Florida centipedes are venomous, multi-legged pests that typically dwell in damp, dark environments like mulch, crawlspaces, and basements. While their bites can be painful, similar to a bee sting, they’re rarely dangerous. Their presence often signals an underlying moisture or pest issue.
If you’ve lived in Florida for any length of time, chances are you’ve encountered a centipede or two. These leggy invaders thrive in our warm, humid environment, and while they’re mostly harmless, their sudden appearances can send even the bravest homeowner jumping.
Florida’s subtropical climate creates the perfect conditions for centipedes to thrive, moisture-rich soils, heavy landscaping, and year-round warmth. That means homeowners across the state regularly encounter these creepy crawlies indoors and out.
In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about Florida centipedes: how to identify them, when they become a problem, and most importantly, how to get rid of them safely and effectively. Along the way, we’ll also clear up the confusion between centipedes and the centipede grass found in many Florida lawns.
What Are Florida Centipedes? (And Are They Dangerous?)
Centipedes in Florida come in various sizes and colors, but they all share one thing in common: legs, and lots of them. These fast-moving, segmented arthropods can have anywhere from 15 to over 300 legs, depending on their species. Despite their unsettling appearance, most Florida centipedes are more of a nuisance than a true threat.
Each centipede’s first pair of legs is modified into pincer-like appendages called forcipules, which they use to inject venom into prey. These forcipules are what allow centipedes to subdue other insects like roaches, spiders, and silverfish.
Let’s take a closer look at some of the most common centipede species found in Florida homes and yards:
Florida Blue Centipede
Bright blue with striking orange legs, this species is often found under leaf litter or in moist outdoor areas. It can deliver a painful but mild bite that may cause redness and swelling at the site.
Bark Centipede
Brownish in color with yellow legs, bark centipedes are often spotted crawling under rocks or logs. Their bite is non-lethal but can cause discomfort, similar to a bee sting.
House Centipede (Scutigera coleoptrata)
Yellow-gray with long, thin legs, this is the species most commonly spotted indoors. House centipedes are fast movers and are actually beneficial predators, though their appearance makes them unwelcome guests.
Are Florida Centipedes Poisonous?
Yes, but their venom is primarily designed to immobilize prey, not to harm humans. In most cases, a centipede bite will cause temporary discomfort, minor swelling, or redness. More severe allergic reactions are rare but possible.
What If a Centipede Bites You?
If bitten, wash the area with soap and water, apply a cold compress, and monitor for signs of allergic reaction like difficulty breathing or spreading rash. For pets, clean the bite site and consult a vet if swelling persists.
Are Centipedes Dangerous to Pets or Kids?
Not significantly. Most centipedes will avoid confrontation and flee when threatened. However, curious pets may swat at them, leading to a quick defensive bite. Reactions are usually mild but should still be monitored.
Homeowners often reach out after spotting a centipede in unexpected places, like a kitchen sink or hallway late at night. One customer recalled seeing one dart under the couch during a storm, a reminder that Florida’s weather plays a big role in their activity patterns.
Why Are Centipedes in My House or Yard?
Centipedes are opportunistic. They are simply following favorable conditions. If your home or yard offers food, moisture, and shelter, you’re unintentionally inviting them in.
Moisture Is Their Magnet
Centipedes are moisture-seeking creatures. They thrive in damp environments, which makes bathrooms, crawlspaces, under-sink cabinets, and basements common hotspots. After heavy rain, you may see a spike in sightings, centipedes are flushed from their usual hiding places.
This also explains why homeowners often report seeing them in laundry rooms or around air conditioning units. Where there’s consistent moisture, there’s likely centipede activity.
Pest Population Signals
Seeing centipedes may mean you have other pests lurking. These predators feed on insects like roaches, ants, silverfish, and spiders. Their presence can be a red flag for an underlying infestation, especially in older homes or buildings with poor sealing.
Favorite Hiding Spots
Outdoors, centipedes hide under mulch, landscaping timbers, compost piles, and damp leaves. Indoors, they gravitate toward quiet, dark areas, closets, behind toilets, HVAC systems, and even inside wall voids.
One family we serviced in Coral Springs kept finding centipedes in their child’s playroom.
The culprit? A leaky exterior spigot was causing moisture to seep under the foundation, creating a perfect centipede highway into the home.
How to Identify Florida Centipedes (and Not Confuse Them with Millipedes)
When something with dozens of legs runs across your floor, it’s easy to panic, but not all leggy invaders are created equal. Knowing how to distinguish a centipede from a millipede (or even a roach) is key to responding appropriately.
Centipede Traits
Flattened bodies that allow them to move quickly through tight spaces.
One pair of legs per body segment, often splayed out to the sides.
Fast, darting movement, especially toward dark corners.
Coloration cues:
Orange legs and blue body (Florida Blue Centipede)
Brown body with yellow legs (Bark Centipede)
Yellow-gray with long legs (House Centipede)
Millipede Differences
Rounded bodies
Two pairs of legs per body segment
Slow-moving and non-aggressive
Often curl into a spiral when disturbed
Typically harmless, they feed on decaying plant material.
Not a Roach, Either
Some homeowners mistake centipedes for small roaches due to their speed. But roaches have a hardened shell, antennae, and broader bodies with six legs.
Quick Comparison Chart
Proper ID is the first step in building a long-term solution. We train our technicians to spot the differences instantly, and more importantly, to diagnose what’s causing their appearance in the first place.
Lawn Talk, The Centipede Confusion No One Warns You About
In Florida, the term “centipede” means two very different things. While most people worry about the many-legged insect in their home, others are referring to centipede grass, a slow-growing turfgrass commonly used in Florida lawns. Confusing the two often leads to misguided pest or lawn care decisions.
Centipede Grass ≠ Florida Centipede
We've had customers call in, worried about a "centipede outbreak," only to learn they were referencing brown patches in their lawn, not bugs.
Can I Seed Centipede Grass and Use Weed & Feed at the Same Time?
No. Centipede grass is highly sensitive to fertilizers, especially those with weed control additives. Applying weed & feed during germination can kill emerging grass or halt growth entirely. Let the grass establish first, then address weeds with centipede-safe products.
Overseeding and Lawn Recovery
Centipede grass doesn’t respond well to aggressive overseeding. Because it spreads slowly and grows horizontally, it’s better to let it fill in naturally. If you must patch areas, use light topdressing with compost or screened topsoil, not sand, which can hinder root development, especially in Florida’s layered clay and sand soils.
Why Is My Centipede Lawn Yellow Even After Watering?
This is one of the most common questions we get. Yellowing usually is often a result of nutrient deficiencies, improper pH, or over-fertilization. Centipede grass needs less nitrogen than other turf types, and too much can burn it or cause discoloration.
Lawn Chemicals Can Cause More Harm Than Good
We've seen countless cases where homeowners unintentionally damage their lawn with “all-in-one” treatments not designed for centipede grass. Always use centipede-labeled products and avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers. And if you’re unsure, that’s where our Turf Shield Lawn Program steps in. We customize lawn treatments by season and soil conditions to protect delicate grasses like centipedes.
What to Do If You’re Bitten by a Centipede in Florida
Let’s clear this up: centipede bites are rare and usually not serious, but they can be painful, especially for children or pets.
What Does a Centipede Bite Feel Like?
Most describe it as similar to a bee sting, sharp, sudden pain, followed by localized redness or swelling. The bite comes from venom injected through the centipede’s front legs, called forcipules.
Immediate Steps to Take
Wash the bite area with soap and warm water.
Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling.
Avoid scratching, this can introduce bacteria.
Monitor for severe signs of an allergic reaction.
When to Seek Medical Attention
While serious reactions are uncommon, seek help if you or your child experience:
Difficulty breathing
A widespread rash or hives
Swelling that worsens over time
Are Bites Dangerous for Pets?
Pets, especially cats, may bat at centipedes out of curiosity. A bite may cause localized swelling or irritation. If symptoms persist or your pet seems distressed, consult your veterinarian.
Hoffer Pest Solutions treat centipede sightings seriously, not because they’re deadly, but because they signal deeper environmental issues like unchecked moisture, structural gaps, or hidden pests. Our treatments don’t just eliminate the bug; we address the conditions that allowed it to thrive. Need help with centipede infestation? Contact Hoffer Pest Solutions for quick results.
Prevention Tips to Keep Florida Centipedes Away for Good
If you’re seeing centipedes, the issue usually lies beneath the surface, literally. Damp soil, leaky plumbing, or hidden pest activity sets the stage for centipedes to thrive. Preventing them starts with changing the environment.
Outdoor Prevention Strategies
Remove mulch from directly against your foundation. Use rock beds instead to reduce moisture retention.
Clear leaf litter, compost, and yard debris, especially near vents and windows.
Trim back landscaping to reduce shady, moist areas.
Fix leaky irrigation lines and spigots that create moist zones around the home.
Indoor Prevention Tactics
Seal gaps and cracks around baseboards, entry points, and utility penetrations.
Use a whole-home dehumidifier, especially in older Florida homes with crawlspaces or basements.
Repair dripping faucets and address plumbing leaks promptly.
Keep sink areas dry overnight, especially in guest bathrooms or laundry rooms.
When to Call the Pros and Why Hoffer Pest Solutions Is Florida’s Go-To
DIY solutions work for occasional sightings, but when centipedes are showing up regularly, or worse, inside your home, it’s time to bring in a professional.
Signs It’s Time to Call
You’re seeing multiple centipedes per week indoors.
There are visible bites on family members or pets.
You’ve treated the area, but they keep returning.
Your home has underlying pest issues like roaches or ants.
You’ve tried sealing and drying out spaces with no lasting results.
Why Hoffer Pest Solutions?
As a family-owned business rooted in South Florida, we know this environment like the back of our hand. We’ve served our neighbors for over 40 years, offering pest removal.
Our approach includes:
Moisture inspections to find hidden causes
Pet and family-safe treatments
Structural exclusion work to seal up entry points
Same-day service if you call before noon
Optional dehumidification and vapor barrier installations
We also offer seasonal lawn care through our Turf Shield Program, perfect for Florida homeowners struggling with centipede grass. These plans are tailored to the climate and soil conditions we know so well.
Centipedes Are a Symptom, Let Us Help You Fix the Root.
Centipedes are fast, unsettling, and tough to catch, but they’re not your problem. Their presence signals underlying conditions that can affect your family’s comfort, safety, and peace of mind.
Hoffer Pest Solutions believe every Florida homeowner deserves to feel confident in their space. That’s why we focus on the source, moisture, access points, and secondary pests, delivering lasting solutions with the care and attention of a family-owned company.
We don’t just treat bugs. We protect homes, families, and the community we live in. Think you’ve got a centipede problem? Schedule a pest inspection now.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do centipedes lay eggs indoors in Florida homes?
Yes, certain centipede species, particularly house centipedes, can lay eggs indoors if the conditions are right. They prefer dark, undisturbed areas with moisture and access to prey. Closets, basements, and behind appliances are common nesting areas. Reducing humidity and sealing entry points can disrupt their reproductive cycle.
Can centipedes infest HVAC systems or ductwork?
While they don’t infest ductwork the way rodents or roaches might, centipedes may enter air vents or HVAC closets seeking warmth and moisture. If your air handler is leaking or if duct insulation traps moisture, it can become a hiding spot. Regular maintenance and humidity control help prevent this.
Do centipedes damage property or belongings?
Centipedes don’t chew on wood, wires, or fabric, so they don’t cause direct property damage like termites or rodents. However, their presence can signal hidden moisture problems that can lead to structural damage over time if left unaddressed, especially in crawlspaces or behind walls.
Can centipedes survive fumigation or tenting?
Most fumigation treatments target termites or bed bugs and may not be effective against centipedes, especially if they’re hiding in soil, under mulch, or behind vapor barriers. Centipedes often return post-fumigation unless moisture issues and pest entry points are also resolved.
What’s the difference between a centipede and a silverfish infestation?
Silverfish are small, wingless insects that feed on starchy materials like paper, glue, or fabric. They’re more likely to cause minor damage to books and clothing. Centipedes, on the other hand, are predators and may show up in homes that already have silverfish or other pests, making them more of a symptom than a cause.