House Centipede
Scutigera coleoptrata
Identification
House centipedes are fast-moving arthropods with 15 pairs of long, banded legs. They are actually beneficial predators that hunt spiders, cockroaches, and other insects. However, their alarming appearance causes distress, and large populations indicate an underlying pest problem providing their food source.
Treatment Cost
$100 - $250
Urgency Level
Low
Commonly Found In
Basements, bathrooms, laundry rooms, crawl spaces, drains
Recommended Treatment
Address the underlying moisture and pest problems they are hunting. Reduce humidity, seal entry points, and treat for the insects they are feeding on. Sticky traps can monitor populations. Direct insecticide treatment is rarely necessary.
Prevention Tips
Fix moisture problems, use dehumidifiers in basements, seal cracks and gaps, reduce clutter in damp areas, address other pest infestations that attract them.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I identify a house centipede?
House centipedes are fast-moving arthropods with 15 pairs of long, banded legs. They are actually beneficial predators that hunt spiders, cockroaches, and other insects. However, their alarming appearance causes distress, and large populations indicate an underlying pest problem providing their food source.
How do I get rid of house centipedes?
Address the underlying moisture and pest problems they are hunting. Reduce humidity, seal entry points, and treat for the insects they are feeding on. Sticky traps can monitor populations. Direct insecticide treatment is rarely necessary.
How can I prevent house centipedes?
Fix moisture problems, use dehumidifiers in basements, seal cracks and gaps, reduce clutter in damp areas, address other pest infestations that attract them.
How much does house centipede treatment cost?
The average cost of professional house centipede treatment ranges from $100 to $250 in Quebec, Canada.
Where are house centipedes commonly found?
Basements, bathrooms, laundry rooms, crawl spaces, drains