Complete Centipede Control Guide New Zealand 2025
Everything you need to know about centipede control in New Zealand homes. From house centipede identification to safe removal methods and long-term prevention strategies.
Understanding Centipedes: Friend or Foe?
Centipedes are among the most misunderstood household arthropods in New Zealand. While their appearance can be startling—with numerous long legs and rapid movements—house centipedes are actually beneficial predators that control many troublesome pests. However, their presence often indicates underlying moisture issues that need addressing. This comprehensive guide will help you understand, manage, and when necessary, control centipede populations in your home. Unlike purely destructive pests like silverfish or mosquitoes, centipedes provide natural pest control by hunting cockroaches, spiders, and other unwanted insects.
Important Note
House centipedes are beneficial predators that eat many household pests. Before elimination, consider if moisture control and exclusion might be better solutions.
Centipede Species in New Zealand Homes
Two main types of centipedes are commonly found in New Zealand homes. Understanding their differences helps determine the most appropriate management approach.
House Centipede
Scutigera coleoptrataMost common indoor centipede in New Zealand homes
Identification:
- 15 pairs of long, banded legs
- Yellowish-grey body with dark stripes
- Long antennae (body length or longer)
- Flattened, segmented body
- Extremely fast movement
Benefits:
- Kills other household pests
- Reduces spider populations
- Controls cockroach numbers
- Eliminates silverfish
Concerns:
- Startling appearance
- Fast, unpredictable movement
- Can bite if handled (rarely serious)
- Presence indicates moisture issues
Garden Centipede
Lithobius forficatusCommon outdoor species that may enter homes
Identification:
- Reddish-brown coloration
- 15 pairs of legs (shorter than house centipede)
- Robust, cylindrical body
- Lives primarily in soil and leaf litter
- Occasionally found in damp indoor areas
Benefits:
- Controls garden pests
- Aerates soil
- Part of natural ecosystem
- Rarely enters homes
Concerns:
- May enter during wet weather
- Can bite if threatened
- Indicates outdoor moisture issues
- May damage plant roots if numerous
The Beneficial Side of House Centipedes
Before discussing control methods, it's important to understand the significant benefits that house centipedes provide. Many homeowners find that the cure (eliminating centipedes) creates a worse problem than the original issue.
Natural Pest Control
House centipedes are voracious predators that consume many household pests
Indicator Species
Presence indicates underlying moisture and pest issues
Ecosystem Balance
Part of natural indoor ecosystem balance
Common Centipede Habitats in New Zealand Homes
Understanding where centipedes prefer to live helps target control and prevention efforts effectively. They seek areas with high moisture, abundant prey, and plenty of hiding spots.
Basements
High ActivityCool, damp, undisturbed areas
Attractions:
- • High humidity
- • Plenty of hiding spots
- • Abundant prey insects
Signs of Activity:
- • Live centipedes
- • Shed skins
- • Dead prey insects
Prevention:
Dehumidify, seal cracks, reduce clutter
Bathrooms
High ActivityMoist environment with hiding places
Attractions:
- • Steam from showers
- • Plumbing leaks
- • Silverfish and other prey
Signs of Activity:
- • Centipedes in bathtubs/sinks
- • Sightings near drains
Prevention:
Improve ventilation, fix leaks, regular cleaning
Laundry Rooms
Medium ActivityWarm, humid conditions
Attractions:
- • Moisture from washers/dryers
- • Lint accumulation
- • Other insects
Signs of Activity:
- • Centipedes behind appliances
- • Near water heater
Prevention:
Proper ventilation, clean lint regularly
Crawl Spaces
Medium ActivityUndisturbed, often humid areas
Attractions:
- • Moisture from ground
- • Insulation materials
- • Other arthropods
Signs of Activity:
- • Multiple centipedes
- • Shed exoskeletons
Prevention:
Vapor barriers, ventilation, pest exclusion
Garages
Low ActivitySemi-outdoor environment
Attractions:
- • Boxes and storage items
- • Cracks and crevices
- • Other pests
Signs of Activity:
- • Centipedes under stored items
- • Near entry doors
Prevention:
Organization, sealing gaps, moisture control
Centipede Control and Management Methods
Control approaches range from prevention-focused methods to active elimination. The best approach depends on your tolerance level and the severity of the situation.
Moisture Control
Reducing humidity and moisture sources
Advantages:
- Addresses root cause
- Long-lasting results
- Environmentally friendly
- Benefits overall home health
- Prevents other pest issues
Considerations:
- Initial investment required
- Ongoing maintenance needed
- Results not immediate
- May require structural changes
Exclusion and Sealing
Blocking entry points and hiding places
Advantages:
- Prevents entry
- Cost-effective
- Permanent solution
- No ongoing treatments
- Improves energy efficiency
Considerations:
- Labor-intensive
- Requires thorough inspection
- Perfect seal difficult to achieve
- May need professional help
Sticky Traps
Adhesive traps for monitoring and control
Advantages:
- Non-toxic
- Good for monitoring
- Captures live specimens
- Shows activity levels
- Child and pet safe
Considerations:
- Limited control capacity
- Unsightly when full
- Regular replacement needed
- May catch beneficial insects
Diatomaceous Earth
Food-grade powder that damages exoskeletons
Advantages:
- Natural product
- Safe for humans and pets
- Long-lasting if dry
- Kills other crawling insects
- Inexpensive
Considerations:
- Must remain dry
- Slow acting
- Visible residue
- Requires reapplication after cleaning
Insecticide Sprays
Residual sprays for cracks and crevices
Advantages:
- Fast-acting
- Residual effect
- Effective against multiple pests
- Professional application available
Considerations:
- Chemical exposure
- Temporary solution
- May affect beneficial insects
- Resistance potential
Professional Treatment
Integrated pest management approach
Advantages:
- Comprehensive approach
- Expert knowledge
- Guaranteed results
- Ongoing support
- Safe application
Considerations:
- Higher cost
- Scheduling required
- Chemical treatments involved
- May require multiple visits
Prevention Strategies: Long-Term Solutions
The most effective approach to centipede management focuses on prevention by addressing the conditions that attract them to homes.
Moisture Management
Critical PriorityCentipedes require moisture to survive and reproduce
Install Dehumidifiers
Maintain humidity below 50% in problem areas
Maintenance: Regular emptying and cleaning
Improve Ventilation
Add exhaust fans in bathrooms and basements
Maintenance: Annual cleaning and inspection
Fix Water Leaks
Repair leaky pipes, faucets, and appliances
Maintenance: Regular inspection for new leaks
Waterproof Basements
Apply sealants and install drainage systems
Maintenance: Annual inspection of seals
Physical Exclusion
High PriorityPreventing centipede entry and eliminating hiding places
Seal Entry Points
Caulk cracks, gaps around pipes, and foundation openings
Maintenance: Annual inspection and touch-ups
Install Door Sweeps
Add weatherstripping and door sweeps
Maintenance: Replace when worn
Screen Vents
Add fine mesh screens to foundation and attic vents
Maintenance: Clean screens seasonally
Reduce Clutter
Organize storage areas and eliminate hiding spots
Maintenance: Ongoing organization efforts
Habitat Modification
Medium PriorityMaking the environment less attractive to centipedes
Improve Lighting
Reduce dark hiding areas with adequate lighting
Maintenance: Replace bulbs as needed
Regular Cleaning
Vacuum regularly to remove prey insects and debris
Maintenance: Weekly cleaning routine
Temperature Control
Maintain consistent temperatures to reduce insect prey
Maintenance: HVAC system maintenance
Safe Centipede Removal Methods
When you encounter individual centipedes and prefer removal over elimination, these safe methods protect both you and the beneficial arthropod.
Glass and Paper Method
Safe capture without direct contact
Step-by-Step Process:
- 1 Gather a large glass and piece of stiff paper
- 2 Approach the centipede calmly and slowly
- 3 Place glass over centipede quickly but gently
- 4 Slide paper underneath the glass carefully
- 5 Hold paper firmly against glass opening
- 6 Transport outside and release away from house
Safety:
No risk of bites, humane removal
Effectiveness:
High for individual specimens
Vacuum Removal
Quick removal using vacuum cleaner
Step-by-Step Process:
- 1 Use vacuum with hose attachment
- 2 Approach centipede from side or behind
- 3 Quickly vacuum up the centipede
- 4 Immediately empty vacuum bag/canister outside
- 5 Clean vacuum to remove any remaining parts
- 6 Dispose of contents away from house
Safety:
No direct contact, fast removal
Effectiveness:
Very high, works for multiple centipedes
Broom and Dustpan
Traditional sweeping method
Step-by-Step Process:
- 1 Use long-handled broom and dustpan
- 2 Gently sweep centipede into dustpan
- 3 Cover dustpan with lid or cloth
- 4 Transport outside immediately
- 5 Release far from building entrance
- 6 Clean broom and dustpan afterward
Safety:
Minimal contact risk, requires steady hands
Effectiveness:
Medium, centipedes may escape during process
Consider the Alternatives
Before eliminating centipedes, consider that removing them may lead to:
- Increased populations of cockroaches, silverfish, and spiders
- Need for more frequent pest control treatments
- Higher long-term pest control costs
- Loss of natural, sustainable pest management
Professional Centipede Management
For persistent centipede issues or comprehensive moisture management, professional services provide expert assessment and integrated solutions. Our specialists can help determine whether control or environmental management is the best approach for your situation.