Fast, Elusive, and Unwelcome Indoors
Centipedes are long, fast-moving arthropods known for their many legs and sudden appearances in bathrooms, basements, and crawlspaces. While not harmful in small numbers, their creepy appearance and rapid movements can alarm homeowners—and their presence often indicates moisture issues or hidden insect activity.
At Blackwood Pest Solutions, we provide targeted centipede control to identify entry points, eliminate hiding spots, and reduce food sources, so your home stays pest-free and more comfortable.
Common Types of Centipedes Found Indoors
While there are many species of centipedes, the following are the most commonly encountered in residential and commercial spaces:
House Centipede (Scutigera coleoptrata)
- Yellow-gray body with long, delicate legs
- Can grow up to 1.5 inches long
- Prefers damp indoor spaces like bathrooms and basements
- Feeds on other pests such as spiders, roaches, and ants
Stone Centipede
- Shorter and stouter than house centipedes
- Typically reddish-brown with fewer legs
- Often found under rocks, logs, and garden debris
- May enter homes during wet weather or to escape cold
Signs of a Centipede Infestation
- Sudden sightings in sinks, tubs, or dark corners
- Fast-moving, leggy insects scurrying across floors or walls
- Presence of other small pests (centipedes feed on insects)
- Damp or musty-smelling areas that attract moisture-loving pests
Centipedes are nocturnal and elusive, so an infestation may go unnoticed until sightings become frequent.
Are Centipedes Dangerous?
Despite their unsettling appearance, centipedes are not dangerous to humans or pets. They do have venomous claws used to subdue prey, but bites are extremely rare and usually harmless. Still, their presence in large numbers can be unnerving and indicative of underlying pest issues.
Centipede Prevention Tips
- Use dehumidifiers in crawlspaces, basements, or bathrooms
- Seal cracks around windows, doors, and foundation walls
- Reduce clutter and vacuum regularly to eliminate hiding places
- Eliminate other insects that serve as their food source
- Fix leaky plumbing and improve ventilation in damp areas
Our Centipede Control Approach
At Blackwood Pest Solutions, we target centipedes at the source. Our process begins with a detailed inspection to locate entry points, moisture zones, and insect prey. We then apply EPA-registered treatments in key areas like basements, bathrooms, and crawl spaces. Our service also includes sealing access points and providing prevention tips to keep your home or business centipede-free—for good.
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