House centipedes are about 25–40mm long, yellowish-grey with darker stripes, and have 15 pairs of very long legs. They move fast. They look more like a small creature than an insect at first glance, which is part of why they make such a memorable first impression.

They're not insects, technically — they're arthropods related more closely to lobsters than to bugs. They're also predators. Everything about them is built for hunting other small things.

What They Eat

House centipedes are aggressive predators that feed on:

If you have house centipedes, you have a steady supply of one or more of these prey species. Centipedes don't choose your basement randomly — they choose it because there's food.

That makes them an indicator pest. A centipede in the basement is usually telling you something else is happening too.

Are They Dangerous?

Centipedes can bite, but only if directly handled or trapped against skin. The bite is mildly painful for most people — comparable to a wasp sting — and not medically significant for adults. People who are allergic or who get bitten on the face can have stronger reactions and should see a doctor.

In practice, house centipede bites are rare. They prefer to flee from any larger creature, and they move much faster than a human can react.

Why You're Seeing Them in the Basement

Three conditions support centipede populations:

  1. Moisture. They need damp environments and won't thrive in dry basements.
  2. Prey insects. Silverfish, spiders, and other soft-bodied prey are required for them to survive.
  3. Harbourage. Cracks, undisturbed corners, and clutter give them daytime hiding spots.

If your Guelph basement has all three, you have a centipede population. If you address any of the three, the population usually drops.

What Their Presence Often Means

Common reasons centipedes show up in numbers:

Treating the centipedes alone doesn't fix the underlying issue. Addressing what's feeding them does.

What You Can Do Yourself

Start with environmental control:

Most mild centipede issues resolve within a few months of environmental improvements.

When to Call a Pro

Call for professional treatment if:

How Summit Handles Centipedes in Guelph

Tateum's approach typically involves:

  1. Inspection of the basement and lower-level spaces
  2. Identification of prey populations — addressing the underlying issue first
  3. Targeted treatment in centipede harbourage areas
  4. Moisture and exclusion recommendations to prevent recurrence
  5. Follow-up as needed

Most centipede problems in Guelph basements are resolved within 4–6 weeks of treatment combined with environmental changes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are house centipedes a sign of a serious problem?Not necessarily — but they're rarely alone. They follow prey, so their presence usually means other pest activity in the home.

Should I kill a house centipede I see?That's personal preference. Some homeowners are content to let a few centipedes hunt other pests. Most prefer them gone. Either choice is reasonable.

Can centipedes live in walls?Yes. They use wall voids as daytime hiding spots, especially in older homes with hollow walls or in basements with extensive ductwork.

Will centipede treatment hurt my dog?No. Professional treatments are targeted and pet-safe when applied correctly. We'll explain any short-term precautions.

Treat the Cause, Not Just the Critter

House centipedes are usually a symptom of something else — silverfish, spiders, moisture, prey. Solving the underlying issue solves the centipede problem.

Summit Pest Control offers basement pest assessment and treatment across Guelph and surrounding areas.

Call (226) 780-6446 or request a quick estimate today.

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