House Centipede

House centipedes are yellowish-gray with dark stripes and 15 pairs of long, banded legs, allowing for rapid movement. They can grow up to 1-1.5 inches long and have a pair of long, thread-like antennae. Their many legs distinguish them from other common household pests.

Spotting one or two house centipedes isn't usually cause for alarm, but frequent sightings may indicate a larger population and an underlying moisture problem. Look for them in damp areas like bathrooms, basements, and crawl spaces, as well as under rocks and debris near the foundation of your Myrtle Beach home. They hunt other insects, so their presence can indicate other pest issues.

MBPC provides targeted treatments to reduce house centipede populations, focusing on addressing underlying moisture issues and eliminating their food sources. Our licensed technicians can apply residual insecticides in cracks and crevices where they harbor, following all SC Department of Pesticide Regulation guidelines. We also offer preventative measures to help keep these pests out of your Grand Strand home.

Reduce moisture in and around your Myrtle Beach home by fixing leaky pipes and improving ventilation in crawl spaces and basements. Seal cracks and crevices in the foundation and around windows and doors to prevent entry. Clear away leaf litter, mulch, and other debris from around the perimeter of your home to eliminate potential harborage sites.

House centipedes thrive in the humid subtropical climate of coastal South Carolina, seeking shelter in damp, dark places. They are commonly found in basements, crawl spaces, and bathrooms, as well as under rocks, logs, and mulch around the foundation of homes along the Grand Strand. Their preference for moisture makes them common in areas with poor drainage or high humidity.

Peak activity: Year-Round