Centipedes

Centipedes are common pests found in many homes. Known for their fast movements and unsettling appearance, centipedes can occasionally bite, causing mild pain or irritation. Whether you’re trying to prevent centipedes or address their presence in your home, this guide will help you take care of any centipede problem.

Centipedes Species Identify Centipedes Hazards & Dangers Get Rid of Centipedes FAQ Products for Centipedes

Common Centipede Species

Here are some of the most common centipede species found across households in the United States.

Species List

Asian Lady Beetle
Cigarette Beetle
Carpet Beetle
Drugstore Beetle
Flour Beetle
Japanese Beetle
Powderpost Beetle
Sawtooth Grain Beetle
Stink Beetle

How To Identify Centipedes

Antennae: Long, thin, and multi-segmented, pointing forward.

Size: Can range from 1 cm (small house centipedes) to 30 cm (large tropical species like the Giant Centipede).

Body Shape: Long, flattened, and segmented, with each segment having a single pair of legs.

Color: Typically reddish-brown, yellowish, or orange. Some species may have dark stripes or patterns along their body for camouflage.

Legs: One pair of legs per body segment, with the legs near the head being smaller and the last pair often elongated, giving a trailing appearance.

Asian Lady Beetle Model

You can use the following model to help you identify an asian lady beetle .

Dangers Centipedes Pose

Here are some of the dangers centipedes infestations can pose.

Dangers and Hazards

Different species of centipedes may pose one or many of the following hazards:

Venom
Bites
Allergic Reactions
Pet Risks

How to Get Rid of Centipedes

Apply any of the following treatment steps that are relevant to your centipede issues.

Treatment Steps

Seal Gaps

Seal gaps and cracks around doors, windows, and walls to prevent centipedes from entering your home. Use weatherstripping for doors, silicone caulk for small cracks, and expanding foam for larger gaps around pipes or vents. Regularly check these areas to block centipedes from getting inside.
Reduce Moisture

Centipedes are drawn to areas with high moisture levels. Reduce moisture in areas like basements, bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms by fixing leaks, using dehumidifiers, and improving ventilation. This will make your home less inviting to centipedes.
Avoid Dust & Debris

Centipedes thrive in dark, cluttered areas. Keep your home clean by removing dust, debris, and piles of clothing or paper, especially in basements, closets, and corners. Regular cleaning helps deter centipedes from finding shelter inside your home.
Treat Problem Areas Inside

Treat areas inside your home where centipedes are most active, such as basements, bathrooms, and areas with high moisture levels. Applying treatment to these hotspots will help reduce centipede activity and prevent them from spreading to other areas of the home.
Foundation Treatment

Treat the foundation of your home to create a full perimeter barrier. Spray 2 feet up the wall and 2 feet out from the base to create a 4-foot perimeter. This barrier blocks centipedes from entering your home through cracks or gaps in the foundation.
Treat Entry Points

Treat around doors, windows, and other common entry points where centipedes may be getting inside. These areas are typical paths for centipedes to enter, so pay close attention to these when applying treatment. This will prevent centipedes from finding their way inside your home.

FAQ

Get more information about centipedes here.

Why do centipede infestations happen?

Centipedes are often attracted to homes with high moisture levels, particularly in basements, bathrooms, and kitchens. They may also enter your home in search of food, as they feed on other insects. Cracks in the foundation or gaps around doors and windows can make it easier for centipedes to get inside.
Are centipedes dangerous?

Centipedes are generally not dangerous to humans, but their bites can cause mild pain or irritation. While they can be unsettling, they are more of a nuisance than a real threat. Some species are venomous to smaller insects, which they use to catch prey.
Do centipedes bite?

Yes, centipedes can bite if they feel threatened, but their bites typically cause only mild pain or swelling. They use their venom to immobilize smaller prey, but they do not commonly bite humans unless provoked.
How can I prevent future centipede issues?

To prevent future centipede issues, seal cracks and gaps around doors, windows, and your foundation. Reduce moisture in your home by fixing leaks and improving ventilation, and keep the interior free of dust and debris. Regular treatments, like NatureTek, help create a barrier that keeps centipedes from entering.
Does NatureTek work on centipedes?

Yes, NatureTek works effectively on centipedes by creating a protective barrier around your home. Regular treatments will help prevent centipedes from entering and reduce their presence inside. Treating areas where centipedes are active helps eliminate them and prevents future infestations.

Best Product for Centipedes

The best product for solving centipede issues is the NatureTek Pro Kit. The products included in that treatment have the residual and transfer effects necessary for long-term control of centipedes.

NatureTek Pro Kit

Safe, Effective, Affordable, & No-Commitment