How to Get Rid of Centipedes

Don’t panic if you find centipedes at home! The Ultimate 2025 Guide to Extermination: From Prevention to Emergency Response in One Step. Whenever centipedes appear in bathrooms, closets, or corners, many people panic at the sight of their many legs and potential toxicity. As common household “uninvited guests,” centipedes rarely attack humans. Yet their frequent presence undermines our sense of security. This guide explores why centipedes invade homes, detailing 12 practical elimination methods across 3 categories, long-term prevention strategies, and emergency treatment for bites—helping you eliminate centipede troubles once and for all.​

I. First Understand: Why Are Centipedes “Invading” Your Home?

To effectively eliminate centipedes, first identify the core reason for their invasion—your home environment meets their survival needs. As nocturnal, moisture-loving, and dark-preferring arthropods, centipedes enter homes primarily based on these three conditions. Targeted avoidance at the source can reduce invasions:

1. Moist Environments: Centipedes’ “Breeding Ground”​

Centipedes breathe through pores on their exoskeleton. Dry conditions cause rapid moisture loss, making areas with humidity above 60% particularly appealing. In homes, these zones include:​

Bathrooms: Standing water after showers, damp floor drains, seepage through tile grout;​

Kitchens: Leaking pipes under sinks, unsealed trash cans leaving residual moisture;

Balconies/Windowsills: Standing water in plant pot bases, curtains left damp and un-air-dried for extended periods;

Basements/Storage Rooms: Poor ventilation, damp floors—especially prone to centipede breeding during rainy seasons.

2. Abundant Food Supply: A Centipede’s “Feeding Paradise”

Centipedes prey on small insects (such as cockroaches, mosquitoes, moth larvae, spiders, etc.). A high insect population in your home indirectly attracts centipedes to “visit for a meal.” Common food sources include:

Kitchen food scraps and unsealed rice bins/flour containers that harbor rice weevils and cockroaches;

Balcony plants left uncleaned, where decaying leaves attract moths to lay eggs;

Wardrobes and bookshelves neglected for long periods, where accumulated dust breeds clothes moth larvae;

Outdoor weeds near doors and windows, allowing insects to enter the home and become a “prey pool” for centipedes.

3. Entry Gaps: Centipede “Invasion Routes”

Centipedes have flat bodies (adult few-spined centipedes are only 1-2 cm wide), enabling them to squeeze through tiny gaps into homes. Common entry points include:

Door/window gaps: Worn door thresholds, deteriorated window seals;

Pipe connections: Spaces between air conditioner ducts, water heater vents, and walls;

Wall cracks: Moisture-induced wall fissures, gaps between baseboards and flooring;

Drain openings: Uncovered drains without screens or mosquito guards allow centipedes to crawl through pipes.​

II. 3 Major Categories, 12 Methods: Scientifically Eliminating Centipedes That Have Entered Your Home

Upon discovering centipedes, remain calm and select an appropriate method based on “safety level” and “elimination efficiency.” Prioritize physical removal (no chemical contamination, ideal for households with elderly, children, or pets), followed by chemical removal (rapid results, but use with caution), and finally natural repellents (environmentally friendly and gentle, suitable for minor infestations).​

Category 1: Physical Removal — Safe and Non-Irritating, Suitable for the Whole Family

1. Manual Capture Method (Suitable for Single or Few Centipedes)

If you find 1-2 centipedes, use tools for quick removal to avoid direct contact:

Tools needed: Long-handled tweezers (15 cm or longer), sealed plastic bottle, paper towels;

Procedure: Approach the centipede slowly and quietly (avoid startling it—centipedes move at approx. 10 cm/sec). Use tweezers to grasp just behind the head (to avoid venom gland contact), place it in a plastic bottle with a small amount of water, seal the lid tightly, and store in the freezer compartment (centipede will die after 1 hour). Dispose of in a sealed trash bin.

Precautions: Never handle directly with bare hands. If tweezers are short, wear disposable gloves to prevent venom from adhering to skin.

2. Sticky Trap Method (Suitable for multiple scattered centipedes)

Leverage centipedes’ tendency to crawl along walls by creating an “interception net” with sticky traps, particularly effective for nighttime capture:

Key Selection: Choose large sticky traps (20×15 cm or larger) with strong adhesive and attractants (e.g., cockroach bait).

Placement Locations: Bathroom corners, under kitchen sinks, wardrobe bases, floor areas near doors/windows (where walls meet floor), basement entrances.

Usage Tips: Inspect every 3-5 days. If a centipede is trapped, fold and seal the board before disposal. Apply 1-2 drops of honey along the edges to enhance insect attraction and indirectly lure centipedes.

3. Bright Light Method (for temporary repelling)

Centipedes dislike light. Use intense illumination to temporarily drive them away, buying time for further action:

Tools: Flashlight (high-intensity mode), desk lamp (portable type)

Scenario: When spotting a centipede moving on walls or floors at night, shine a strong light continuously on its body. The centipede will instinctively flee to dark corners to avoid light. Use sticky traps or tweezers to capture it at this moment.

Note: This method provides only temporary deterrence and does not eliminate the centipede. It must be used in conjunction with other methods.

4. High-Temperature Eradication Method (Suitable for Centipedes in Crevices)

If the centipede hides in concealed areas like tile grout or door gaps, use high temperatures to destroy its habitat:

Tools Required: Hair dryer (hot air setting), steam cleaner

Procedure: Aim the hairdryer’s hot air at the crevice for 3-5 minutes (set temperature above 50°C to avoid scorching walls). The heat will dehydrate centipedes, causing them to flee—then capture them with tweezers. For deep crevices, use a steam cleaner to inject high-temperature steam, which both kills centipedes and removes eggs and insects from the gaps.

Suitable Areas: Bathroom tile crevices, kitchen cabinet corners, wardrobe sliding track gaps.​

Category 2: Chemical Repellents — Fast-acting, but take precautions

5. Contact-action insecticides (suitable for moderate infestations)

Select insecticides targeting myriapods that work by contact with the centipede’s body surface for high efficacy:

Product Selection: Prioritize insecticides containing “permethrin” or ‘cypermethrin’ (e.g., Radar or Gunner’s “Crawling Insect Special Edition”). Avoid sprays designed solely for flying insects.

Application Method: Close doors and windows. Spray areas where centipedes frequently appear (wall corners, pipe joints, around floor drains), focusing on crevices (forming a protective film). Leave the room after spraying. Ventilate by opening windows after 30 minutes and wait until the odor dissipates before re-entering.

Safety Tips: Wear a mask and gloves during application. Avoid spraying food, tableware, or children’s toys. If pets are present, remove them from the area and allow entry only after thorough ventilation.

6. Centipede Powder (Suitable for Long-Term Residual Control)

Powder forms a persistent active layer on surfaces. Centipedes come into contact with the powder as they crawl, absorbing it through their exoskeleton and becoming poisoned.

Product Selection: Choose low-toxicity, odorless powder specifically formulated for centipedes (e.g., Bayer Cockroach & Centipede Powder, Pyrethrum Insecticide Powder).

Application Technique: Use a spoon to evenly spread the powder along the inner edges of doors and windows (forming a 5 cm wide band), under kitchen sinks, and at bathroom entrances. Apply a thin layer where the ground is barely visible, avoiding clumps. Reapply every 2 weeks, and re-dust areas exposed to water.

Caution: Keep powder out of reach of children and pets. Place “Caution: Powder” warning signs in treated areas.

7. Foggers / Fumigants (For Severe Infestations)

If numerous centipedes are present (e.g., over 5 found in basements or storage rooms), use smoke bombs for comprehensive extermination.

Product selection: Choose low-toxicity household smoke bombs (e.g., “Chongchong Sha” crawling insect-specific smoke bombs). Determine dosage based on room size (1 bomb per 10 square meters).

Procedure: Close all doors, windows, air conditioning, and gas lines. Place the smoke bomb on a metal tray (away from flammable items). Light it and immediately exit the room. Seal the area for 2-3 hours, then ventilate by opening windows for at least 4 hours.

Contraindications: Avoid use in kitchens or bedrooms (with bedding/clothing), as smoke residue may adhere to fabrics. Do not use in households with pregnant women or asthma sufferers.​

Category Three: Natural Repellents — Eco-Friendly and Gentle, Long-Term Support

8. Plant-Based Repellents (Suitable for Mild Prevention + Repellency)

Certain plant scents irritate centipedes. Plant them indoors or outdoors to create a “natural barrier”:

Recommended Plants:

Mint: Its fresh scent contains volatile essential oils that centipedes dislike. Place potted plants on balconies or windowsills, or cut leaves to place in closets or bathroom corners.

Mugwort: The scent of dried mugwort repels centipedes. Hang bundles inside doors and windows, or make mugwort sachets for storage boxes.

Pyrethrum: Contains pyrethrin, a natural insecticide. Ideal for planting in outdoor flower beds near doors and windows to reduce centipede entry.

Care Tips: Water mint once weekly, avoiding direct sunlight. Regularly air-dry mugwort to maintain its potent scent.

9. Odor Repellent Method (Utilizing Scents Centipedes Dislike)

Apply or place pungent substances to drive centipedes away. Common effective scents include:

White Vinegar: Its acidic scent irritates centipede senses. Dilute white vinegar 1:1 with water in a spray bottle. Apply to door/window crevices, corners, and drain areas 2-3 times weekly, especially after rain.

Camphor balls: Opt for natural camphor balls (avoid synthetic ones with harsh odors). Wrap them in gauze and place at the bottom of wardrobes, bookshelves, or flower pots. Replace every 2 months. Note: Camphor scent may affect pregnant women and newborns; avoid use in such households.

Chili Pepper Water: Boil dried chili peppers in water (500 ml water + 100 g dried chili peppers). Let cool, strain, and transfer to a spray bottle. Spray in areas where centipedes frequently appear. Capsaicin irritates the centipede’s exoskeleton, achieving a repellent effect.

10. Diatomaceous Earth Repellent (Eco-Friendly Physical Barrier)

Food-grade diatomaceous earth (powder form) is harmless to humans but causes centipedes to dehydrate and die by scratching their exoskeleton.

Product Selection: Choose diatomaceous earth labeled “food-grade” (e.g., Hawick Food-Grade Diatomaceous Earth). Avoid industrial-grade diatomaceous earth (contains impurities).

Usage: Sprinkle diatomaceous earth around balcony flower pots, bathroom entrances, and under kitchen sinks to form a 1-2 cm wide powder barrier. When centipedes traverse this area, their waxy cuticle is abraded by the diatomaceous earth, leading to dehydration and death within 24-48 hours.

Avantages : Odorless and non-toxic, suitable for households with pets (e.g., cats, dogs). Accidental ingestion of small amounts poses no harm to pets.​

Supplement: Special Scenario Extermination Techniques

11. Centipedes in Wardrobes/Bookshelves: Drying Repellent Method

Centipedes in wardrobes often result from moisture or clothes moth larvae. Treatment steps:

Étape 1 : Empty the wardrobe and lay all garments out in direct sunlight for 4-6 hours (sunlight kills larvae while drying clothes).

Étape 2 : Vacuum dust and insect eggs from wardrobe corners, then spray interior surfaces with white vinegar solution;

Étape 3 : Place 2-3 packets of desiccant (e.g., silica gel) or hang a bundle of dried mint to maintain dryness.

12. Centipedes under bathroom/kitchen sinks: Pipe sealing + cleaning

The area under sinks is a high-frequency centipede hotspot, requiring a two-pronged approach:

Pipe treatment: Check pipes for leaks and replace worn seals; install a drain trap with a mesh filter over the sink drain to prevent centipedes from crawling up the pipes.

Cleaning & Disinfection: Weekly scrub the floor under the sink with baking soda + white vinegar (baking soda removes grease, vinegar kills bacteria and repels pests), then dry thoroughly with a cloth to maintain dryness.

Place sticky traps: Apply 1-2 sticky traps to the floor under the sink, checking and replacing them regularly.​

III. Long-Term Prevention: 6 Key Strategies to Keep Centipedes “Daring Not to Come, Unable to Enter”​

After eliminating existing centipedes, failure to implement preventive measures may lead to reinfestation. Establish a long-term defense system by addressing three aspects: “improving the environment, blocking entry points, and reducing food sources”:​

1. Control Humidity: Destroy the centipede’s habitat​

Daily Ventilation: Open windows for 2-3 hours daily (especially in bathrooms and kitchens). Use a dehumidifier during rainy seasons to maintain indoor humidity below 50%.

Water pooling management: Use squeegees to clear bathroom floor water after showers; promptly wipe dry kitchen sinks after use; place drainage trays under plant pots to prevent water accumulation.

Moisture-prone area treatment: Seal bathroom tile grout with waterproof sealant; place industrial dehumidifying bags in basements/storage rooms, replacing monthly.

2. Seal Gaps: Block centipede entry points

Door/Window Sealing: Replace worn weatherstripping on doors and windows. Install dust-proof strips under wooden doors (gaps under 0.5 cm block centipedes). Add window screens, especially when lights are on at night.

Seal pipes: Fill gaps between AC unit pipes, water heater exhaust pipes, and walls with fireproof putty or sealant; seal gas/water pipe joints where they meet the floor with silicone caulk.

Repair walls: Promptly patch wall cracks and loose baseboards with spackling compound; install mesh filters (pore size < 1 mm) over balcony/window drain holes.

3. Eliminate Food Sources: Starve centipedes of sustenance

Kitchen Management: Store all food in airtight containers (use containers with silicone seals for rice bins and flour jars). Use covered trash bins and empty them daily. Wipe away food crumbs around stovetops and sinks promptly with a cloth.

Indoor Cleaning: Conduct deep cleaning weekly, focusing on dust and fallen leaves under wardrobes, bookshelves, and sofas. Regularly wash curtains and carpets to prevent insect breeding.

Outdoor Cleaning: Trim weeds around doors and windows. Remove dead leaves and decaying organic matter from balcony planters. Empty outdoor trash bins regularly to avoid attracting insects indoors.

4. Regular Inspections: Early Detection, Early Action

Inspection Frequency: Weekly checks of centipede hotspots (bathrooms, under kitchen sinks, balcony planters, basements).

Key Areas: Look for centipede droppings (tiny black pellets) and molted skins (white translucent shells) on floors. These indicate potential centipede activity. ​

Immediate Action: Upon finding minor traces, promptly place sticky traps or spray white vinegar to prevent population growth.​

5. Outdoor Protection: Establish the “First Line of Defense”​

Yard/Balcony Measures: Avoid densely planted outdoor flower beds and regularly clear fallen leaves. Apply a layer of diatomaceous earth or centipede powder near doors/windows (creating a protective barrier);​

Light Control: Minimize outdoor lighting at night (e.g., balcony/garden lights). If lighting is necessary, switch to yellow LED bulbs (less attractive to insects, indirectly reducing centipede activity).

Pet Waste Removal: Promptly clean up outdoor pet waste to avoid attracting insects and centipedes.

6. Seasonal Prevention: Targeted Measures for Peak Periods

Spring: Centipedes emerge from hibernation. Focus on sealing door/window gaps, clearing indoor/outdoor weeds, and placing sticky traps.

Summer: High humidity boosts centipede activity. Increase dehumidification, spray white vinegar weekly for repellency, and regularly clean kitchens.

Fall: Centipedes gather food for winter hibernation. Thoroughly eliminate indoor insects, seal pipe gaps, and prevent centipedes from entering homes to overwinter.

Winter: Centipedes hibernate. Focus inspections on basements and storage areas. Maintain dry conditions; frequent repellents are unnecessary, but remove food residues.​

IV. Emergency Response: What to Do After a Centipede Bite?​

Although the common household centipede (Scolopendra subspinipes) has relatively weak venom (only slightly stronger than a bee sting), bites can still cause localized pain and swelling. Some individuals may experience allergic reactions. Follow this tiered approach: “Mild Care – Moderate Medical Attention – Severe Emergency Treatment”.​

1. Mild Bite (Localized redness/swelling and pain only, no systemic symptoms)

Étape 1 : Rinse the wound: Flush the wound repeatedly with running water or soapy water for 5-10 minutes to reduce venom residue.

Étape 2 : Apply cold compresses for pain relief: Place an ice pack (wrapped in a towel to prevent frostbite) on the wound for 15 minutes at a time, repeating every hour to reduce swelling and pain.

Étape 3 : Disinfect and protect: Clean the wound with povidone-iodine or medical alcohol. Avoid scratching to prevent infection. If pain is significant, apply calamine lotion or menthol ointment (to relieve itching and pain).

2. Moderate Bite (Seek Immediate Medical Attention if These Symptoms Occur)

If any of the following occur within 1-2 hours after the bite, indicating a possible moderate reaction, go to the hospital emergency department:

– Wound redness and swelling spreads beyond 5 cm, pain intensifies, blisters form;

Local numbness or itching spreading to limbs;

Mild dizziness, nausea, or fatigue without breathing difficulties.

3. Severe Bites (Anaphylactic Shock Warning, Require Immediate Emergency Care)

Extremely rare cases of centipede venom allergy may cause anaphylactic shock. Immediately call 120 and administer first aid.

Typical symptoms: Breathing difficulties, laryngeal edema, hoarseness, widespread rash, dropping blood pressure, confusion;

Emergency steps: Lay victim flat with head turned to one side (to prevent airway blockage by vomit), loosen collar, ensure airway remains open; If cardiac arrest occurs, immediately perform CPR (chest compressions + rescue breathing) until emergency personnel arrive.

Note: Avoid these common misconceptions!

Misconception 1: Sucking out venom with your mouth: Oral mucosa may absorb venom, causing poisoning.

Misconception 2: Applying toothpaste/soy sauce: No scientific basis; may clog pores and worsen infection.

Misconception 3: Self-administering antibiotics: Requires medical assessment for infection; avoid drug misuse.​

V. Summary: Core Logic for Centipede Removal

When facing centipede infestations in the home, the core logic is “prevention first, removal as backup, emergency measures as last resort”:

First, improve the environment (control humidity, remove food sources, seal cracks) to make centipedes “unwilling to come, unable to enter”; If they have already invaded, prioritize safe physical removal methods first, then supplement with chemical or natural methods as needed; finally, ensure emergency treatment for bites to safeguard your family’s safety.

By following the methods outlined in this article, you can significantly reduce centipede populations within 1-2 weeks and achieve complete eradication within one month. With long-term prevention, the recurrence rate remains below 5%. For severe infestations or ineffective home remedies, contact professional pest control companies (PCOs). They employ specialized equipment and chemicals for comprehensive extermination.

Have you dealt with centipede infestations? What methods worked for you? Share your experiences in the comments to help others solve this problem!