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If you are seeing centipedes repeatedly inside your home, especially in more than one area, you likely need centipede control. Daytime activity, frequent appearances, and a noticeable rise in other insects are strong indicators of an active infestation. These sightings show that they have established hiding spots indoors and are actively feeding, not just wandering in accidentally.
A 2024 online survey by YouGov, conducted among 2,125 U.S. adults, found that 66% deal with household pests by killing them on sight. While that reaction is common, removing the centipedes you see does not eliminate nesting zones or the conditions attracting them. Addressing the infestation at its source is the only way to stop the problem from returning.
Are Frequent Centipede Sightings a Sign of an Infestation?
Frequent sightings often indicate an established infestation. You might notice:
- Multiple centipedes in a week
- Activity in more than one room
- Daytime appearances
Seeing them repeatedly shows they have secure hiding spots indoors. Daytime activity is a red flag since centipedes usually emerge at night. Tracking where and when you see them helps you understand the severity of the problem and plan the right next steps.
Subtle Signs of an Established Centipede Infestation
Common indicators of centipede infestation include:
- Shed skins or exoskeletons
- Egg clusters in hidden areas
- Unusual insect activity
Spotting these signs early gives you an advantage. Ignoring them allows populations to expand silently.
Does Seeing Centipedes Mean You Have Other Pest Problems?
Centipedes feed on other insects, so their presence often signals a larger issue. You may notice:
- Ants or spiders around your home
- Silverfish in damp corners
- Increased household insect activity
A rise in their prey naturally attracts more centipedes indoors. Removing only the visible centipedes won’t stop the infestation.
Controlling the insects they feed on is essential to preventing centipede invasions. Inspecting closets, under furniture, and damp areas helps reduce the food sources they rely on.
When to Call Pest Control Services for Centipedes?
Professional help is needed when DIY methods aren’t enough. Look for:
- Persistent sightings over several weeks
- Centipedes in multiple areas of the home
- Evidence of hidden nests
- DIY methods fail repeatedly
Delaying action allows populations to grow, making treatment more difficult. Experts can locate breeding zones, treat hidden areas, and prevent future infestations. Knowing when to call professional pest removal saves time, reduces stress, and keeps your home protected long-term.
What Professional Centipede Control Involves
(Soil Centipedes, image from inaturalist.org)
Professionals address infestations thoroughly and effectively. Services often include:
- Full home and property inspection
- Locating hiding spots and nests
- Targeted treatment and exclusion methods
This approach removes active populations while minimizing chemical exposure. Experts also provide guidance on moisture management and ongoing monitoring. This ensures effective results and long-term professional pest removal.
Structural and Environmental Conditions That Attract Centipedes
Conditions that make your home inviting to centipedes include:
- Damp basements or crawl spaces
- Leaky pipes or plumbing issues
- Poor ventilation in bathrooms or laundry rooms
Centipedes thrive in moist, dark spaces, so drying these areas removes shelter and reduces activity. Sealing foundation cracks and improving airflow disrupts their preferred habitat. This kind of home maintenance is essential for effective centipede control.
Outdoor Risk Factors That Lead to Indoor Infestations
Outdoor conditions that can make your home attract centipedes include:
- Mulch or leaf piles near the foundation
- Firewood stored against walls
- Overgrown shrubs or areas with poor drainage
These spots trap moisture and attract insects that centipedes feed on. Clearing debris and adjusting landscaping reduces the chance of them moving indoors. Identifying centipede habitats outside helps you prevent infestations before they start.
Health and Safety Concerns Associated with Centipedes
Centipedes are rarely dangerous, but their presence can impact health and comfort. Watch for:
- Bite marks or skin irritation
- Allergic reactions in sensitive individuals
- Stress or anxiety in pets and children
Even a small infestation can disrupt household routines. Certain rooms may become less usable, and tension can rise in the home. Taking action promptly improves comfort and keeps your living space safe and calm for everyone.
Choosing the Right Centipede Control Company
You will need a company that understands centipede habits and knows how to target hidden nests. Consider the following when selecting a provider:
- Licensed and insured
- Experience with centipedes
- Clear treatment plans
- Eco-friendly options
A reputable company, like Eastside Exterminators, doesn’t just remove the centipedes you see. We address the root causes and prevent future infestations. With the right professional, centipede control is safer, faster, and more reliable for your home.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are Natural Remedies Effective for Centipede Control?
Some home solutions may reduce visible centipedes. Common approaches include:
- Diatomaceous earth
- Essential oils
- Traps and baits
These methods often provide temporary relief. However, for full and lasting centipede control, hire a licensed professional like Eastside Exterminators to target hidden nests and prevent future infestations.
How Long Does It Take to Eliminate a Centipede Infestation?
The timeline depends on the severity of the problem and the methods used. Key factors include:
- Size of the infestation
- Accessibility of hiding spots
- Treatment method (DIY vs professional)
Small infestations may seem manageable, but larger or established populations often take weeks or months to control. DIY efforts alone may take forever, and the infestation could recur. Hiring a professional ensures complete and lasting centipede control.
How Do You Identify Centipede Eggs in Your Home?
Centipede eggs appear as 1-2mm pearl-white clusters of 15 to 55 in damp soil pockets or silk sacs under sinks. They hatch in 3-4 weeks into mini versions with fewer legs. Check mulch borders and crawlspaces with a flashlight for early detection.
Protect Your Home with Expert Centipede Control
Don’t wait until centipedes take over your home. Effective centipede control begins with identifying hiding spots, reducing moisture, and removing insect prey. With the help of a reputable pest control professional, you can eliminate infestations and prevent them from returning.
For over 50 years, at Eastside Exterminators, we have protected families across the Greater Seattle area from centipedes, rodents, spiders, and other pests. Founded by Jim Townsend in 1969 and now led by Deanna Townsend and Alex Altizer, we combine local expertise with Anticimex’s SMART technology.
Our licensed technicians deliver fast, eco-friendly solutions for pest control, insulation, and home protection. Contact us today for expert centipede and pest control solutions.
