Spotting a fast-moving crawler in your basement or bathroom is unsettling. Centipede vs silverfish is a common question, and the answer changes what you should do about it.
I’m part of a third-generation, family-owned business serving the DMV for over 50 years. As a licensed technician for four years, I’ve handled many centipede and silverfish calls. Here’s how to tell them apart and treat each one.
How to Tell Them Apart
A few key features make them easy to distinguish.
Centipedes have 15 pairs of legs, one per body segment. House centipedes average 25-35 mm long. They sprint in quick bursts across floors, walls, and even ceilings.
They’re yellowish-grey with three dark stripes and banded legs. They’re carnivorous hunters that eat insects, mites, and spiders.
Silverfish have 3 pairs of legs and three tail-like filaments at the back. They grow about 1/2 to 1 inch long with a tapered, fish-like body.
They shimmer with metallic silver scales and glide in a wiggling motion. They feed on starches and sugars found in paper, fabrics, and adhesives.
| Centipede | Silverfish | |
|---|---|---|
| Legs | 15 pairs, long and visible | 3 pairs, small |
| Size | 1-1.4 inches | 0.5-1 inch |
| Movement | Fast sprint | Wiggling glide |
| Diet | Other insects (hunter) | Paper, fabric, starch |
| Damage | None to property | Eats books, clothes, wallpaper |
| Bite | Can bite (bee-sting feel) | No bite |
Where They Hide
Both pests love humidity in the 70-95% range. Silverfish need at least 75% and often show up in showers, basements, and book-lined closets. Centipedes hunt in damp, dark areas but can enter homes during dry spells.
Look for centipedes behind baseboards, in crawl spaces, or under logs. Silverfish hide in bookcases, pantry corners, and storage areas. Cutting clutter in these spots helps reduce hiding places.
In our region, sightings spike in spring and fall when both pests seek shelter. Winter storms can also push silverfish into heated basements.
Life Cycle
Baby centipedes hatch with four pairs of legs and gain more with each molt until they reach 15 pairs. Centipede females can live several years and lay up to 150 eggs.
Silverfish look like tiny adults from the start. They may molt dozens of times a year and can live 2-8 years. Their long lifespan makes them a persistent problem.
Health and Risk
Centipedes can bite if handled roughly, injecting venom that feels like a bee sting. Bites may swell and hurt briefly. Most house centipedes are shy and only bite if trapped.
Silverfish don’t bite people. They lack venom and strong jaws. The real concern is damage to books, paper, clothing, and pantry items.
DIY Prevention
Keeping these pests out starts with simple steps:
- Lower humidity with dehumidifiers and fix leaks
- Seal cracks around windows, doors, and foundations
- Clear clutter from basements and closets
- Use natural deterrents like peppermint oil, cedar, or cinnamon
- Apply boric acid in wall voids and under appliances
For tips on related pests, check out our pages on millipedes and how to get rid of spiders.
Professional Treatment
When DIY isn’t enough, our tri-annual protection plan (three times per year) steps in:
- 78-point inspection by licensed technicians
- Targeted treatments around baseboards and perimeter
- Exterior barrier with EPA-registered products
- Follow-up visits with free unlimited callbacks
- No binding contract. Cancel anytime with 30 days notice.
We serve Arlington, Bethesda, Reston, and Alexandria. For pricing, see our 2025 service price guide.
The Bigger Picture
A combined approach works best:
- Moisture control and decluttering
- Sealing entry points and fixing structural gaps
- Spot treatments and barrier sprays as needed
- Ongoing monitoring to catch new problems early
Frequent centipede sightings often mean other pests are present. Tackling the real issue keeps both centipedes and silverfish in check.
If you’re dealing with centipedes, silverfish, or both, call us at 703-683-2000 or email info@bettertermite.com for a free estimate.
