If you’ve ever turned on a bathroom light at night and seen something fast and leggy dart across the floor—you’re not alone. House centipedes are a common, creepy-crawly problem in many St. Louis homes, and while they might not be dangerous, they’re definitely unsettling.
So why are they showing up in your house? And what can you do about it? Let’s break it down.
What Is a House Centipede?
House centipedes are hard to miss. With their long legs, wiggly bodies, and quick movements, they can look scarier than they actually are.
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Typically 1–1.5 inches long
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Up to 15 pairs of legs
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Yellow-gray body with dark stripes
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Found in basements, bathrooms, crawlspaces, and older homes around St. Louis
These nocturnal hunters aren’t out to get you—they’re chasing something else.
Why Are They in My House?
If you’re seeing house centipedes, it’s usually a sign that your home is offering the perfect environment for them. Here’s what they’re after:
1. Moisture Problems
Centipedes thrive in damp, humid environments.
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Leaky pipes or faucets
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Poor ventilation
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Wet basements or shower areas
In the St. Louis area—especially during spring and fall when humidity levels spike—homes with moisture problems are easy targets.
2. Food Sources (Other Bugs!)
These guys are natural predators. That means if they’re around, they’ve found something to eat—likely:
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Roaches
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Spiders
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Ants
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Silverfish
So if centipedes are making appearances, there’s a good chance you’ve got another pest issue lurking in the background.
3. Entry Points and Shelter
House centipedes slip in through tiny openings and stay for the cozy conditions.
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Cracks in the foundation
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Gaps around windows or doors
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Unsealed drains or vents
Many St. Louis homes—especially older brick or stone houses—are naturally more prone to these gaps.
Are House Centipedes Dangerous?
Here’s the good news: they’re mostly harmless to people.
They don’t spread disease, and they rarely bite (only if handled). But…
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They’re alarming to see
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Their presence means there’s moisture and other pests
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And frankly, no one wants them racing across the bathroom floor
So even if they’re not dangerous, they’re still a pest worth addressing.
How to Prevent and Control House Centipedes
1. Reduce Moisture Indoors
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Use dehumidifiers in basements
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Fix leaky faucets and plumbing
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Run ventilation fans in bathrooms and laundry areas
2. Eliminate Their Food Supply
Target the other bugs they’re feeding on:
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Schedule a general pest control inspection
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Treat for spiders, ants, and roaches
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Keep your home clean and clutter-free
3. Seal Up Entry Points
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Caulk cracks and seal gaps
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Install door sweeps
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Cover open floor drains with fine mesh
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Check windows and baseboards
4. Call STL Pest Control – The Local Experts
We know St. Louis homes inside and out—and we know where house centipedes like to hide. Our trained technicians will:
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Inspect for moisture and pest issues
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Treat for centipedes and their food sources
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Recommend prevention solutions tailored to your home
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Provide safe, affordable, long-term relief
Why St. Louis Homeowners Trust STL Pest Control
Since 1989, we’ve helped families across St. Louis stay protected from unwanted pests. When you choose STL Pest Control, you get:
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A locally owned and operated team
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Experienced, licensed technicians
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Same-day service options
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Honest pricing and no-pressure consultations
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Membership in the Greater St. Louis Pest Control Association
We don’t just remove pests—we restore your peace of mind.
Don’t Let Centipedes Catch You Off Guard—Call Us Today!
If you’re spotting house centipedes in your St. Louis home, don’t wait for it to get worse. Call STL Pest Control now or request your free quote online.
📍 Locally trusted.
🧰 Professionally trained.
🚪 Ready to protect your home.