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House Centipedes and Millipedes in Delaware: How to Spot Them and Keep Them Out
Long-legged bugs in the bathroom or millipedes by the door? Learn what house centipedes and millipedes are, why they come in, and how Wolfe helps keep them out.
Quick facts
- House centipedes eat insects and spiders.
- Millipedes cause no damage.
- Both are tied to moisture.
- Drying things out and sealing gaps beats heavy spraying.
What they look likeSignsAre they dangerous?How we treat themPreventionFAQ
What do they look like?
House centipedes are about 1 inch long and gray, with very long legs, one pair per body segment, and long antennae. You'll usually find them in bathrooms, damp basements, and closets. Millipedes are rounder, with two pairs of legs per segment. The ones that wander indoors are usually brown and about 1 to 1 1/2 inches long. Millipedes live outdoors in damp leaf litter and mulch and eat decaying plant matter.
Signs you have them
- Fast, long-legged bugs in bathrooms, closets, or the basement
- Millipedes crawling in under doors or through gaps
- A damp basement, crawl space, or bathroom
- Thick mulch or leaf litter against the foundation
Are they dangerous?
Neither one is much of a threat. House centipedes eat insects and spiders, and UMD Extension treats them as helpful. Millipedes cause no damage. Seeing a lot of either one is still worth paying attention to, because both are tied to moisture in and around the house.
How Wolfe treats them
We don't oversell spraying for these. UMD Extension says chemical control isn't needed for millipedes. Instead, we look for the moisture and gaps that bring them in, treat the outside perimeter where it makes sense, and give you a short list of fixes, like pulling mulch back and drying out damp areas. Call us at (302) 697-8969 and we'll take a look.
How to keep them out
- Run a dehumidifier in damp basements.
- Pull mulch and leaf litter back from the foundation.
- Seal gaps around doors and repair screens.
- Sweep up millipedes and put house centipedes outside.
Common questions
Are house centipedes bad to have?
UMD Extension calls them helpful because they eat insects and spiders. If you're seeing a lot, it's a sign of moisture worth fixing.
Do millipedes damage anything?
No. UMD Extension says millipedes cause no damage. Sweep them up and focus on keeping them out.
What's the fastest way to see fewer of them?
Cut the moisture. Run a dehumidifier, fix leaks, and clear mulch and leaf litter away from the foundation.
Sources: University of Maryland Extension: Centipedes; University of Maryland Extension: Millipedes
Last reviewed October 2026 by Wolfe Pest Control.
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