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Pest Education • DFW Pest Control
Centipede Control in DFW
Centipedes are fast, many-legged hunters that turn up in damp areas. Learn why they appear indoors and how to reduce them.
Family-OwnedVeteran-OwnedSince 2016
Reviewed and updated June 2026
At a Glance
Centipedes are moisture-loving predators that hunt other insects. Reducing humidity and their prey keeps them out of living spaces.
Quick Facts
- Look: Flattened, many legs, fast-moving
- Lives: Damp areas: baths, basements, crawl spaces
- Eats: Other insects and spiders
- Concern: Can pinch/bite if handled; mostly a nuisance
What Are Centipedes?
Centipedes are flattened, fast-moving arthropods with many legs that hunt insects and spiders. The house centipede, with very long legs, is the one most often seen indoors.
They need moisture and hide in damp spots such as bathrooms, basements, crawl spaces, and under objects outdoors.
How to Control Centipedes
Because centipedes follow both moisture and prey, control reduces humidity, removes harborage, and lowers the insect populations they hunt.
- Lower humidity with ventilation and dehumidifiers.
- Clear debris, leaf litter, and clutter near and inside the home.
- Seal cracks, gaps, and door sweeps to limit entry.
- Reduce other insects so centipedes have less to hunt.
Treat the Source
Match the approach to the pest and conditions, not just the ones you see.
Explore services →Prevent Return
Reduce moisture, food, and entry points so the problem does not come back.
Request an estimate →Treatments are selected and applied per their labels. Tell us about children, pets, edible gardens, beehives, and other sensitive areas before service, and follow all preparation and re-entry instructions. More on pet- and pollinator-conscious treatment →
Common Questions
Do centipedes bite?
Larger centipedes can pinch or bite if handled, which may sting, but the common house centipede rarely harms people and is mostly a startling nuisance.
Why do I see centipedes in the bathroom?
They seek moisture and prey. Damp bathrooms, basements, and crawl spaces offer both, so reducing humidity helps the most.
How do I get rid of centipedes?
Reduce moisture and clutter, seal entry points, and lower the insect prey they feed on. Drying out harborage areas is the key step.
Sources & Further Reading
Guidance changes over time. Follow current product labels and local recommendations. This page is educational and is not medical advice.
Need Help With Centipedes?
Call or email for a free estimate. We’ll recommend an approach that fits your property.