How to Prevent Centipedes in Older Homes

Centipedes aren’t aggressive or dangerous pests, but their quick movements and many legs may still make you shudder. These nocturnal hunters seek out damp, secluded places, which is why they’re often found in basements, bathrooms, and kitchens.

Their presence is a sign your home may be offering the exact conditions they prefer: humidity, shelter, and food.

If centipedes keep appearing, it’s worth looking at why your home is so attractive to them and what changes you can make to keep them away.

Why Do Older Homes Attract Centipedes?

While centipedes may appear in houses of any age, older structures often check more of the boxes. Here are the most common reasons they move in:

• More entry points: Foundations shift and materials wear down over time. Cracks in baseboards, gaps around pipes, and worn-out weatherstripping give centipedes an open invitation.
• Poor ventilation: Older buildings often don’t prioritize airflow, especially in crawl spaces or behind the walls. When air doesn’t flow, moisture builds up, which is perfect for centipedes.
• Damp basements: Basements and crawl spaces in older homes may have exposed soil, unsealed floors, or leaky pipes. These all contribute to high humidity and dark corners that centipedes love.
• Natural prey like spiders and silverfish: Centipedes feed on other small insects. If you’re seeing them, you may also have a hidden population of spiders or silverfish keeping them well-fed.

How to Prevent Centipedes

If your goal is to reduce centipede sightings, start by removing the things that attract them. Small changes to your home’s environment should discourage them from settling in.

Run a Dehumidifier in the Basement

A damp basement is one of the top reasons centipedes stick around. A dehumidifier controls humidity levels, making the space less appealing to them.

Seal Gaps & Cracks

An inspection is step one. Walk through your home and look for cracks along floors, gaps around doors and windows, and entry points where pipes and wires come through the wall.

Use caulk, weatherstripping, or spray foam to seal these openings. Remember, centipedes are tiny, so every gap matters.

Improve Drainage Around the Foundation

Water pooling near the foundation leads to ongoing moisture problems. Grade the soil so water flows away from the house. Clean your gutters regularly and ensure downspouts extend several feet from the foundation.

Good drainage reduces moisture outside as well as in the crawl space or basement.

Clear Out Leaf Piles & Clutter Near the Home’s Perimeter

Leaf litter, mulch, and woodpiles provide great outdoor hiding spots for centipedes. When those materials are close to the home’s foundation, centipedes are just a few scurries away from slipping indoors.

Clear out debris, trim back dense foliage, and avoid stacking firewood directly against the house.

Request Centipede Control from Home Paramount Pest Control

Seeing a centipede on your front porch is tolerable, but seeing one in your shower or kitchen sink is a different story. While centipedes help reduce other insect populations, most people don’t want them darting across the floor at night.

If you’ve tried the preventative measures outlined above and still find centipedes indoors, it’s time to bring in professional help. The certified technicians at Home Paramount Pest Control know how to identify entry points, track moisture issues, and recommend lasting solutions.

Our Premium Green program uses sustainable pest-fighting strategies to minimize chemical exposure and disruption to your home. Whether you opt for green or traditional, all our services are backed by our comprehensive guarantee. We also offer same-day and 24/7 emergency options so you’re not left waiting for help.

Schedule your free inspection today and get personalized tips to keep centipedes out of your home.