Centipedes are elongated arthropods belonging to the class Chilopoda. These pests are light brown or gray, and their many long, thread-like legs help them move quickly across floors and walls.

When conditions outside become too dry or temperatures drop, they often move indoors in search of food and humidity. Inside, you’ll find them in damp, dark spaces like basements, crawl spaces, bathrooms, and under sinks.

Here are some common concerns when faced with a centipede infestation:

• Venomous Bites: Some larger species of centipedes can bite if handled or threatened. Though rare, these bites can cause pain, swelling, numbness, or skin discoloration, particularly for individuals with allergies.
• Sign of Other Pests: Centipedes are predators that feed on cockroaches, spiders, ants, termites, and silverfish. If you’re spotting centipedes regularly, you could have an underlying pest problem that hasn’t yet been noticed.
• Nuisance and Psychological Discomfort: Centipedes’ sudden, darting movements and unusual appearance can trigger fear or anxiety in many people, particularly children or anyone with a fear of bugs.
• Moisture and Humidity Issues: Centipedes thrive in damp, high-humidity environments, both outdoors and inside buildings. Their presence indoors can signify underlying moisture problems, leaky plumbing, poor ventilation, or cracked foundations.