Centipedes in Tucson Homes: Are They Dangerous and How Do You Get Rid of Them?

What You Need to Know About Centipedes in Arizona

If you’ve spotted a long, fast-moving insect darting across your floor, there’s a good chance it’s a centipede. While they may look frightening, centipedes are actually quite common in Tucson and surrounding desert areas. Their presence often indicates an underlying pest problem or excess moisture in your home.

At Desert Shield Pest Control, we help homeowners identify and eliminate centipedes, while also addressing the conditions that attract them.

Are Centipedes Dangerous?

Centipedes are not considered dangerous to humans, but they can bite if handled or threatened. Their bites may feel like a bee sting and can cause mild swelling or discomfort. However, centipedes are generally shy and avoid people.

That said, their sudden appearance in bathrooms, closets, or under furniture can cause concern — especially if you’re dealing with a recurring centipede problem.

Common Centipedes in Tucson, AZ

In Arizona, you're most likely to encounter:

• House Centipedes:Long legs, fast-moving, usually found indoors. Yellowish-gray with dark stripes.

• Desert Centipedes:Larger, orange and black or red and blue varieties. Typically live outdoors but may wander inside.

Why Are Centipedes in My House?

Centipedes are predators — they feed on other pests like spiders, silverfish, cockroaches, and termites. If you’re seeing them indoors, it's often a sign that:

• There are other insects present inside your home

• Your home has high moisture areas (bathrooms, basements, kitchens)

• They’re coming in through cracks or gaps in search of shelter

How to Get Rid of Centipedes

Here’s how we tackle centipede infestations:

✅ Exterior and interior perimeter treatments to kill and repel insects

✅ Targeted applications in moisture-prone areas (under sinks, behind baseboards, garages)

✅ Crack and crevice treatments to block common entry points

✅ De-webbing and insect monitoring to reduce centipede food sources

We also provide recommendations to reduce humidity and close off entryways that centipedes use.

Centipede Prevention Tips for Homeowners

To prevent centipedes from returning:

• Seal cracks and gaps around doors, windows, and foundation

• Use a dehumidifier in damp areas

• Keep your home free of clutter, especially in garages and closets

• Eliminate other pests — remember, centipedes eat insects!

• Schedule regular pest control service to stop infestations before they grow

Serving Tucson and Surrounding Areas

At Desert Shield Pest Control, we proudly serve homeowners across:

📍 Tucson📍 Vail📍 Marana📍 Oro Valley📍 Sahuarita📍 Rita Ranch📍 Corona de Tucson

📍Green Valley

Our experienced technicians understand Arizona pests — including the less welcome multi-legged ones! Text or Call 520-850-3345 to scheudule your free inspection and quote.