You might need professional centipede control if you keep seeing centipedes indoors after reducing moisture and clutter, if they show up in several rooms, or if you also see the insects they hunt, such as silverfish and cockroaches. Centipedes themselves rarely cause harm, but frequent sightings usually point to dampness and a supply of other pests that are worth fixing. Saela Pest Control, a residential and commercial pest control company based in Orem, Utah, provides the best centipede control for homes and businesses, with an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. Below is what centipedes indicate, where DIY falls short and what a professional program involves.
What centipedes in the house tell you
Centipedes are fast, many-legged arthropods that hunt other small pests, and they gather where it is damp and dark. University of California guidance notes that centipedes are usually found in damp, dark places and come out at night to look for insects to eat. Penn State Extension lists the house centipede’s prey as silverfish, firebrats, carpet beetle larvae, cockroaches, spiders and other small arthropods. So regular sightings usually mean two things: moisture, and other pests for the centipedes to feed on.
Why DIY centipede control often falls short
Many homeowners start with sprays or sticky traps, and those can catch a few centipedes without changing why they’re there. DIY efforts tend to fall short for a few reasons:
- Store-bought sprays reach only the centipedes they hit, not the ones hiding in cracks, wall voids or crawl spaces
- Hiding spots such as concrete slab cracks, block walls and floor drains are hard to find and reach
- Moisture problems and the insects centipedes eat are often left unaddressed
- Using pesticides in the wrong places, or more than the label allows, adds risk without solving the problem
UC guidance notes that pesticide use is rarely justified for centipedes, because moisture control and sealing usually do more. A professional inspection helps when you’ve tried those steps and still see centipedes; Saela’s centipede control service starts with finding where they’re coming from.
Benefits of professional centipede control
The main benefit of professional centipede control is a plan that addresses moisture, entry points and prey, rather than only the centipedes you can see. A trained technician adds identification, a full inspection, targeted treatment where it is needed and prevention advice that keeps the home less inviting over time.
1. Identification and experience
A technician confirms the pest is a centipede, not a millipede or another look-alike, and identifies the insects that are feeding it. Saela’s protocols are developed by Dennis Weiss, Saela’s board-certified entomologist, who also trains its technicians.
2. Targeted treatment methods
When treatment is needed, a professional applies labeled products only where centipedes and their prey are active, such as cracks, crevices and the foundation perimeter. Penn State notes that treatments are applied to sites where centipedes are suspected, such as cracks and crevices, rather than broadcast through living areas.
3. A thorough inspection
A full inspection looks for damp areas, entry points and other pests, which are the real causes of a centipede problem. Every Saela plan includes a 50+ point property inspection covering entry points, structural gaps and basements.
4. A plan that fits the property
Treatment depends on where the moisture and activity are, such as a basement, crawl space, bathroom or slab foundation. Saela’s integrated pest management approach moves through identification, activity monitoring, targeted treatment and evaluation, with adjustments based on the results.
5. Long-term prevention
Lasting control depends on making the home drier and less inviting to centipedes and their prey. Penn State recommends using dehumidifiers, grading soil so water drains away from the foundation, filling cracks in slabs and block walls, and screening basement floor drains.
Signs you need professional centipede control
Occasional centipedes in a basement are normal, but some signs suggest a problem worth a professional look. These are the most common signs it’s time to call a centipede control service:
- Centipedes seen often, or in rooms beyond the basement and bathrooms
- Ongoing moisture, leaks or water damage you haven’t been able to fix
- Other pests centipedes feed on, such as silverfish, cockroaches or spiders
- Continued sightings after DIY sprays, traps and cleanup
- Concern about bites for young children or pets, since UC guidance notes some large centipedes can give a painful bite when provoked
If several of these apply, the cause is usually something an inspection can find. This guide to centipede exterminators explains what to expect from a service visit.
How professional centipede control works
When you hire a pest control company for centipedes, the work usually follows four steps: inspection, a treatment plan, control measures and follow-up visits. Expect the technician to spend as much time on moisture and entry points as on treatment, because those are what keep centipedes coming back.
1. Initial inspection
The technician checks basements, crawl spaces, bathrooms, floor drains and the foundation for damp areas, entry points and signs of other pests, to find where centipedes are living and feeding.
2. Treatment plan
Based on the inspection, the technician recommends a plan that combines moisture fixes, sealing and any targeted treatment needed, and explains which steps are yours, such as running a dehumidifier or fixing a leak.
3. Control measures
Control may include targeted treatment of cracks, crevices and the perimeter, sealing entry points, and advice on reducing moisture with dehumidifiers or better ventilation.
4. Follow-up and monitoring
Follow-up visits check whether activity is dropping and adjust the plan if it isn’t. Saela offers no-charge return visits for covered pests between scheduled services.
How to choose a centipede control service
The right company explains how it will find the cause, puts its service terms in writing and can show its credentials. Check these points when you compare providers:
- State licensing, insurance and third-party accreditation
- Experience with centipedes and the moisture problems behind them
- A targeted approach that uses products only where needed, according to the label
- Recent reviews for the location that would serve your home
- Written terms for return visits, contract length and cancellation
Saela’s Orem headquarters holds an A+ rating and accreditation from the Better Business Bureau, as of October 2026. In a February 2024 Google review, Larry Lansing wrote, “Friendly, good service!”
What professional centipede control costs
There is no single price for centipede control, because it depends on the property, the pests involved and how often visits are scheduled. Saela quotes pest control based on pest type, location, property size, visit frequency and treatment products.
Getting centipedes under control
Centipedes are a sign of moisture and other pests, so the lasting fix is a drier home with fewer insects for them to eat. Start with dehumidifiers, leak repairs and sealing cracks, and call a professional if sightings continue.
A professional plan adds an inspection that finds hidden moisture and entry points, targeted treatment where it is needed and follow-up visits to confirm results. Saela started as Edge Pest Control in 2008 and has completed more than 4 million services since then.
If centipedes keep turning up in your home, book a call to schedule an inspection. On Google, Saela’s Denver, Colorado location is rated 4.8 out of 5 from 495 reviews as of October 2026.
Who wrote this article?
Devin Hutchings (Marketing Director at Saela Pest Control) wrote this article.
Devin leads Saela’s marketing and growth strategy. He brings more than 15 years of marketing experience across Uber, C.R. England, Lugg, and Neighbor. His background spans customer acquisition, retention, and developing marketing channels for service businesses and consumer marketplaces.
