How to Manage Centipedes and Silverfish Together

They’re fast, they’re sneaky, and they always seem to pop up in the corners of your bathroom or basement when you least expect it. Centipedes and silverfish are two of the most common nuisance pests found in Tennessee homes — and while they don’t pose major health risks, they certainly don’t belong indoors.

Even worse, they often show up together. And that’s not a coincidence.

If you’re spotting both of these pests in your home, it’s a sign of shared environmental conditions — and a reason to take action. This guide will explain why these pests appear in the same places, how to tell them apart, and what you can do to manage and prevent them long-term.

Meet the Pests: What Are Centipedes and Silverfish?

House Centipedes

• Long, flat, segmented bodies with many legs

• Fast-moving and often seen darting along walls

• Feed on other insects, including silverfish

• Prefer damp, dark areas like basements, bathrooms, and crawlspaces

Despite their unsettling appearance, house centipedes can actually help reduce other pest populations. But most homeowners prefer not to share space with them.

Silverfish

• Teardrop-shaped, silver-gray insects with long antennae and three rear bristles

• Feed on paper, fabric, glue, and starches

• Often found in closets, kitchens, laundry rooms, and attics

• Thrive in moist, humid environments

Unlike centipedes, silverfish cause minor property damage by chewing on books, wallpaper, and clothing. They don’t bite but are notoriously hard to eliminate without targeted effort.

Why These Two Pests Often Appear Together

Centipedes and silverfish both love the same type of habitat: cool, dark, and humid. That’s why they’re frequently found in the same rooms — bathrooms, basements, and under sinks.

In fact, centipedes often show up because silverfish are present. As natural predators, centipedes feed on small arthropods like silverfish, ants, and even roaches. So if you’ve seen both, you may actually be witnessing a miniature food chain playing out in your walls.

Unfortunately, the presence of either pest points to deeper issues:

• Excess moisture or humidity

• Poor ventilation or airflow

• Cracks, gaps, or leaks allowing entry from outside

Signs You Have an Infestation

While these pests are secretive and nocturnal, there are signs to watch for:

• Fast-moving centipedes skimming along walls at night

• Silverfish hiding in folded towels, closets, or near bookshelves

• Shed exoskeletons or yellowish stains on paper, fabric, or boxes

• Increased sightings after rain or in damp seasons

Don’t wait until they multiply. Catching the issue early means less effort and fewer treatments.

Natural and Home-Based Prevention Strategies

If you’re dealing with the occasional creepy-crawly and want to keep things under control, start with these basic tips:

• Use dehumidifiers in bathrooms, basements, and crawlspaces

• Seal cracks and entry points around doors, windows, and utility lines

• Fix plumbing leaks or any standing water near sinks or toilets

• Store paper and fabric items in airtight containers

• Vacuum frequently to remove eggs and molted skins

• Use sticky traps near common entry areas for monitoring

Essential oils like cedarwood, clove, or citrus may offer mild repellent effects, though these methods won’t eliminate an established infestation.

Why DIY Treatments Often Fall Short

Centipedes and silverfish both hide in tight, hard-to-reach spaces. That makes them difficult to treat with over-the-counter sprays or powders. Worse, many products kill only the bugs you see — not the eggs, or those hiding deep in walls or behind insulation.

Because these pests thrive in hidden, humid zones, you need a comprehensive approach:

• Inspect and treat high-moisture zones

• Apply residual treatments in crevices and behind baseboards

• Use integrated pest management (IPM) strategies to reduce attractants

When to Call Specter Pest Control

If you’re seeing centipedes and silverfish regularly — especially in multiple areas of your home — it’s time to call in the pros.

At Specter Pest Control, we know how to target these pests at the source. Our trained technicians use moisture mapping and inspection tools to locate entry points and harborage zones you can’t see.

We offer:

• Non-invasive, moisture-targeted treatments

• Safe and effective barrier applications

• Long-term pest prevention plans customized to your home

• Honest advice on sealing and ventilation improvements

We don’t just treat symptoms. We solve the underlying problem.

Long-Term Protection: What Works Best

Dealing with moisture-loving pests means thinking beyond the quick fix. Our approach includes:

• Moisture control: Fixing what draws pests inside in the first place

• Exclusion: Sealing and caulking entry points

• Ongoing monitoring: So you’re not surprised next season

• Safe treatment options: No residue, no disruption to your daily life

Whether you need a one-time treatment or year-round pest protection, we tailor our services to fit your home’s unique layout and environment.

Final Thoughts

Centipedes and silverfish aren’t a sign your home is dirty — they’re a sign your home might have a moisture issue. The good news is, once you know what attracts them, you can take steps to send them packing.

Let Specter Pest Control help you reclaim your home. Schedule your inspection today and let our local team build a plan that keeps moisture pests out — for good.