15 Facts About House Centipedes in Kentucky
Pest Expert Matthew S. Hess
07/15/2025
You’re walking to the bathroom in the middle of the night, flip on the light, and BOOM! A long, wriggling blur with what looks like a thousand sprawled legs darts across the floor. You’re not sure what it is, really don’t care what it is, and want it gone… for good! So, you spend the next hour sending messages to every pest control you can find online, hoping just one will call you back as soon as they are in the next morning.
If you’ve ever had that experience, chances are you’ve met a house centipede. These creepy crawlers love the dark corners of Kentucky homes, especially basements, and while they’re not dangerous, they can sure make a lasting impression.
The average Kentuckian knows little to nothing about house centipedes except that they don’t want them in their homes. We have compiled a list of 15 need-to-know facts about centipedes, including why they appear indoors and how to keep them where they belong: outside.
- They’re Not Insects—They’re Arthropods
Even though they get lumped in with “bugs,” centipedes belong to a different group entirely. They’re arthropods, which means they have segmented bodies, jointed legs, and exoskeletons. Not quite insects, not quite worms, but still 100% creepy.
- They Have a Lot of Legs (But Not 100)
Although that middle-of-the-night scare left the impression of a worm with a thousand sprawled-out legs, it’s all in our heads! Despite the name “centipede,” meaning “100 feet,” most house centipedes have 15 pairs of legs or 30 in total. And yes, they move very fast on them.
- They’re Actually Predators
Centipedes don’t eat your food or chew your furniture. Instead, they feed on other pests like spiders, silverfish, termites, and cockroaches. Think of them as tiny bug assassins.
- They Like It Damp and Dark
You’re most likely to spot centipedes in basements, bathrooms, crawl spaces, laundry rooms, and under sinks or anywhere it’s dark, moist, and cool.
- They Can Scare the Life Out of You, But Don’t Bite Often
While they can bite, it’s extremely rare, and their bite isn’t considered dangerous to humans. Most people react with a small red bump or mild irritation if anything.
- They’re Fast Movers
Centipedes are lightning-quick, which is part of what makes them so startling when they dart out from under baseboards or across the floor.
- Kentucky Homes Offer Perfect Conditions
Older homes, homes with basements, and homes near wooded or damp areas provide the perfect environment for centipedes. They come in from outside when temperatures drop, or rain drives them indoors. Kentucky’s humid air helps support their perfect environment.
- They Don’t Reproduce Rapidly Indoors
Unlike roaches or ants, centipedes don’t typically multiply fast inside. But if you’re seeing a lot of them, it could mean they’ve found a comfy place to live, there’s lots of moisture in your home, or there’s a steady supply of other bugs to snack on.
- They’re Nocturnal
Centipedes are night owls. You’re not likely to see them during the day unless you disturb their hiding place or they’re on the hunt. Seeing them regularly during the day is indicative of a heavy infestation or an underlying moisture or pest problem.
- They Hate Dry Air
Centipedes need moisture to survive. That’s why they’re rarely found in warm, dry rooms and why dehumidifiers in basements can really help deter them.
- Their Appearance Is… Unsettling
House centipedes can grow up to 1.5 inches long, with long antennae and even longer legs that fan out like a creepy crown. No judgment if your first instinct is to jump on a chair. But honestly, they are pretty harmless!
- They Can Live for Years
Looking for the perfect pet? Believe it or not, centipedes can live for 3–6 years. That means if you’ve got one hanging around, it could be a long-term houseguest unless you do something about it.
- They Sneak in Through Cracks and Gaps
Centipedes slip in through foundation cracks, under doors, around pipes, and through vents. Once inside, they follow the trail of food (other bugs) and moisture.
- If You’re Seeing Them, You Might Have Other Pests Too
Since centipedes feed on other insects, their presence is often a warning sign that something else is amiss, such as a hidden roach, ant, or spider problem. That means you may need Four Seasons Pest Solutions for a regular pest-prevention routine!
- Professional Help Can Make a Big Difference
While one or two centipedes may not mean an infestation, seeing them regularly or in multiple rooms is a sign that your home is welcoming more than just house guests. A pest control expert here at Four Seasons can locate entry points, reduce attractants, and treat problem areas before things get out of hand.
We’re Here When You Need Us
Although seeing a house centipede or two here and there isn’t a threat, it could indicate other issues within the home, such as moisture or pest infestations. Centipedes may have a job to do in the ecosystem, but that doesn’t mean you want them hanging around your baseboards. If they’ve made themselves at home in your home, Four Seasons Pest Solutions is here to help with customized, science-backed solutions that keep your space safe, dry, and pest-free.
Don’t let centipedes keep catching you off guard, give us a call and we’ll show them the door.
