Centipedes

Centipedes are rarely found indoors and typically remain outside in natural environments. Outdoors, they hide under decaying wood, rocks, leaf piles, and mulch. While they may look intimidating, they are beneficial predators that feed on pests such as cockroaches, ants, silverfish, and small spiders.

If you find a centipede indoors, it’s understandable to want to remove it quickly. Below are safe and effective ways to handle it:

Common Reasons

Centipedes may venture indoors when there are other insects present (their food source), clutter such as damp clothes left on the floor that provide hiding spots, or gaps under doors or around windows that allow entry.

How To Keep Centipedes Outside

Step 1: Reduce Damp Hiding Spots

Keep areas under sinks clean, dry, and uncluttered, avoid storing items directly on bathroom or closet floors, and do not leave wet towels or clothes on the floor.

Step 2: Control Other Insects

Keep food sealed and surfaces clean, take trash out regularly, and address cockroach or ant problems promptly, as centipedes are attracted to areas with insect activity.

Step 3: Seal Entry Points

Look for visible gaps or openings in walls, especially around baseboards and plumbing, and submit a work request to have them sealed. Also check for large gaps under doors and submit a work request to have a door sweep installed if needed.

Bites: What to Expect

Centipedes generally avoid people but may bite if handled or accidentally pressed against the skin. Their bite can be more painful than a bee sting. Pain is usually immediate and intense, followed by redness and swelling.

Although very painful, centipede bites are typically not dangerous for most healthy individuals and symptoms usually improve within several hours to a couple of days.

How To Treat a Centipede Bite

Wash the area with soap and water, apply a cold compress to reduce swelling and discomfort, use over-the-counter pain relievers or antihistamines if needed, and keep the area clean to help prevent infection.

Seek Medical Attention

Seek medical attention if you experience severe swelling, worsening pain, signs of infection, or symptoms of an allergic reaction such as difficulty breathing, widespread hives, dizziness, or swelling of the face or throat.

Important Considerations

Centipedes play a helpful role outdoors by controlling other pests, but they do not belong inside living spaces. The most effective way to keep them outside is by reducing moisture, eliminating other insects, sealing entry points, and promptly reporting maintenance concerns. Consistent prevention helps maintain a comfortable and pest-free environment.