How to Get Rid of House Centipedes

How to Get Rid of House Centipedes

House centipedes are fast-moving insects that often surprise homeowners when they dart across floors or walls. While they can look intimidating, they're generally harmless to people and are actually predators that feed on other household pests. If you're seeing house centipedes indoors, it's usually a sign that other insects are present.

The best way to get rid of house centipedes is to eliminate their food source while treating the areas where they hide.

Eliminate Other Bugs

House centipedes feed on insects such as:

• Ants

• Cockroaches

• Silverfish

• Spiders

• Small beetles

Reducing the number of insects in your home also reduces the food supply that attracts house centipedes.

Reduce Moisture

House centipedes prefer cool, damp environments.

Help make your home less inviting by:

• Repairing leaking pipes

• Reducing humidity

• Using a dehumidifier in damp basements

• Improving ventilation

• Eliminating standing water

Keeping your home dry can help discourage house centipedes.

Seal Entry Points

House centipedes often enter through small openings around your home.

Inspect for:

• Foundation cracks

• Gaps around doors and windows

• Utility openings

• Garage door gaps

• Damaged weatherstripping

Sealing these entry points helps prevent them from getting inside.

Treat Common Hiding Places

Apply a quality bug killer according to the product directions in areas where house centipedes hide and travel.

Common treatment areas include:

• Along baseboards

• Basements

• Garages

• Utility rooms

• Under sinks

• Around doors and windows

• Cracks and crevices

Treating these areas helps control active infestations.

Prevent Future Problems

After eliminating house centipedes, continue to:

• Keep humidity low.

• Reduce clutter.

• Control other household insects.

• Seal new entry points.

• Reapply bug killer according to the product label as needed.

A combination of prevention and routine treatment can help keep your home free of house centipedes year-round.