
Getting rid of Scutigera coleoptrata, also known as the house centipede, can be a daunting task, but with the right approach, you can prevent and control their presence in your home.
To begin with, understanding the habits of Scutigera coleoptrata is crucial. They are nocturnal insects that are attracted to moisture and humidity, which is why you often find them in damp areas like basements and bathrooms.
Their long, flat bodies allow them to easily squeeze into tiny crevices and cracks, making them a nightmare to eradicate. To prevent them from entering your home, seal all cracks and crevices around windows, doors, and pipes.
By taking these simple steps, you can significantly reduce the chances of Scutigera coleoptrata infestation in your home.
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What is Scutigera Coleoptrata?
Scutigera Coleoptrata, also known as the house centipede, is a long, flat insect with 15 pairs of legs. It's a common household pest, and you've probably seen one scurrying across your floor.
These insects are nocturnal, meaning they're most active at night, and they feed on small insects, spiders, and other arthropods, making them a beneficial presence in the home. However, their presence can be unsettling.
Scutigera Coleoptrata can grow up to 2 inches in length and have a distinctive, elongated body shape. They're often mistaken for spiders due to their long, thin appearance.
House centipedes are attracted to moisture and humidity, which is why you might find them in damp areas of your home, such as basements or bathrooms.
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Why Are They in My Home?
House centipedes are often unwanted guests in our homes, but have you ever wondered why they're there in the first place? They thrive in areas with high humidity and access to prey, which is why you might find them in damp spaces like basements, bathrooms, and under sinks.
If you have a persistent water issue, such as a leaky pipe or poorly sealed fixture, it's no wonder you've got house centipedes. These dark, undisturbed areas provide the perfect environment for them to stay hidden and active.
House centipedes are attracted to food, specifically household pests like cockroaches, spiders, and silverfish. If these pests are present in your home, it's likely that house centipedes will follow. Their activity can be a sign of a broader pest issue that needs to be addressed.
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Typical Behavior and Ecology
House centipedes are nocturnal, which means they're most active at night. They're not typically seen during the day, so you might not even notice they're there.
They thrive in dark, damp areas like basements, bathrooms, or spaces under sinks, where their preferred prey is abundant. They use their barbed legs to quickly capture and subdue prey.
House centipedes can live for more than a year, which is considered long among arthropods. They're able to live a full life without being disturbed, eating insects and living life on the bottom floor of a building.
During the colder winter months, house centipedes enter dormancy, seeking shelter in protected environments like beneath rocks or logs. Their activity resumes in the spring as temperatures rise.
House centipedes are carnivorous and feed on many types of small household pests, including spiders, flies, cockroaches, and more. They have poor eyesight, so they detect their prey through their antennae.
They're highly beneficial to have around, preying on unwanted pests like cockroaches, spiders, and bed bugs.
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Common Causes and Habitats

House centipedes thrive in areas with high humidity and access to prey, such as basements, bathrooms, and spaces under sinks. Persistent water issues like leaky pipes or poorly sealed fixtures create damp environments where they can remain hidden and active.
They prey on household pests like cockroaches, spiders, and silverfish, so if these pests are present in your home, house centipedes are likely to follow. Their activity is often a sign of a broader pest issue that should be addressed.
House centipedes are most active in dark, damp areas, which is why you might find them in basements, bathrooms, or spaces under sinks. They're nocturnal, so they're most active at night.
During colder months, house centipedes move indoors to escape harsh weather and seek warmth and moisture in dark, undisturbed spaces like crawl spaces, basements, and behind furniture.
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How They Get In
House centipedes can sneak into your home through various means, and understanding these entry points is key to preventing infestations. They're attracted to moisture, which often leads them to areas with high humidity levels.

Basements, bathrooms, kitchens, and crawl spaces are common entry points due to their high humidity levels. These areas create ideal breeding grounds for centipedes.
Food sources, such as cockroaches, silverfish, and ants, can also invite house centipedes into your home. If you have a pest problem, it's likely to attract centipedes.
Warmth is another factor that drives centipedes indoors during colder months. They seek out cozy spots to escape the chill.
Cluttered areas, like piles of cardboard boxes and papers, provide hiding spots for centipedes and their prey. These messy areas can become a magnet for centipedes.
Here are some common entry points for house centipedes:
- Moist areas with high humidity levels (basements, bathrooms, kitchens, crawl spaces)
- Areas with food sources (cockroaches, silverfish, ants)
- Warm spots (during colder months)
- Cluttered areas (cardboard boxes, papers, debris)
Signs of Infestation
Signs of infestation can be subtle, but they're a good indication that you have a House Centipede problem. Centipedes typically leave no direct evidence other than being spotted in a sink or tub.
They're often seen quickly running across floors or climbing on walls and ceilings.
Prevention and Removal
Prevention is key when it comes to keeping scutigera coleoptrata, also known as house centipedes, out of your home. To prevent them from invading your space, seal entry points around doors and windows, paying attention to door sweeps that fit snugly between the door and the ground.
House centipedes can easily slip through small openings, so make sure to inspect your home for gaps and repair or replace them promptly. Regularly check window and door screens for holes or tears and repair or replace them as needed.
A clean and tidy yard can also help deter house centipedes. Keep your yard clear of outdoor debris such as piles of wood, leaves, or clutter around your home's exterior, and seal any cracks or crevices in your foundation with high-quality caulk.
Prevention Tips
Preventing house centipedes from taking up residence in your home is a crucial step in maintaining a pest-free environment. To deter these creatures, it's essential to seal entry points, as they can easily slip through small openings.

Seal gaps around doors and windows, paying particular attention to door sweeps. Make sure door sweeps are intact and fit snugly between the door and the ground. If you spot any holes or gaps, promptly repair or replace them to prevent easy access for these pests.
Regularly inspect and repair screens, as house centipedes often gain entry through damaged window and door screens. By maintaining your screens, you create a barrier that effectively keeps house centipedes and other pests at bay.
The foundation of your home can be another potential entry point for house centipedes. Inspect the foundation for cracks and crevices, and seal these openings with high-quality caulk to block any potential entryways.
To reduce the opportunities for house centipedes to seek refuge and warmth near your home, keep your yard clear of outdoor debris such as piles of wood, leaves, or clutter.
Here are some effective tips to help you deter house centipedes from setting up residence in your living space:
- Seal entry points
- Inspect and repair screens
- Check your foundation
- Keep your yard clear
By implementing these house centipede prevention tips, you create an environment that is less appealing to these pests.
Call the Professionals
If you've tried all the DIY methods and still can't shake off the house centipedes, it's time to consider calling in the professionals.
Family Handyman notes that a welcoming atmosphere for house centipedes means plenty of food and a dark, damp place to nest.
Calling professional exterminators is a good idea when you've done everything suggested, but nothing is working.
My Move agrees that if you're seeing plenty of other creepy crawlies like spiders, it means house centipedes have a steady food supply, and they'll keep coming back.
Landmark Home Warranty points out that if you see centipedes everywhere, there's likely a bigger problem at play.
If you've tried all other options and still have a centipede infestation, a professional will know the proper techniques to get rid of them for good.
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Removal Methods
You can humanely remove house centipedes by catching them in a jar or cup, just like you would an eight-legged nuisance. This method is suggested by Bob Vila.

House centipedes are nocturnal creatures, so you may not see them during the day. However, they can move extremely fast, at a speed of 1.3 feet per second, making them quick to scurry away and hide.
If you catch a house centipede, you can release it far away from your home to prevent it from re-entering. This is a good option if you want to avoid killing the centipede.
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Humanely Remove
House centipedes are nocturnal creatures, which means you won't see them during the day, but they're still there. They can move extremely fast, reaching speeds of 1.3 feet per second.
You can catch house centipedes the same way you would an eight-legged nuisance: in a jar or cup. Quickly slide a piece of paper to cover the top, keeping them trapped.
If you catch a centipede, you can take it outside by releasing it far away from your home. This will prevent it from re-entering your home.
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Exterminators Near You
If you're noticing a lot of house centipedes in your home, it's likely because they're attracted to other pest insects that live there.
House centipedes can become a nuisance, especially in cities like Sacramento.
You can contact Official Pest Prevention for professional help to get rid of both the centipedes and the underlying pest problem.
They're equipped to handle infestations in both commercial and residential areas.
Official Pest Prevention can help you say goodbye to those pesky bugs.
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Home Maintenance
Maintaining a tidy yard is key to keeping house centipedes out. Keep your grass trimmed to a reasonable length to discourage them from taking up residence.
Proper yard maintenance involves clearing away fallen leaves and removing piles of wood or debris close to your home's foundation. This will help prevent centipedes from using these areas as hiding spots.
Clearing debris from around the perimeter of your home is a must. Leaves, dirt, grass clippings, and weeds all provide shelter for house centipedes, so get rid of them.
Lowering the humidity levels in your home can also help deter house centipedes. Using a dehumidifier in warmer months is a good idea, especially in areas prone to moisture like the basement and attic.
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