How To Get Rid Of Centipedes (2024)

Centipedes are not insects, though they are part of the same arthropod family, along with arachnids and crustaceans. Rather, centipedes are myriapods, creatures with long, multi-segmented bodies and many legs.

Centipedes are predators. But unlike termites that can cause damage to your home, or spiders that might put you in danger, centipedes are not likely to do much harm to anyone or anything at all—other than the insects that are their food source, of course.

When it’s time to eat, centipedes will inject poison into their prey. Humans are safe—unless you try to handle them roughly. In the rare instance that you would be stung by a large centipede, it will feel on par with the pain of a bee sting. As with bee stings, a centipede’s venomous sting can cause a severe allergic reaction in some individuals, but it won’t be fatal.

It’s hard to mistake any other bug for a centipede. Centipedes are long and move quickly, thanks to all those legs propelling them forward. If you’re averse to bugs, you probably won’t be happy to see one crawling around your home.

Centipedes vs. Millipedes

Centipedes and millipedes are both members of the arthropod family. Though their common characteristic is so many legs, their anatomy is different.

Both arthropods have segmented bodies, but centipedes have just one pair of legs per segment while millipedes have two. You can see the eyes and mouthparts of centipedes, as well as their forcipules, the pincers that inject poison into their insect prey so they can feast.

Millipedes, on the other hand, are scavengers. Their round heads point downward and they don’t have forcipules because they don’t have to attack the damp, decaying wood and leaves they prefer to eat.

Where Are Centipedes Usually Found?

Centipedes like to live in warm, moist areas all around the world. Outdoor centipedes like to congregate in gardens, underneath piles of dead leaves and in stacks of firewood. Those that make their way into your home via cracks in the foundation and other openings might wind up in damp places like your basem*nt, bathroom or even a potted plant.

Unlike other insects that leave droppings or destruction in their wake, you’re more likely actually to see a centipede. This doesn’t bode well for folks who can’t stand bugs, of course.

All those legs belong to one centipede, though, so a single creature doesn’t mean you have an infestation. However, if some openings or cracks in and around your home lead to warm, damp areas within, or you already know that you have another insect situation on your hands, then a centipede infestation could be in the works.

Aside from the ick factor, all those legs sauntering around won’t actually cause any harm to you or your home. That’s the good news.

The bad news is that there may be something attracting centipedes that will cause damage to your home. Centipedes prefer an insect diet, so if you see more than one in your home, it could mean that there are other insects lurking about. While your centipede visitors will help out by eating insects and spiders, call a professional exterminator before the problem gets worse.

Natural Ways to Get Rid of Centipedes

Centipedes might not be desirable houseguests, but you don’t have to resort to harsh extermination treatments to get rid of them. Here are some natural ways to get rid of the centipede convention in your home:

• Run a dehumidifier. Removing the moisture from your home will make it less attractive to centipedes.

• Seal up cracks. Examine your foundation, as well as openings around doors and windows. Add more caulk or sealant as necessary to keep insects and other pests from entering.

• Spray vinegar. White vinegar is often used in other household applications, so it’s not toxic. Spray it on the bugs—you don’t have to dilute the vinegar in water—to kill them.

• Spray tea tree or peppermint oil. Mix a bit of either with water and spray around crevices or other places you’ve seen centipedes. While these oils are fine for human consumption, they are toxic to centipedes.

If these natural remedies don’t work, or it seems as though the centipedes are increasing, call an exterminator. There might be another pest problem that is inviting your centipede visitors to overstay their welcome.

Terminix and Orkin are national extermination companies that offer centipede removal services. You can contact either for an initial consultation to see what action is necessary for eradicating your centipede problem. One visit might be all it takes, though there are options for multiple visits.

The price for your centipede removal services will vary depending on your location and the extent of the infestation.

Types of Treatment

Calling a professional exterminator to get rid of centipedes likely means that there will be some type of chemical spray treatment involved. Again, while it is possible to get rid of centipedes with more natural methods, a centipede infestation could mean you have another insect infestation. If this is the case, chemical sprays around your home’s exterior and foundation might be necessary to eradicate the problem.

Exterminators usually keep the spraying to the exterior of the home at the entry points. However, if the infestation indoors is severe enough, they might also spray indoors.

How Much Does It Cost to Get Rid of Centipedes?

According to Fixr, it costs an average of $400 to have a professional exterminator get rid of centipedes from your home. For this price, the service will likely include inspecting the foundation and sealing up any cracks or crevices, spraying the exterior with chemicals and perhaps planning a return visit to spray again. A consultation service only will cost less, while additional visits (or a larger home) might cost more.

The best way to prevent centipedes from entering your home is to seal up cracks and openings that would permit them to enter in the first place. If you are dealing with another insect problem, like spiders or co*ckroaches, take care of that situation quickly; otherwise, centipedes will be first in line at the buffet.

Habits

Centipedes eat insects. They rarely pose a threat to humans, though they might frighten them. They are nocturnal, so you won’t usually see them in the daytime. When you do see them, act quickly—all those legs keep them on the move.

Environment

Centipedes prefer warm, damp places. You might see one in a garden or hanging out under a pile of wet leaves. If they make their way into your home via a crack in the foundation, you might find one in your basem*nt, bathroom, bathtub or another moist area.

Threats

Outdoor centipedes are a food source for larger animals, like birds, shrews and toads. Indoor pets might be curious and even eat a centipede, though here’s where centipedes might fight back and sting. If your pet has been stung by a centipede, consult a veterinarian to treat the sting; however, your pet should be fine.