Centipede Control Services in Northeast Ohio
Centipedes: Identification, Risks & Professional Control
Centipedes are fast-moving, multi-legged pests that often invade homes in Northeast Ohio, particularly in damp basements, bathrooms, and crawl spaces. While they can be beneficial in controlling smaller insects, their presence indoors is unsettling, and some species are capable of delivering a painful bite.
At DHS Pest Control, we specialize in identifying, treating, and preventing centipede infestations. Our professional solutions ensure your home remains free from these unwanted intruders.
Quick Facts About Centipedes
- Common species in Ohio: House centipede (Scutigera coleoptrata).
- Appearance: Long, flat body with 15 pairs of legs, yellowish-gray with dark markings.
- Size: Typically 1–1.5 inches long; some larger species exist.
- Habitat: Damp, dark areas like basements, bathrooms, crawl spaces, and under leaf litter outdoors.
- Diet: Predatory—feed on spiders, silverfish, ants, and other small insects.
- Risks: Nuisance indoors; potential painful bite if handled.
How to Identify a Centipede Infestation
Signs include:
- Sightings: Fast-moving centipedes scurrying along walls, floors, or ceilings.
- Clusters in damp areas: Found in basements, bathrooms, and near plumbing leaks.
- Presence of other pests: Since centipedes prey on insects, infestations may indicate a larger pest issue.
Why Centipedes Are a Problem in Northeast Ohio
- Year-round activity: Seek shelter indoors when outdoor conditions are unfavorable.
- Moisture attraction: Thrive in damp homes with leaks, humidity, or poor ventilation.
- Nuisance factor: Frightening appearance, especially when seen in large numbers.
- Potential bites: Rare but possible if handled, causing localized pain and swelling.
DHS Pest Control’s Centipede Inspection Process
- Property Assessment — Identify high-activity areas and entry points.
- Moisture Evaluation — Locate leaks, damp spaces, and ventilation issues contributing to infestations.
- Pest Identification — Confirm centipede species and assess presence of secondary pest populations.
- Custom Treatment Plan — Develop a targeted strategy for immediate control and long-term prevention.
Professional Centipede Control & Treatment Methods
Our proven approach includes:
- Interior treatments: Application of safe, targeted products to eliminate centipedes.
- Moisture reduction: Identifying and addressing leaks, humidity, and ventilation problems.
- Exclusion techniques: Sealing cracks, gaps, and other entry points.
- Secondary pest control: Reducing insect populations that centipedes feed on.
- Follow-up visits: Ensuring ongoing protection and peace of mind.
DIY Tips: How to Reduce Centipede Activity
- Fix leaks: Repair plumbing issues and reduce excess moisture.
- Use dehumidifiers: Especially in basements and crawl spaces.
- Seal cracks: Around foundations, doors, and windows.
- Reduce clutter: Remove cardboard, debris, and storage piles that offer hiding spots.
- Control other pests: Eliminating their food source reduces centipede activity.
What to Expect During & After Treatment
- Inspection time: 30–60 minutes depending on property size.
- Treatment duration: 45–90 minutes depending on severity.
- Results: Significant reduction in centipede sightings within days.
- Safety: All treatments are safe for children and pets when professionally applied.
Health & Safety Considerations
House centipedes are not generally dangerous, but their frightening appearance and potential to bite make them unwelcome indoors. DHS Pest Control uses EPA-approved products designed to eliminate centipedes while protecting your family and pets.
Long-Term Centipede Prevention Strategies
- Schedule regular inspections with DHS Pest Control.
- Keep basements, bathrooms, and crawl spaces dry with dehumidifiers.
- Seal cracks and entry points around your foundation.
- Improve ventilation in attics and crawl spaces.
- Maintain your yard by removing leaf litter, mulch buildup, and excess debris.
Why Choose DHS Pest Control?
- Local expertise: Familiar with centipede behavior in Northeast Ohio homes.
- Comprehensive solutions: Address both centipedes and underlying pest issues.
- Safe treatments: Family- and pet-friendly pest control.
- Proven track record: Trusted across Akron, Cleveland, Canton, and beyond.
- Dedicated team: Professional, knowledgeable technicians providing peace of mind.
Service Areas
We proudly serve Northeast Ohio, including Cleveland, Strongsville, Canton, Akron, Massillon, Wooster, Millersburg, Mansfield, Ashland, Loudonville, Youngstown, Medina, Hudson, and surrounding communities. Not sure if we cover your area? Call us today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are centipedes dangerous?
A: House centipedes are not considered dangerous but can deliver a painful bite if handled.
Q: Why do I see centipedes in my basement?
A: They thrive in damp, dark environments and are often found in basements, bathrooms, and crawl spaces.
Q: What attracts centipedes to homes?
A: Excess moisture and the presence of other insects (their prey) attract them indoors.
Q: Can I get rid of centipedes on my own?
A: Small numbers can be reduced with DIY methods, but professional treatment is necessary for recurring infestations.
Contact Us Today!
Stop centipedes from invading your home. Contact DHS Pest Control today for expert centipede extermination and prevention services in Northeast Ohio.
- Phone: 330-201-4977
DHS completed a VA refinance pest inspection for us and they were able to schedule us quickly, were efficient, respectful and knowledgeable. I will be recommending them to our friends and family. Excellent service.
Response from the owner 19:04 03 Oct 25
Hey Elizabeth! We're really happy to hear about your experience with our pest inspection service. It’s wonderful knowing everything went smoothly, and we appreciate your recommendation!
DHS Pest Control is absolutely outstanding! From the moment I called, their team was professional, responsive, and genuinely cared about solving my problem. The technician arrived right on time, explained everything in detail, and made sure I felt comfortable with the process. Their knowledge and attention to detail gave me complete confidence, and the results speak for themselves.
What really stood out was the level of customer service. Everyone I interacted with was friendly, respectful, and went above and beyond to make the entire experience stress-free. It’s rare to find a company that combines expertise, reliability, and such a personal touch, but DHS does it all.
If you’re looking for a trustworthy, effective, and locally dedicated pest control company in Wooster, I can’t recommend DHS Pest Control enough! They’ve earned a customer for life.
What really stood out was the level of customer service. Everyone I interacted with was friendly, respectful, and went above and beyond to make the entire experience stress-free. It’s rare to find a company that combines expertise, reliability, and such a personal touch, but DHS does it all.
If you’re looking for a trustworthy, effective, and locally dedicated pest control company in Wooster, I can’t recommend DHS Pest Control enough! They’ve earned a customer for life.
They took care of my bee problem and were very quick about it! Much appreciated!
Response from the owner 14:10 13 Aug 25
Thank you for the nice review. Please let us know if we can assist you in future pest issues!
We called with a bald-faced hornet and yellow jacket problem and they came out same day and took care of everything for us. Super professional, great customer service, very reasonable pricing.
I hope to not be a repeat customer but if I ever find myself needing pest control again, they are the first ones I will call.
I hope to not be a repeat customer but if I ever find myself needing pest control again, they are the first ones I will call.
Response from the owner 21:34 18 Aug 25
Hey Mike! Thank you for sharing your experience! We’re so glad we could help resolve the issue quickly and that you were pleased with our service and pricing. Hopefully you won’t need pest control again anytime soon, but if you do, we’ll be ready to help right away.
Very happy with the service from DHS Pest Control. Trent and Lonnie were very thorough about making sure our yellow jacket problem was taken care of. The pricing was affordable and I was not charged for the follow up. I will definitely be using DHS Pest Control for any future needs!
Response from the owner 01:35 02 Aug 25
Thank you so much for the nice review Kimberly!
Very professional and friendly.we had such a bed bug problem we didn't think it could be solved.trent and his crew,who are a family business come in and got it taken care of faster and better than we could have ever hoped.i can't imagine anyone better
Response from the owner 18:16 07 Jul 25
Hi Eric! We're so glad to hear our team could tackle your bed bug issue quickly and effectively. We take pride in delivering dependable service, and it means a lot to know we made a difference for you.
I would like to give a huge shout out to Trent from DHS Pest Control. I was faced with a Carpenter Ant problem that caused significant damage to my sunroom. I called Trent at 12:55pm about my issue. He was on a job an hour away. He said he could be at my house when he was finished his current job. He arrived at my home in a timely fashion. He was polite, professional, and understanding of my situation. He did a thorough inspection of the inside, outside and basement of my home. Then he got to work treating the property. His price was extremely reasonable. If after 30 days I see any Carpenter Ants he will come back and treat the property for no charge. Where can you get a better deal than that? I highly recommend Trent Koller and his company.
Response from the owner 16:35 16 Jun 25
Hey Lee Ann! I'm really glad to hear that you had such a positive experience with me handling your Carpenter Ant issue. It's great knowing that the service and pricing left you satisfied, and I'm here if you need any further assistance in the future.
Trent and his Nephew did a Great job! Very informative and professional! Explained everything well and worked diligently! Was very happy with service!!!!😁
Response from the owner 16:23 27 May 25
Hi Barbara! I’m thrilled to hear you were happy with how everything went. We always aim to be informative and professional, so it's great to know it made a difference.
I highly highly recommend Trent. He is very professional and diligent. No stone left unturned! He's also great to work with.
Response from the owner 16:46 19 May 25
Thank you so much for the kind words and recommendation! I truly appreciate your support and am glad I could provide the level of service you were looking for. It was a pleasure working with you!
Very polite and professional. Did a great job. Highly recommended.
Response from the owner 20:28 15 May 25
Thank you Joan🙂