with dehumidifiers in basements and bathrooms.
- Seal gaps around baseboards and foundation walls to block entry.
- Remove cardboard storage boxes that provide dark harborage.
- Install door sweeps on basement entries to deter night-time invaders.
- Use sticky traps along walls to monitor centipede traffic.
Professional Services
- Have pest companies address underlying moisture and insect prey sources.
- Request perimeter treatments that target centipedes and other occasional invaders.
- Schedule crawl space encapsulation services to reduce damp habitats.
- Book foundation crack sealing performed by waterproofing professionals.
- Arrange recurring pest monitoring to catch population spikes early.
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