Centipede Control & Extermination in North Georgia Homes

Centipede infestations in North Georgia homes can be both unsettling and painful—especially when these fast-moving pests surprise you in damp areas like basements, bathrooms, and crawlspaces. At Southern Pest Management, we specialize in centipede control and centipede extermination using targeted, science-backed treatments that eliminate current infestations and prevent future ones. While centipedes do help control other insects outdoors, their presence inside is often a sign of moisture issues or deeper pest activity. Our professional centipede removal services are tailored to each home and designed to restore your peace of mind with lasting, effective solutions.

Centipedes are easy to identify by their elongated, multi-legged bodies and quick, slithering movements. Though not typically dangerous to humans, some species can deliver venomous bites that feel like bee stings—making professional treatment essential. Whether you’re in the shaded woodlands of Dawsonville, the lake neighborhoods of Cumming, the suburban basements of Alpharetta, or the well-treed communities in Johns Creek, our local experts are ready to help you get rid of centipedes with precision and care.

Centipedes and millipedes may not pose serious health risks, but their presence in your home can be unsettling and indicate underlying moisture issues or pest activity. These multi-legged pests often invade basements, crawl spaces, and damp areas, searching for shelter and food. At Southern Pest Management, we offer expert centipede and millipede control services to eliminate infestations and prevent future invasions. Our team identifies the source of the problem, implements targeted treatments, and provides moisture reduction strategies to keep your home pest-free. With proven methods and long-term solutions, we ensure your peace of mind. Contact us today for professional centipede and millipede pest control services in Georgia!

Fact – Millipedes and centipedes are not insects. They are closely related to lobsters, crayfish and shrimp. Consider them the land-dwelling version of those. Millipedes and centipedes do not carry diseases that affect people, plants or animals.  They may enter homes in large numbers seasonally and become a considerable nuisance.

Millipedes are not poisonous. Many species have glands capable of producing irritating fluids that may cause allergic reactions in some individuals. All centipede species are worm-like and have a “flattened” body with a distinct head with long antennae.  Their jaws contain poison glands are located on the first body segment immediately behind the head.  However, centipedes do occasionally bite but it usually only produces a moderate reaction.

The house centipede is the only species capable of reproducing indoors and is often seen in and around homes where dampness occurs. The house centipede is active at night, moving about in search of cockroaches and other insects.  With that said, although Centipedes are beneficial by destroying other insects (like Mother Nature’s pest control) most people have an aversion to their presence inside their homes.

Did you know… Millipedes are scavengers and feed primarily on decaying vegetation and leaf litter while centipedes feed on other insects?

Q) What kind of centipedes are found inside homes in Georgia?

A) The most common are house centipedes, which have long legs and dart across walls or floors, and soil centipedes, which are flat and often found in basements or crawlspaces.

Q) Are house centipedes dangerous to humans or pets?

A) House centipedes can bite, but it’s extremely rare and usually harmless. Their presence is more unsettling than dangerous, although heavy infestations may signal a larger pest issue.

Q) Why do I keep seeing centipedes in my Cumming basement?

A) Basements and crawlspaces offer moisture and darkness—two things centipedes love. They also follow other pests, like spiders or ants, which they feed on.

Q) How do centipedes get into Georgia homes?

A) Centipedes enter through cracks in foundations, under doors, and through gaps around pipes and vents—especially during wet or cold weather.

Q) What attracts centipedes into a home?

A) Moisture, clutter, and access to insects are the top attractants. Bathrooms, laundry rooms, and basements are common hotspots for house centipedes.

Q) Are centipedes helpful because they eat other pests?

A) While centipedes do prey on spiders and insects, most people prefer to eliminate them. A professional centipede exterminator can target both centipedes and their food source.

Q) How do you get rid of a centipede infestation in Dawsonville?

A) In Dawsonville homes, pest control involves reducing humidity, sealing entry points, and applying residual treatments in baseboards, crawlspaces, and wall voids.

Q) Can centipedes infest a house year-round?

A) Yes. Though more active in spring and fall, centipedes can be found indoors year-round, especially in homes with consistent moisture and pest issues.

Q) Are store-bought centipede sprays effective?

A) Most kill on contact but don’t eliminate the source. Professional pest control targets both centipedes and the insects they feed on, offering lasting results.

Q) Is centipede control safe for pets and kids?

A) Absolutely. Licensed pest control companies use EPA-approved treatments that are safe when dry and applied according to label instructions.

• Species: Scutigera coleoptrata
• Habitat: Indoors, especially in damp areas like basements, bathrooms, and crawl spaces.
• Appearance: Yellowish-gray with dark stripes on the body and 15 pairs of long, slender legs.
• Behavior: House centipedes are fast-moving predators that feed on other small insects, spiders, and pests. They are harmless to humans but can be unsettling due to their appearance.

• Species: Lithobius forficatus
• Habitat: Outdoors, under stones, logs, and leaf litter.
• Appearance: Brownish-red with a flattened body and 15 pairs of legs.
• Behavior: These centipedes are typically found in gardens and forests and feed on small insects and arthropods. They may occasionally enter homes in search of moisture.

• Species: Scolopocryptops sexspinosus
• Habitat: Forested areas, under bark, logs, and leaf litter.
• Appearance: Reddish-brown with a long, slender body and 23 pairs of legs.
• Behavior: These centipedes are aggressive predators and can deliver a painful bite, though they are not dangerous to humans. They are commonly found in outdoor environments.

• Species: Hemiscolopendra marginata
• Habitat: Moist outdoor areas, under rocks, logs, and in leaf litter.
• Appearance: Bluish-gray with a yellow head and numerous legs.
• Behavior: This species is more common in southern regions of Georgia and is a nocturnal predator, feeding on insects and small invertebrates. It may bite if handled.

Species: Oxidus gracilis
Habitat: Gardens, greenhouses, and moist outdoor environments.
Appearance: Brownish-black with yellowish legs and a cylindrical body.
Behavior: Greenhouse millipedes are commonly found in moist environments and feed on decaying plant matter. They are generally harmless and may occasionally wander indoors.

Species: Narceus americanus
Habitat: Forested areas, gardens, and under rocks or logs.
Appearance: Large, dark brown to black, with a cylindrical body that can grow up to 4 inches long.
Behavior: These millipedes are slow-moving detritivores, feeding on decaying organic matter. They are harmless to humans and play an important role in recycling nutrients in the ecosystem.

Species: Polydesmida family (various species)
Habitat: Forested areas, under logs, rocks, and leaf litter.
Appearance: Brownish or gray with a flattened body.
Behavior: Flat-backed millipedes are common in Georgia forests and feed on decaying plant material. They may emit a foul-smelling liquid when disturbed but are not harmful to humans.

Species: Parajulidae family (various species)
Habitat: Moist, dark areas in gardens, forests, and occasionally homes.
Appearance: Brown or black with a long, cylindrical body and many legs.
Behavior: Bollworm millipedes are primarily scavengers of decaying plant matter. They are often found in gardens and sometimes enter homes during wet weather.