Don’t Let Centipedes Get Comfortable in Your Home—Here’s How to Keep Them Out for Good

Centipedes are one of the less pesky insects. But when one (or several) shows up in your home, it can still be a startling sight. As the weather gets warm, you might start to notice more unwelcome centipedes in your abode—as with most critters.

But what exactly is attracting them indoors? And how can you stop them from making your home their home? We tapped pest control experts for their insight into why centipedes might be showing up in your space and how to prevent them from coming in once and for all.

4 Reasons Centipedes Enter Your Home

• They’re looking for food: Centipedes are predatory and often pursue other insects such as spiders, ants, silverfish, and roaches. “So if these insects are present [in your home], centipedes could soon follow as well,” says entomologist Kris Bagnara.
• Moisture attracts them: Centipedes like humid areas, such as bathrooms, kitchens, and basements. “They [are] attracted to moist interior spaces because these spaces attract their prey,” explains licensed exterminator Allan Bossel.
• They’re drawn to dark spaces: According to Bagnara, you’re likely to find centipedes tucked away in dark nooks and crannies around the home, since they are nocturnal creatures and are sensitive to light.
• Bad weather lures them in: “Certain weather conditions—like strong rainstorms, cold fronts, or hot spells—may force [centipedes] to relocate inside as they escape from the inclement weather,” Bagnara says.

Want more cleaning and organizing tips? Sign up for our free daily newsletter for the latest hacks, expert advice, and more!

4 Signs You May Have a Centipede Problem

• You’re seeing more centipedes than usual: This point may seem obvious, but it’s the best indicator of a potential issue. “If you’re seeing a bunch of centipedes in your house, you might have a centipede problem,” Bossel says.
• There are centipede moltings around: Centipedes often leave behind moltings, which are exoskeletons they shed as they grow. “They’re translucent and look like a dull, lifeless version of a centipede,” Bossel elaborates. “If you see a molt, it means they’re growing and likely finding a food source in your home. Keep an eye out for other bug activity and tackle that population.”
• Centipedes are grouping together: “If you [see] several centered in one spot, that could be a sign that they’ve found food or a comfortable shelter within your home,” Bagnara notes.
• There are other pest problems: If there are a lot of ants, roaches, or spiders inside your home, it can be a sign that centipedes might also be around.

How to Keep Centipedes Out of Your Home

Experts agree that the best way to keep centipedes at bay is by getting rid of their prey first.

“Keeping your home pest-free [is] one of the most effective deterrents, as you’d effectively be removing their food source,” Bagnara explains.

The best way to prevent other bug problems is to keep your space clear of clutter, food crumbs, and general mess. Sealing cracks and crevices near windows or entry points that may lead into the home can further aid in keeping centipedes and their prey away.

Reducing humidity around the home is also key, so that centipedes aren’t lured to those environments.

“Use dehumidifiers, fix water leaks, [and] unclog gutters to remove any standing water and reduce moisture that may be collecting,” Bagnara suggests.

Bagnara also recommends checking that your weather stripping is in good shape, as they tend to get damaged with frequent use.