Written by someone who is 1000% not emotionally prepared for centipedes.
If you’ve lived in Hawai‘i long enough, there’s a good chance you’ve turned on the bathroom light at 2 a.m. and caught a blur of reddish-brown lightning darting across the tile. That’s not a ghost. That’s a centipede…one of the creepiest, crawliest roommates you never asked for.
Let me just say right now: centipedes are my #1 fear. And it is a very good thing I’m not one of our pest control technicians. If I showed up at your house and you told me there was a centipede inside, I’d simply hand you a business card and back away slowly.
So with that said… here’s everything I’ve learned about these nightmares(so you don’t have to).
Vietnamese Centipedes
(aka: Nope. Just nope.)
These guys are long, fast, and way too armored for anyone’s comfort. They can grow up to 8 inches long and are usually reddish-brown with yellow legs. And yes, they bite. The bite isn’t medically dangerous for most people, but it hurts and I will be calling my mom and animal control if it happens.
Worse? They stick around. These centipedes can live up to 6 years. So that one you saw last week might be roaming around for awhile.
Reproduction: Nope²
Centipede moms lay 20 to 50 eggs at a time (why though?), and they curl around the eggs protectively until they hatch. That usually happens in about 1 to 2 months. Babies take 1 to 3 years to become full-sized. So if you’ve seen one adult, there’s a chance you’re already mid-cycle. I know. I’m sorry.
Where They Hide
Dark, moist places are their favorite. Think:
- Under rocks, leaf piles, and yard clutter
- Inside shoes or towels left outside
- Gaps around doors or windows
- Cracks in the walls
- Bathroom corners (why is it always the bathroom?)
They especially like to sneak indoors when it’s raining. I like rain. They ruin it.
How to Keep Centipedes Out
Okay, here’s where we actually get helpful. If you’re also trying to never see one again:
- Declutter your yard — fewer hiding spots
- Seal cracks and gaps — check around doors, windows, and the foundation
- Dry things out — fix leaks and avoid standing water
- Shake everything — shoes, towels, surf booties, gym bags
Anything damp and dark is an invitation for a centipede.
Okay… Are They Good for Anything?
Fine. Here’s the part where I admit: yes, centipedes do serve a purpose.
They help control other pests like:
They’re technically predators that keep the ecosystem in check. So if you’re the type of person who thinks, “Hey, at least they’re eating the roaches,” I’m happy for you.
But if you’re like me, you’re thinking,
“Cool. I still don’t want them in my house. Or near my house. Or near my shoes. Ever.”
In Summary: No Thank You
Seeing one centipede doesn’t always mean you have an infestation, but it could be the result of a slow-building, multi-year centipede family plan already happening on your property.
If they’re showing up inside, it’s probably time to call in the pros. The brave ones. Not me.
Call or contact Kilauea Pest Control if you want help kicking centipedes out of your space for good. We’ll send someone way braver than me, promise.
