If you’ve ever flipped on a light in your basement only to see a long, frantic blur of legs scurry across the floor, you’re not alone. Many homeowners are surprised to find basement bugs with lots of legs hiding in dark corners, under storage boxes, or along the walls. In most cases, the mysterious critter you just saw is a basement centipede: A common indoor insect that thrives in cool, damp spaces. 

In this guide, we’ll help you identify the basement centipede insect, which is distinguished by its long legs and the three dark stripes running along the top of its flattened body. We’ll also explain why they end up inside, how they differ from other centipedes, and share a few simple ways to keep them out of your home. 

What Is a Basement Centipede?

A basement centipede (Scutigera coleoptrata), also known as a house centipede, can be identified by its narrow, segmented body and, of course, its many legs. 

Despite their name, centipedes don’t actually have 100 legs. Most species found inside homes have 15 pairs of legs that spread out like a fringe from both sides of the body. Interestingly, centipedes always have an odd number of leg pairs, with each body segment bearing a single pair. 

In their developmental stages, larvae hatch with four pairs of legs and gain additional pairs as they molt, eventually becoming adult centipedes with 15 pairs of legs. They move quickly and are usually a yellowish-gray color with darker bands or stripes.

Homeowners sometimes confuse centipedes with millipedes or even spiders, since all three can show up in basements. The easiest way to tell a basement centipede insect apart is by its speed and extremely long, delicate legs. Millipedes are slower and have shorter legs, and spiders have only eight legs total.

Signs of a Basement Centipede Infestation

Spotting a single house centipede in your basement might not mean you have a full-blown centipede infestation, but there are several signs that can indicate these “hundred leggers” have made themselves at home. 

The most obvious clue is seeing adult centipedes crawling along your basement walls, floors, or ceilings, especially at night, since house centipedes are nocturnal and prefer to hunt in the dark. Another telltale sign of a centipede infestation is an uptick in other pests, such as cockroaches, silverfish, spiders, and small insects. House centipedes feed on these other insects, so if you notice more of these pests in your basement, it could mean house centipedes are nearby. House centipedes live in damp, hidden areas like crawl spaces, under rocks, in potted plants, and among basement clutter, so pay close attention to these spots.

You might also come across evidence of breeding, such as eggs or larvae. House centipede eggs are often laid in soil, under logs, or beneath rocks, especially during the summer. 

If you suspect a centipede infestation, it’s important to act quickly. Check for cracks and crevices in your basement where centipedes might be hiding or entering, and keep an eye out for clusters of eggs or shed skins. 

Why Basement Centipedes Live Indoors

Basements offer the perfect conditions for house centipedes to thrive. They prefer spaces that are:

• Dark
• Cool or slightly humid
• Full of small cracks and hiding spaces
• Home to other insects (their primary food source)

During warm and wet seasons, outdoor centipedes may wander inside through openings in the foundation, cracks near windows and doors, or even drain systems. They are often found crawling along floors and ground levels of a building. Once they discover a basement provides shelter and an easy food supply, they tend to stick around.

Are Basement Centipedes Dangerous?

While house centipedes are generally not a threat to humans, their bite can cause localized pain and swelling, similar to a bee sting, if they inject venom into human skin. However, bites are rare and usually only happen if a centipede is handled or feels threatened.

They may look creepy, but they’re generally harmless to people. In fact, centipedes can actually be helpful because they are predators that prey on and eat spiders, cockroaches, silverfish, ants, and other common indoor pests. But let’s be honest, there are better ways to get rid of pests indoors. 

How to Get Rid of Basement Centipedes

If you’d rather not share your basement with anything that has more than two legs, here’s how to discourage basement centipedes and other basement bugs with lots of legs from moving in:

• Reduce Moisture: Centipedes love damp spaces. They lay their eggs in moist, shaded areas. Controlling moisture and keeping your basement dry can help prevent centipedes from laying eggs and reduce their numbers. Use a dehumidifier, improve ventilation, and repair any leaks around the foundation or plumbing to dry things out.
• Seal Entry Points: Inspect your foundation, basement windows, and exterior walls for cracks or gaps. Seal any openings where bugs might slip in.
• Remove Clutter: Centipedes hide in dark, undisturbed areas. Reducing clutter and regularly cleaning storage spaces will limit their hiding spots.
• Control Other Insects: Because centipedes feed on other bugs, an existing pest issue can attract them. 
• When to Call a Professional: If centipedes are appearing regularly or in large numbers despite your best efforts, it may be time for professional centipede control. A trained technician can identify entry points, eliminate underlying pest issues, and apply safe, targeted treatments.

Trust Insight Pest Solutions for Effective Centipede and Pest Control

If basement centipedes, or any other creepy-crawlies, are making themselves at home in your space, Insight Pest Solutions is here to help. Our team of experienced professionals uses safe, effective, and targeted pest control treatments designed to eliminate existing infestations and prevent future ones. We take the time to thoroughly inspect your home, seal common entry points, and reduce the conditions that attract pests in the first place.

Contact Insight Pest Solutions today for a free quote and let us help you create a pest-free home, from the ground up.