Centipedes in the basement or bathroom

Symptoms

• Fast-moving, many-legged insect seen in damp areas like the basement, bathroom, or under sinks
• Usually seen alone rather than in groups
• Active mostly at night

Likely causes

• CommonHigh humidity and darkness in basements or bathroomsCentipedes prefer these damp, undisturbed conditions.
• CommonPresence of other small insects as preyCentipedes are predators and are drawn to areas with other bugs to eat, like silverfish or small flies.
• PossibleEntry from outside through foundation gapsThey often come in from mulch or damp soil right outside the foundation.

What to do

1. Reduce humidity in the affected area with a dehumidifier or better ventilation.
2. Address any other insect problem, since centipedes are there hunting a food source.
3. Seal foundation cracks and gaps around pipes to limit entry from outside.
4. Reduce clutter, which gives both centipedes and their prey fewer places to hide.
5. Vacuum up any centipedes seen rather than squashing them if you'd rather avoid direct contact.
6. Use sticky traps to monitor activity in problem areas over time.
7. Consider a pest control professional only if the population is unusually high, since a few centipedes are generally not a sign of a serious problem.

Tools and parts

• Vacuum
• Dehumidifier

When to call a pro

Call a pest control professional if centipede numbers are unusually high, which may point to a larger underlying insect population.

Safety