Hairy Centipedes: How to Get Rid of Them in Your Bathroom and Basement
Hairy centipedes are fast, creepy pests that hide in bathrooms, basements, and closets. Learn what they are, why they enter homes, and how to eliminate them safely and effectively.
What Are Hairy Centipedes?
Hairy centipedes in house are a common nickname for the house centipede (Scutigera coleoptrata), a long-legged insect
Do centipedes have hair?
No, centipedes do not have real hair like mammals. What may look like hair on a centipede’s body are actually sensory bristles (called setae) and their many thin, fast-moving legs, which create a fuzzy or “hairy” appearance. These bristle-like structures help the centipede sense vibrations, air currents, and danger. While they might seem hairy at first glance, centipedes don’t have true hair—just specialized limbs and sensory tools that aid in movement and survival.
According to the Wikipedia entry on Scutigera coleoptrata, these insects we find usially in house typically measure 25–50 mm in body length, have 15 pairs of hair-like legs, and can move at speeds of up to 0.4 m/s. Their rear legs even mimic antennae, which adds to their spider-like, hairy look.
Although they are predators that hunt insects and use venom to subdue their prey, they are harmless to humans. House centipedes are often seen darting across floors, walls, or ceilings—especially at night and in humid areas like bathrooms or basements. While they are not danger, their sudden movements and alien appearance can startle even the bravest homeowner.
Why Do Hairy Centipedes Look So Scary?
People exaggerate and often describe them as “mini monsters” or “alien bugs.” Here's why:
15 pairs of legs that move quickly in all directions
Long antennae that look like extra legs
Hair-like legs that make them look fuzzy or "spidery"
Fast runners—can disappear in seconds
They move in an unpredictable, jerky way
This appearance triggers fear in many people, even though they don’t bite or sting in most cases.
Biology of Hairy Centipedes
In fact hairy centipedes, or house centipedes, are arthropods, not insects. They belong to the Chilopoda class.
Physical Features:
Size: 2.5–5 cm (1–2 inches)
Color: Yellow-dark brown body with dark stripes
Legs: 15 pairs (30 total), very thin and long
Eyes: Large compound eyes
Antennae: Long and sensitive to vibration
They are usually seen in spring and autumn, but in warm climates or heated homes, they may appear year-round.
Life Cycle of Hairy Centipedes
Mating season: Usually spring
Egg-laying: Females lay 10–60 eggs in moist cracks or soil. They are not the type of bug that lays the most eggs; for this reason, their population is usually small. If you see a lot of them, it means there hasn't been a pest control treatment in the house for a long time.
Hatching time: 1–2 months depending on humidity
Development: Juveniles molt 3–4 times before becoming adults
Lifespan: Typically 3–5 years, sometimes even 7 years. Longer than most bugs
Some species even protect their eggs—unusual behavior for arthropods.
Where Do Hairy Centipedes Hide?
These pests love dark, moist, and hidden spaces, such as:
Under sinks and behind toilets
In basements and crawlspaces
Inside wall voids and behind baseboards
In laundry rooms or near water heaters
Under furniture or storage boxes
They avoid light, so you’re most likely to see them when you turn on a light at night.
Are Hairy Centipedes Dangerous?
No, they are not that dangerous to humans.
House centipedes in house rarely bite, but when they do, the pain can vary. Most bites are milder than a bee sting — unless the centipede is large. In such cases, the bite can hurt a lot, especially if it breaks the skin.
Although they are not venomous to humans, their bite can still trigger strong allergic reactions in some people. We’ve had clients who experienced swelling, redness, burning pain, and in rare cases, even allergic shock. Some clients were hospitalized after being bitten by large, hairy house centipedes — and yes, it happened here in Greece, not in Australia.
There are also international reports of people suffering from burning sensations lasting for hours, numbness in the area of the bite, or even panic attacks due to their sudden appearance and aggressive movement.
Let’s be clear: these aren’t the deadliest bugs on Earth, but for sensitive individuals or people with insect allergies, they can be a real medical issue — not just a creepy nuisance.
Hairy Centipedes vs Other Creepy Bugs
Hairy centipedes are often confused with other household pests like spiders, silverfish, and earwigs. While spiders have eight legs, centipedes have thirty, giving them a much fuzzier and more alarming appearance. Silverfish are quick, but they are smaller, shinier, and don't have the same long, hair-like legs. Earwigs may look scary due to their pincers, but they are much slower and do not resemble centipedes in motion.
What sets hairy centipedes apart is their speed, number of legs, and jerky movement. They are often described as “spider-like” because of their appearance, but they move even faster and look more alien to most people.
What Attracts Hairy Centipedes?
They enter your home looking for:
Moisture (especially bathrooms and basements)
Shelter (from extreme heat or cold)
Food (they eat other bugs)
If you see hairy centipedes, it may be a sign that you also have other insect problems. They only show up when there’s something to eat.
How to Prevent Hairy Centipedes
Keep them out by controlling moisture and sealing entry points:
Use dehumidifiers in damp areas
Fix leaks in bathrooms, kitchens, or laundry rooms
Seal cracks in walls, windows, and floors
Install door sweeps and caulk pipe gaps
Clear outside clutter like leaves and woodpiles
Ventilate closed rooms regularly
How to Get Rid of Hairy Centipedes in House
Natural Methods:
Diatomaceous Earth: sprinkle in corners and cracks—it dries them out
Essential oils: peppermint or tea tree oil diluted in water
Sticky traps: place in hidden areas to monitor and catch them
Chemical Options:
Residual sprays: apply to baseboards, corners, and wall edges
Insecticide dust: blow into wall voids and crawlspaces
Perimeter treatment: spray outside foundation and entry points
Always follow product instructions and avoid spraying around food or pets.
Are Hairy Centipedes a Sign of a Bigger Problem?
Yes—possibly.
If you see hairy centipedes often, you may also have:
A moisture problem
Other insect infestations (they follow their prey)
Poor sealing around your home’s structure
Do They Go in Beds or Clothes?
Rarely, but it’s possible.
Hairy centipedes don’t live in fabrics or clothing, but if your bedroom is moist, dark, and has other bugs, they might enter the space while hunting. Still, they prefer walls, corners, and floors.
People Also Ask (FAQ)
Q: Why do hairy centipedes look like spiders?
Because of their long legs and fast movement. Many people confuse them with spiders at first glance.
Q: Are hairy centipedes common in apartments?
Yes. Especially in older buildings with poor insulation, leaky pipes, or damp basements.
Q: Can hairy centipedes climb walls?
Yes, they can. Their legs are designed for climbing, and they often travel across walls and ceilings.
Q: Should I kill hairy centipedes?
Not necessarily. They are harmless to humans and help reduce other pests, but if you’re uncomfortable with them, focus on prevention and gentle removal.
Final Tips for Controlling Hairy Centipedes
Reduce indoor humidity
Eliminate food sources (insects)
Seal cracks and holes
Clean often in corners and under furniture
Use safe deterrents if needed
Don’t panic—seeing one does not mean you have an infestation
Want to Learn More About Creepy Bugs?
Visit our main pest control blog for articles on cockroaches, carpet beetles, ants, bed bugs, tiger mosquitos and more.
Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only. Pest control laws and approved chemicals vary by country. For best results and legal safety, we strongly recommend contacting a licensed pest control professional in your local area. Always make sure that the pest control technician is properly certified or licensed, depending on your country’s regulations. It’s important to confirm that they only use approved products and apply them exactly as instructed on the product label. In most places in Europe, UK, or USA, following label directions is not just best practice—it’s the law.
Nasos Iliopoulos, MSc Agronomist & Certified Pest Control Expert
Scientific Director, Advance Services (Athens, Greece)
Licensed Pest Control Business – Ministry of Rural Development & Food (GR)
Nasos Iliopoulos is a licensed pest control professional based in Athens, Greece, with over a decade of hands-on experience in urban pest management. He holds a Master's degree in Agricultural Sciences and specializes in integrated pest control strategies tailored to residential and commercial environments. As the founder of Advance Services, he has overseen thousands of successful treatments across Attica and regularly documents real-world pest cases that challenge the usual textbook scenarios.
His insights combine scientific accuracy with field-tested tactics, making his reports particularly valuable to homeowners, technicians, and researchers alike.
