House centipedes are the long, fast-moving, multi-legged insects that startle Chicagoans in basements and bathrooms. They're predators — feeding on cockroaches, silverfish, spiders, and other pests — so their presence often signals an underlying pest problem.
What Do House Centipedes Look Like?
House centipedes are 1 to 1.5 inches long, yellowish-gray with three dark stripes running lengthwise, and have up to 15 pairs of remarkably long legs that make them look much larger than they are. They move with startling speed.
Where Do House Centipedes Hide?
House centipedes hide in cool, damp, dark places — basements, crawl spaces, bathrooms, laundry rooms, behind baseboards, and in storage areas. They hunt at night and are rarely seen during the day.
Signs of a House Centipede Infestation
Seeing a fast multi-legged insect dart across a basement floor or up a wall; presence of other pest activity (cockroaches, silverfish) that centipedes feed on; and shed exoskeletons in damp corners.
Health Risks of House Centipedes
House centipedes can bite if directly handled, causing pain similar to a bee sting, but they're not aggressive and bites are rare. They're actually beneficial in that they reduce populations of other indoor pests — but most homeowners still want them gone.
How Sleep Tight Treats House Centipedes in Chicago
Sleep Tight treats centipedes by addressing the underlying pest population they're feeding on, reducing moisture in basements and crawl spaces, and applying targeted crack-and-crevice residuals to harborage areas. Eliminate the food source and centipedes leave on their own.
Need help with house centipedes in Chicago?
Sleep Tight Pest Control offers same-day chicago general pest control across every Chicago neighborhood and suburb. Call (773) 240-5932 or get a free quote online.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are house centipedes dangerous?
Not really — they can deliver a painful bite if directly handled, but they avoid people and rarely bite. They're not toxic.
Why are they in my basement?
House centipedes follow moisture and food (other insects). A damp basement with cockroaches, silverfish, or spiders is ideal habitat.
Should I leave them alone since they eat other pests?
If you can tolerate them, they're beneficial. Most Chicago homeowners want them gone anyway — Sleep Tight can treat for them while also addressing the underlying pest population.
How do I keep them out?
Reduce basement humidity (a dehumidifier helps), seal foundation cracks, and address any underlying cockroach or silverfish problem.