House Centipede Canada: Learn How to Identify, Control, and Prevent Infestations

While most Canadians fear spiders, few realize house centipedes—though not true centipedes—often spark equal unease. Found in basements, bathrooms, and damp corners, these fast-moving creatures are misunderstood pests that rarely harm people but signal underlying moisture issues.

House centipedes (Scutigera coleoptrata) are long, flat-bodied arthropods with 15 pairs of legs and distinctive pincer-like forelegs. Despite their intimidating appearance, they feed on small pests like mosquitoes and cockroaches, making them occasional allies in natural pest control—though their presence often reflects damp, untidy environments that should be corrected.

Seeing a single house centipede may seem minor, but repeated sightings indicate moisture buildup and food sources. Look for shed exoskeletons, dark trails, or droppings near baseboards, under sinks, or in damp corners. While they don’t bite or spread disease, their rapid movement and sudden appearances can cause anxiety—especially for those sensitive to pests.

Managing house centipedes starts with eliminating their preferred habitats: reduce humidity with dehumidifiers, seal cracks, and fix leaky pipes. Seal entry points around windows and doors, and remove clutter, piles of wood, or debris where they hide. Light traps and natural repellents like diatomaceous earth or essential oils may deter them, but addressing moisture and sanitation is key to long-term prevention.

House centipedes in Canada are more beneficial than feared—controlling pests while signaling environmental imbalances. By improving humidity, sealing entry points, and removing hiding spots, homeowners can safely reduce their presence. For persistent issues, professional pest control ensures effective, lasting results—keeping your home safe, dry, and centipede-free.

Centipedes are predators, carnivores with over 3,300 species of centipedes in the world and around 70 in Canada. Scutigera coleoptrata, the common house centipede, is greyish or brownish, flat, and 25. Learn the different types of centipedes in Canada, AND how to identify them.

How many of these species have YOU seen before? The house centipede's bite will not cause any serious harm to pets like dogs and cats. Sowbugs and pillbugs can sometimes enter damp areas of your house in large numbers.

However, they do not bite, sting, or transmit diseases, and they don't infest food, clothing, or wood. Learn why you may wish to peacefully coexist with house centipedes-and what to do if you can't bear sharing quarters with creepy crawlies. Information about centipede control and removal, including facts, identification & behavior.

For fast, professional pest control call Orkin Canada today. Although approximately 70 different species of centipedes can be found in Canada, there is only one commonly found in Ontario basements - the house centipede (scutigera coleoptrata). Hailing originally from Mexico, house centipedes are one of the most common centipedes in North America.

They are nocturnal, will avoid light and can bite. Natural repellents and home remedies can help prevent millipede and centipede infestations, while chemical control methods should be used cautiously. Professional pest control services like Provincial Pest Control offer effective solutions for centipede and millipede removal in Canada, providing customized treatments and advice.

Centipedes can enter your home easily and for many reasons. Learn how to exterminate centipedes once and for all! Get more tips from the pest experts now! Learn about the house centipede's distinctive appearance and behavior, and how to differentiate it from other insects.

Centipede Extermination Ontario What is a Centipede? Centipedes are sometimes called house centipedes or "hundred-leggers" because of their many pairs of legs. They are widely distributed throughout most of Canada, the United States and the world. Centipedes are rarely seen by humans due to their nocturnal activity and the speed at which.