Though relatively harmless, house centipedes can be a nuisance for home owners, especially those who don’t like insects.
Ranging from the length of a pinky finger to the length of the palm of a hand, house centipedes have longer, finer legs than the average centipede and can move very quickly. They typically thrive in damp, moist, dark conditions and are most commonly found in basements, especially ones that have not been water treated or have leaks present in the foundation.
Although house centipedes eat other pests such as spiders, cockroaches, and mites, their appearance is unnerving for some home owners. In order to keep your house centipede population to a minimum, consider:
- Making sure that your basement level is properly sealed and water treated
- Ensuring that there isn’t any mold or mildew in your basement area
- Keeping all storage items tightly sealed
- Setting up insect traps for any unwelcome pests
House centipedes don’t typically pinch, but they can be unpleasant in larger numbers. Make sure that your basement is clean, dry, and that any other property issues involving the basement are immediately dealt with.