Centipedes are elongated, fast-moving arthropods with flattened bodies and multiple pairs of legs, typically one pair per body segment. They prefer dark, damp environments and are commonly found in basements, bathrooms, crawl spaces, and garages. Centipedes feed on other insects such as flies, spiders, and earwigs, which means their presence often signals a broader pest problem.
While centipedes are not aggressive, their appearance can be alarming for homeowners. At Yosemite Pest & Rodent Solutions, we focus on eliminating moisture, sealing entry points, and reducing insect activity. Effective treatment often overlaps with earwig control, helping remove the food sources that attract centipedes indoors and cause recurring infestations.
Clutter homes provide hiding and making an attractive area for the centipedes to live. Save yourself the headache and let our professionals handle it. Talk to the best centipedes exterminator near you! We serve Aurora, Glen Ellyn, Naperville, Oswego, Plainfield, Yorkville & surrounding cities in DuPage, Will, Kane & Kendall counties. We use EPA approved methods and we are Structural Pest Control certified by the State of Illinois’ Department of Public Health.
Fun Facts:
- The fear of centipedes is known as Chilopodophobia!
- The common House Centipedes live for more than a year.
How to Identify a Centipede
Centipedes can be identified by their long, narrow bodies, numerous legs extending from the sides, and quick, darting movements. Their color can range from light yellow to dark brown, and they have long antennae along with small pincers near the head used to capture prey. Most sightings occur at night when centipedes are most active, especially in damp areas of the home.
Finding centipedes indoors usually indicates excess humidity or hidden insect populations. A professional inspection helps confirm the source of activity. Targeted treatments, combined with moisture control and earwig pest control, reduce prey availability and help prevent centipedes from returning.
Frequently Asked Questions About Centipedes
What are centipedes, and how can I identify them?
Centipedes are long, skinny bugs with a ton of legs—one pair per body segment. They move fast and usually pop up in places that are dark and a bit damp, like basements or bathrooms. Most of them are brownish or reddish and can be pretty creepy-looking, but they are easy to spot once you know what to look for.
Are centipedes harmful to humans or pets?
Not really. They can bite if they feel cornered, but their bite usually just causes mild pain or a little swelling—nothing serious. They are kind of helpful since they eat other pests like cockroaches and spiders.
How do centipedes get into my home?
They sneak in through tiny cracks, spaces under doors, or even through drains. What they are looking for is moisture and food. So, if there’s a leaky pipe or a humid basement, that’s an open invitation.
What attracts centipedes to my property?
It usually comes down to three things—moisture, shelter, and food. If you have got a lot of bugs around for them to eat, plus dark, damp corners to hide in, they will stick around.
How can I prevent centipedes from entering my home?
Start by drying things out. Fix any leaks, run a dehumidifier if needed, and close up any gaps or cracks where they might sneak in. Keeping your space tidy helps too—clutter gives them places to hide.
What should I do if I find a centipede in my home?
If it’s just one, you can catch it with a jar or vacuum it up and toss it outside. But if you keep seeing them, it’s a good idea to figure out where they are coming from and fix the moisture issue. That usually does the trick.
Do centipedes cause property damage?
No. They don’t chew up your stuff or mess with your furniture. They are more of a surprise than a problem, and they help keep the other bug population down.
How do I get rid of a centipede infestation?
Dry out your home, declutter, and block off entry points. If you are still seeing too many, it might be time to call in pest control. They can help with the deeper treatment if needed.
Are centipedes active year-round or seasonal?
They don’t go away. You might see them more in warmer months when bugs are more active, but they will move indoors if it gets too cold or dry outside.
How can I eliminate centipedes from my garden or yard?
Keep things clean and dry out there—trim back any overgrowth, get rid of piles of leaves or wood, and avoid letting moisture build up. The fewer bugs and damp spots there are, the less reason centipedes have to hang around.
For more details, visit Yosemite Pest & Rodent Solutions.
What is your centipede control process?
Inspection & Evaluation – The first step in our process is a FREE inspection & evaluation where we inspect your home, interior and exterior, to identify the root causes of infestation and create a plan to help you eradicate and manage the centipedes problem.
Treatment for Protection: Next, we can perform the treatment at that time, or scheduled appointment date. Our technicians will use EPA approved methods to treat the perimeter of your home. Types of treatment varies, depending on severity of the infestation and landscaping. For centipedes we recommend sealing cracks and crevices.
Long-term Prevention: We provide maintenance plans to prevent centipedes infestation in the future and also provide recommendations on proactive steps you can take to prevent future centipedes problems.
How do I Control Centipedes?
Things you can do to prevent centipedes from infesting your home are:
Clean your basement, garage and any cluttered areas especially damp areas, as centipedes are attracted to moisture. Vacuuming regularly will also help remove eggs and small centipedes.
If centipedes have already infested your property, it’s best to contact a centipedes pest control service in Naperville, Aurora & surrounding areas to help.
Call Yosemite Pests & Rodent Solutions, Inc. at (630) 779-7674 to schedule a free consultation.
Yosemite Pests the Environmentally safe Exterminator Near Me?
We are Knowledgeable, always professional, and environmentally safe: We will create a customized, environmentally safe and cost-effective plan. Our focus is to prevent pests from entering your home while keeping your family safe.
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