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Insects · Pest library
Centipede control in Toronto, the GTA and cottage country
The house centipede is the fast, long legged centipede most Ontario homeowners see. It lives in damp basements and bathrooms and hunts other insects at night.
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How to identify centipedes
Two kinds of centipede turn up indoors.
House centipedes
15 pairs of very long legs and long antennae. Very fast, and often seen on walls and floors at night.
Soil centipedes
Shorter legs and darker bodies. They live outside and sometimes wander into basements.
Signs to look for
- Fast bugs with long legs darting across floors or walls at night
- Centipedes in sinks, tubs and basement drains
- Centipedes in damp basements, laundry rooms and crawl spaces
- Plenty of other insects, which centipedes feed on
Why centipedes come inside
What draws them in
Centipedes need moisture and food. Damp basements give them shelter, and insects like silverfish, spiders and earwigs give them plenty to eat.
Health and home risks
House centipedes aren't considered dangerous. They rarely bite people, and bites are usually mild. Seeing many can point to a moisture problem or other insects in the home.
How we handle centipedes
Inspect damp areas
We look for moisture and the other insects centipedes feed on.
Target where they hide
Treatment placed in cracks, voids and damp areas.
Treat the perimeter
An exterior barrier to stop new centipedes coming in.
Cut their food supply
Treating the insects centipedes hunt, so fewer stay.
Prevention tips
- Run a dehumidifier in damp basements
- Fix leaky pipes and improve drainage near the foundation
- Clear clutter, boxes and leaf litter where they hide
- Seal gaps around basement windows and doors
- Keep mulch pulled back from the foundation
Common questions about centipedes
Are house centipedes dangerous?
No. They rarely bite people, and bites are usually mild. They actually eat other household pests.
Why do I have centipedes?
Usually because of moisture and a supply of other insects to eat. Fixing damp areas and treating the insects they feed on brings numbers down.
Related pests
Reviewed by PestDepart's licensed exterminators. For health concerns, including bites or stings, contact your doctor or local public health unit.