Centipede Control in Southwest Michigan, Indiana and the Greater Louisville Region
House centipedes may help keep populations of other insects in check, but that doesn’t make them welcome houseguests. Their many legs, rapid movements, and unexpected appearances often send homeowners searching for answers. While these fast-moving predators rarely cause damage, seeing them frequently inside your home can indicate excess moisture or another pest problem that deserves attention.
Franklin Pest Solutions provides professional centipede control in Southwest Michigan, Indiana and the Greater Louisville region. Our team focuses on identifying the conditions attracting centipedes, addressing the pests they feed on, and helping prevent future activity through Integrated Pest Management (IPM).
What Is a House Centipede?
The house centipede is one of the most recognizable occasional invaders found indoors.
Adults typically have:
- Pale yellow to gray body with dark stripes running down the back
- Fifteen pairs of long, slender legs
- Long antennae
- A body measuring about 1 to 1½ inches in length
Their long legs allow them to move surprisingly fast, making them difficult to catch once they enter a home. Although their appearance can be intimidating, house centipedes generally avoid people and spend most of their time hunting other insects.
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Where Are Centipedes Commonly Found?
Because centipedes lose moisture quickly, they prefer damp, humid environments.
Inside homes, they’re frequently found in:
- Basements
- Crawl spaces
- Bathrooms
- Laundry rooms
- Utility areas
- Around sump pumps
- Beneath stored boxes
- Near plumbing fixtures
Outside, they hide beneath objects that retain moisture, including:
- Landscape mulch
- Firewood/logs
- Stones
- Leaf litter
- Decorative edging
During periods of heavy rain, changing temperatures, or drought, centipedes may move indoors in search of more favorable conditions.
What Do Centipedes Eat?
House centipedes are beneficial predators that feed on many of the insects homeowners would rather not have around.
Their diet commonly includes:
- Cockroaches
- Silverfish
- Ants
- Spiders
- Earwigs
- Crickets
- Small flies
- Other crawling insects
If centipedes continue appearing inside your home, it may be a sign that other pests are providing a steady food source.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are house centipedes dangerous?
House centipedes are not considered dangerous to people or pets. Although they possess venom to subdue their prey, they rarely bite humans, and bites are extremely uncommon, unless they are threatened or caught against skin.
Why do centipedes keep coming into my house?
They’re usually searching for moisture, shelter, and food to eat. Damp areas and existing pest activity are two of the biggest reasons homeowners begin seeing centipedes indoors.
Do centipedes damage my home?
No. Unlike termites or carpenter ants, centipedes don’t feed on wood or damage structures, furniture, or stored belongings.
Should I leave centipedes alone since they eat other bugs?
While centipedes do help reduce insect populations, many homeowners prefer not to have them living indoors. Frequent sightings may also indicate another pest problem that should be addressed.
How do I keep centipedes out?
Centipede prevention includes reducing moisture, sealing entry points, correcting drainage issues both inside and outside, and controlling the pests they feed on.
When should I call a professional?
If you’re seeing centipedes frequently or noticing other insect activity throughout your home, a professional inspection can help identify the source of the problem and recommend long-term solutions.
Why Homeowners Choose Franklin Pest Solutions
Since 1929, Franklin Pest Solutions has provided science-based pest management throughout Indiana, Southwest Michigan, and the Greater Louisville region. Our licensed professionals use Integrated Pest Management techniques to solve pest problems at their source rather than simply treating visible activity. We believe long-term prevention starts with understanding the environment that allows pests to thrive.
Schedule Your Free Pest Inspection
If you’re finding centipedes in your basement, bathroom, or throughout your home, don’t ignore what they may be telling you. Franklin Pest Solutions can identify the conditions attracting these pests and recommend effective, long-term solutions.
Contact Franklin Pest Solutions today for professional centipede control in Southwest Michigan, Indiana and the Greater Louisville region and let our experts help you reclaim your home.
They are always available!
I have used Franklin Pest Solutions for the past five or six years and they have completely solve any issues that I have had was ants, bees, mice, etc. They are always available in case of a problem and have handled similar problems for many of my friends. I absolutely recommend them.
Doc G. | Homeowner in Hammond
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