Centipedes
Fast-moving predators in basements and crawl spaces
About Centipedes
House centipedes are one of the most startling pests homeowners encounter — fast-moving, multi-legged, and seemingly appearing out of nowhere on walls and floors. While they're actually predators that feed on other insects, their presence in large numbers is a reliable sign of a broader pest problem. Centipedes thrive in damp, dark environments — basements, crawl spaces, bathrooms, and utility rooms — and are especially common in Northwoods homes with moisture issues.
How to Identify Them
- House centipedes are 1 to 1.5 inches long with 15 pairs of very long legs
- Yellowish-gray with three dark stripes running the length of the body
- Extremely fast movement — they dart quickly when disturbed
- Found in damp areas: basements, bathrooms, crawl spaces, and utility rooms
- Unlike outdoor centipedes, house centipedes can live and reproduce indoors year-round
Why They're a Problem
House centipedes can technically bite if handled, but bites are rare and cause only minor, localized pain — similar to a bee sting. The real concern is what their presence indicates: centipedes need moisture and a food source. If you're seeing centipedes regularly, it means your home has both a moisture problem and a population of other insects supporting them. Addressing centipedes means addressing the underlying conditions that attract them.
Signs of a Centipede Problem
- Centipedes seen on walls, floors, or in bathtubs — especially at night
- Frequent sightings in the basement, bathroom, or crawl space
- Moisture issues — damp basement, leaking pipes, poor ventilation
- Other insect activity that provides a food source for centipedes
How K2 Treats Centipedes
Centipede control focuses on reducing moisture, eliminating the insects they feed on, and applying residual treatments to harborage areas. K2 treats baseboards, crawl spaces, and other damp areas with residual insecticides and addresses the underlying pest populations that attract centipedes.
- 1Inspection to identify moisture sources, harborage areas, and associated pest activity
- 2Residual treatment to baseboards, crawl spaces, and damp areas
- 3Treatment of the broader insect population that serves as a food source
- 4Moisture reduction recommendations — dehumidifiers, ventilation, leak repair
- 5Exterior perimeter treatment to reduce entry
Prevention Tips
- Reduce moisture in basements and crawl spaces — use a dehumidifier if needed
- Fix leaking pipes and address condensation issues
- Seal gaps around pipes, drains, and utility penetrations
- Reduce clutter in basements and storage areas where centipedes hide
- Address other insect populations — centipedes follow their food source
Dealing with Centipedes?
Don't wait — call K2 for a free estimate and fast service anywhere in the Northwoods.
(715) 891-2501Free estimates · Same-week service