I still remember the first time I saw one. It was 2 a.m., I flipped on the bathroom light, and there it was—way too fast, way too many legs, and absolutely not paying rent. That moment sent me straight into problem-solving mode. I didn’t want a one-off kill. I wanted a real, lasting plan for how to get rid of house centipedes without turning my home into a chemical war zone.
If you’ve had that same jump-scare moment, you’re in the right place. I’m sharing exactly what worked for me, what didn’t, and how I built a simple, habit-based routine that actually keeps them away.
Why Do House Centipedes Keep Showing Up in My Home?
House centipedes don’t wander in randomly. When I started paying attention, I realized they only showed up in certain rooms and at certain times. That’s when it clicked—they come inside for survival, not sightseeing.
They love moisture. They hunt other insects. If your home offers humidity, dark corners, and a steady food supply like ants or spiders, centipedes see it as prime real estate. Their thin exoskeletons dry out easily, so damp basements, bathrooms, crawl spaces, and laundry rooms feel like luxury resorts to them.
Here’s the uncomfortable truth I had to accept early: seeing centipedes often means other pests already live there. Centipedes act like pest detectives. If they’re present, something else feeds them.
Is Killing One House Centipede Enough to Solve the Problem?
I learned this the hard way. Smashing one feels satisfying for about five seconds. Then another shows up a week later.
Killing individual centipedes doesn’t fix the root problem. They don’t nest like ants, but they keep returning if moisture and food remain available. That’s why quick sprays or shoes-only strategies never work long term.
What actually works is making your home uncomfortable for them to survive. When I focused on drying things out, sealing access points, and cutting off their food supply, sightings dropped fast—and stayed gone.
How Do I Reduce Moisture and Humidity to Repel House Centipedes?
This step changed everything for me. Once I tackled moisture, centipedes stopped treating my home like a spa.
I keep indoor humidity between 30% and 50%, especially in the basement. A dehumidifier runs daily during humid months, and I empty it like clockwork. I also fixed small leaks I’d ignored for years—dripping pipes, slow drains, and condensation buildup behind appliances.
Ventilation matters more than you think. I run the bathroom exhaust fan for at least 30 minutes after showers. In the kitchen, I avoid letting steam linger. Dry air makes centipedes dehydrated and desperate, which pushes them out.
How Do I Eliminate the Food Source That Attracts Centipedes?
Once I accepted that centipedes are predators, my strategy shifted. Instead of chasing them, I focused on what they hunt.
They feed on ants, spiders, silverfish, roaches, and other small insects. When I addressed those pests, centipedes stopped showing up because there was nothing left to eat.
I vacuum regularly, especially along baseboards and under furniture. I removed damp cardboard boxes, old laundry piles, and basement clutter where insects hide. Clean, dry spaces don’t support prey insects—and without prey, centipedes move on.
How Can I Seal Entry Points to Keep House Centipedes Out?
This step feels boring but delivers serious results. I treated my home like a puzzle and sealed every gap I could find.
I used silicone caulk for small cracks around windows, baseboards, and door frames. For larger gaps near pipes and foundations, spray foam worked better. I also added door sweeps to exterior doors, which instantly reduced nighttime sightings.
Drains matter more than people realize. Can a centipede climb up to level 2 in bathrooms?. I keep floor drains clear and flush them regularly. If activity clusters near sinks or tubs, that’s usually a clue.
Outside, I removed leaf litter and mulch from the foundation. Fewer outdoor hiding spots means fewer reasons for them to come inside.
What Are the Best Direct Methods to Kill or Repel House Centipedes?
Once I handled prevention, I added targeted control. These methods work best when combined with moisture control and sealing.
Sticky traps helped me identify where centipedes traveled most. I placed glue boards along baseboards and in corners. They don’t just catch centipedes—they show you problem zones.
I used food-grade diatomaceous earth in dry, unfinished areas like the basement. It works mechanically, damaging their exoskeletons and dehydrating them. I apply it lightly and avoid dust clouds.
For heavier activity, I used residual insecticides with bifenthrin or deltamethrin along baseboards and dark corners. Outdoors, a perimeter barrier treatment around the foundation stopped new ones from entering.
I also rely on essential oils like peppermint, tea tree, cedarwood, and eucalyptus. They don’t kill centipedes, but they disrupt navigation and act as a solid temporary repellent when sprayed consistently.
My Step-by-Step Routine for Getting Rid of House Centipedes
First, I start with moisture control. I run a dehumidifier daily and fix leaks immediately. Dry air comes before everything else.
Next, I remove food sources. I vacuum weekly, declutter damp storage areas, and address any ant or spider issues right away.
Then I seal entry points. I caulk cracks, foam larger gaps, install door sweeps, and clear drains.
After that, I place sticky traps to monitor activity and confirm where they travel.
Finally, I apply diatomaceous earth in dry areas and use targeted insecticides only where needed. I finish with essential oil sprays for ongoing deterrence.
This routine feels manageable because it fits into normal home maintenance. No panic. No overreaction.
When Should I Call a Professional Exterminator?
If you’ve dried the space, sealed cracks, removed food sources, and still see regular activity, it’s time to call a professional.
Exterminators use non-repellent treatments that centipedes walk through without avoiding. These treatments outperform standard sprays because centipedes don’t detect them.
If sightings continue after consistent effort, professional help saves time and frustration.
FAQs About House Centipedes
1. Are house centipedes dangerous to humans?
House centipedes look terrifying, but they rarely bite humans. When they do, the bite feels similar to a bee sting and usually causes mild irritation. They don’t spread disease. The real issue isn’t danger—it’s what their presence reveals about moisture and other pests in your home.
2. Do house centipedes mean my house is dirty?
Not at all. I learned this firsthand. Clean homes still attract centipedes if moisture and prey insects exist. Even spotless bathrooms can have humidity issues. This problem relates more to the environment than cleanliness.
3. Will natural methods really get rid of house centipedes?
Yes, when used consistently. Diatomaceous earth, essential oils, humidity control, and sealing entry points work together. Natural methods struggle when used alone but succeed as part of a system.
4. How long does it take to get rid of house centipedes completely?
In my experience, activity dropped within two weeks once moisture and food sources disappeared. Full control took about a month of consistent effort. Long-term success depends on maintenance.
The “You’re Not Crazy, They Really Are Fast” Finale
House centipedes trigger a deep, primal reaction—and honestly, that’s valid. But once I stopped reacting emotionally and started treating them like a home environment problem, everything changed.
The biggest insight? Dry homes don’t host centipedes. When you control moisture, seal access, and eliminate prey insects, centipedes lose interest fast.
My final tip: don’t aim for perfection. Aim for consistency. Small habits beat panic sprays every time—and your midnight bathroom trips will finally feel peaceful again.
